Black Petals

I was hiding beneath Marisse's bed when Elias returned. When he stood in the doorway, I didn't move. I hadn't moved since the night before - when Marisse had come home. And spread the flowers. When Elias found me, he asked about the flowers Marisse had scattered around the bed. I didn't tell him I had heard her return. I didn't tell him I had seen the flowers fall. I didn't tell him I was there. I didn't tell him because he is more scared than me, and adults are not supposed to be scared. I didn't tell him when she had come home, the floorboards did not make a sound. I didn't tell him how afraid I was to breathe. How I saw Marisse's feet, dirty, torn, covered in scabs, as she walked slowly around the bed, a black petal falling with each step. I only closed my eyes and prayed until she was gone. But she's not gone. None of them are. I need to find a new hiding place where no one knows. Anika