Page 247 of Small Town Firsts

“For how long?” My neck itches at the thought of staying in here.

“Until I say so.”

I try to swallow, but there’s a lump in my throat. “Fine.”

With a look that can only be described as evil, Rob swings the door shut.

I close my eyes and count to sixty, while Rob shuffles around outside of the door. “Okay! Let me out now.”

A cold laugh sounds from the other side of the door. “No. I don’t think I will.”

“What?” Fear slithers down my spine.

“I said no. You’ll stay here for as long as I want you to. Who knows... maybe I’ll never let you out.”

I push against the door, but it doesn’t budge. He’s blocked it somehow. “Rob! Let me out!”

He laughs but doesn’t say anything.

“Rob! Please!” My voice breaks as I begin to cry. “Please let me out.”

“Told you you were a big baby. And babies get punished.”

“I’ll scream,” I threaten.

“Do it. No one will hear you.”

Stella’s eyes are damp as she asks, “Did he leave you?”

“Yeah.” I tug my sleeves down to cover my palms, using the soft cotton to wipe my tears. “He did.”

“How long?”

“Until the next morning.”

“What?” Stella shouts, outraged.

“Yeah, and because I missed dinner—he told my mom that I refused to come downstairs, and she was too lazy to check on me—so she punished me by not letting me eat the next day.”

“What in the hell is wrong with your family?”

A bitter laugh escapes me. “This was only the start.”

Stella cringes. “I’m so scared that I already know where it ends.”

I stare blankly ahead, not answering.

“Emmy, did he... did hehurtyou?”

“Are you asking if he hit me?”

“And other... stuff...”

I give a sharp nod, and she bursts into tears, crying as though my hurts are her own.

“Oh, Emmy. I’m so sorry.” She reaches out, as if to hug me, and while I’m not a huge fan of physical contact, I lean into her embrace and let her comfort me. “You don’t have to tell me anything else, but I’m here if you ever want or need to talk. Or even just to cry. I’m here, and I’m not going anywhere.”

“Thanks,” I whisper, tasting the salt of my tears.

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