The front door slamming alerts me that it is safe to leave my bedroom. He’s left for work.

Every morning is the same, I sit in my room waiting for the door. His off days, on the other hand, are filled with secret trips to the bathroom and praying for the day to end. Usually, I busy myself with writing or drawing to take my mind off the hunger on those days. I’m lucky today is not one of those days.

Looking around my room, I realize how different my room is from when I was little. The only things I have are a small dresser and bed. My old bedroom was filled with stuffed animals, posters, and everything a girl’s room should be. My bedroom represents me now perfectly, a empty shell.

"SPENCER! GET UP!" Nancy yells up the stairs. She’s my adoptive mother. They took me in after the accident seven years ago.

Getting dressed this morning is proving to be a challenge in itself. At least my arm isn’t broken this time.

Slowly, I walk into the bathroom next door to brush my teeth and take care of other business. The mirrors never lie in there. They always show the damage done and the hole of darkness that becomes deeper and deeper making it harder to escape. I hate seeing my reflection because the person staring back at me is not me. I know it is though. It always is. The only thing that changes in my reflection is the bruises.

"SPENCER! HURRY UP! WE HAVE A LOT TO DO TODAY!" Glancing at myself one last time, I prepare for the work ahead.

Nancy is waiting at the bottom of the stairs, she looks worse then I do. If that is even possible. The black eyes and bruised cheeks can not be hidden like the rest that I know are there. Her battle wounds are there because she tried to protect me. She hid me even though she knew the wrath that would fall upon her at his hands.

The sorrow on both our faces is evident. "I’m so sorry Spencer. I tried. I really did." I nod my head letting her know that I understand. "You need to start talking again Spencer. I know you can. I hear you at night when you dream." Wrapping my arms around myself and staring at the floor, I shake my head no. Sighing, Nancy continues "Come on. We have to clean the house before he gets home, or he’ll be really angry."