I didn't know if I was in a trance or a dream, but everything seemed real. The sun's shine was the real deal, and it felt real. I was in my hometown, Elyna, and everywhere seemed familiar. I saw the shops, those roadside shops that sold sticky gum, my favorite snack. Although I had never tasted it, the smell alone gave me a peek into how the taste would be like. I'd always wanted to taste it, but no one bought them for me; no one had time for me. I was all alone.
As I reached the estate, my dad's estate, old memories crept in. January 2nd, 2011, was the day Munda built this estate. He had a broad smile on his face, with my mom standing by his side and me in the middle of them both. Everyone was there to celebrate – Grandma, Grandpa, Uncle Tammy, Aunt Laura, Cousin Tony, Uncle Jammy, and other reputable people in town.
No one imagined that a person from Elyna would achieve such a milestone of success. Why? Because it was a small town with a small population. But my dad changed the story; he brought energy to the town and transformed lives. He was my role model, and I looked up to him, hoping to be like him someday.
We were a happy family. Every night, we'd sit together, sing songs, laugh, eat, and watch movies. I had everything I ever wanted at my fingertips. My dad didn't make me long for anything; I was his little princess, and he loved me dearly. He took care of all my needs, drove me to school, and catered for me.
January 1st, 2012, marked the beginning of a new year, and we celebrated with grand parties, not just because it was a new year but also because it was my parents' anniversary. I wore a long pink gown that swept the crystal tiles as I took each step. The party started in the morning and ended at night. By the time it came to a close, I was exhausted and quickly rushed to bed.
I believed things would only get better as I grew older, but that's when my luck changed. That's when my dad's bright smile vanished, and our happy family started to tear apart. That's when I lost the meaning of the word "home."
I was awoken by a loud slam outside that night. I stood up from my bed, still feeling sleepy and tired, but I couldn't ignore the sound coming from outside my home. Curiosity got the better of me, and I stepped out of my room, slowly making my way downstairs. As I reached the bottom, I saw Mom and Dad standing opposite each other.
My dad's face was twisted in an angry expression, something I had never seen before. He looked furious. My mom's expression was one of confusion, with tears in her eyes and trembling lips. I was too little to understand the situation unfolding before me.
As I watched them both, the sleepiness that had plagued me when I walked down the stairs suddenly vanished. I wanted to know what made Mom cry. Then, something I never expected happened – something that changed everything.
My dad's eyes were still blazing with rage, and he shook his hands with ferocity. He gave Mom a tight slap across her face, sending her to the floor. "Indecent..." was the word I heard him say before he struck her.
I stood still in shock, wondering if this was really my dad. No, it couldn't be. As these thoughts flew through my head, Dad picked Mom up again and threw her across the room. Her head hit the marble wall, and blood dripped down her forehead. I quickly rushed to her side, tears streaming down my face as my little feet ran to where Mom lay.
As I reached her side, I saw her in tears, blood gushing out of her forehead. "Dad," I said, "why? Why are you doing this to Mom?"
My dad glared at me with the same eyes he had when he threw Mom across the room. He slowly walked towards me, stretching out his hands. I stretched out mine, expecting a hug, but instead, he picked me up with his right hand and started squeezing my neck tightly.
I looked up at him in surprise, slowly running out of breath. He continued strangling me, and I thought that was the end – I was going to be killed by my own father. His grip was firm, and his fists were still wrapped around my neck, squeezing the little life I had left.
"D...d, why?" I managed to say. "Because I want you to die, die Mia die..."
"No!!!!!!!" I screamed, jumping out of bed. My heart was pounding, and I was sweating profusely. My hands and feet were shaking. "No!!!" I screamed again, throwing myself on the ground.
Miss Cathy quickly rushed in, followed by the others. "Dad, no, no, Dad, no!!!" I screamed for the third time, pulling my hair in fright. "Ahhhh!!!!" I continued screaming, rolling around the room.
Miss Cathy pulled me up and placed me on the bed. She started shouting my name, "Mia!!, Mia!!, Mia!!..." But I gave her no response. I was still delirious, the picture of my dad strangling me still fresh in my mind.
I was slowly passing out, running out of breath, losing air, and losing strength. My eyes slowly closed, and as they did, I looked at Josephine, who was frightened. Then, I looked at Miss Cathy, her sad expression sending shivers down my spine.
As my eyes closed, I muttered the words, "We used to be a happy family..."