Page 25 of Savage in the Streets
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Bailey
“Why do you put up with him, mommy?”
“Everyone needs roots, babygirl, and he’s the soil I planted myself in.”
“But he’s mean, and he yells.”
“I know, but he’s all I have.”
“I don’t like him!”
“Hush now! Don’t you say that. He’s your father, and I know he does a shit job of showing you his love, but it’s there.”
“Well, I love you, mommy—a million-billion times more than him ever.”
“Sweetie, I’m not always going to be around much longer. You can’t always rely on me.”
“Of course you’re always gonna be here!”
“Baby…I’m sick.”
I shoot up straightin bed, alarmed.
Momma!
I look around frantically, but she’s not there. She never is.
Cold sweat drenches me, making my tank top cling to my skin. My throat feels tight from calling out in my sleep again.
Petunia nudges me. Over the years, she’s been somewhat of an emotional support cat, though untrained. When I find myself in situations like this, her gentle touch calms me, and her purrs bring me back to a place of zen.
But tonight, it feels like the whole world is bent on buying me.
The air is suffocating. I can’t breathe. I can’t even think.
I jump out of bed, but my foot fails to connect with the floor, and I stumble forward, crashing into a heap.
I look around frantically.
Where’s the light? Why is everything so dark? It’s never this dark.
Then I remember where I am.
A creak sounds and light floods the room.
“Is everything okay?” a voice says.
It’s Ashton. He must have heard me.
“I-I got confused.”
He walks over to me, reaching down with his large hand. “Here, let me help you up.”
I accept his assistance, and my body glides upward into a standing position.
I never sleep in the dark for this very reason. Ever since my mother died, I’ve been cursed with night terrors. Nightmares so bad, I sometimes wake emitting a blood-curdling scream.
