Escaping the Cycle of Abuse novel Chapter 1

Sunlight streamed through the curtain crack, warming my face. I slowly opened my eyes to the familiar cries of my mother, Erica. In an instant, memories of the moments before I lost consciousness flooded back. Blinking, I realized I had returned to the day after that fateful incident.

Erica and I despised Bobby, a man prone to violent outbursts. He would lash out mercilessly, venting his frustrations on us, yet he refused to use his strength for work, choosing instead to live off others.

I recalled the day I fled with Erica from Bobby. I had warned Erica repeatedly that contacting Bobby would expose our whereabouts. I promised to gather the money for our tickets to leave the city the next day, believing that if we could manage the night, escape would be possible.

But when I returned from buying food, I found Bobby waiting at the hotel room door, a bloodied stick in hand. He glared at me, swinging the stick and nearly knocking me out.

"How dare you take your mom and try to run away!" Bobby growled, his voice like a devil's.

I fell to the floor, curled in pain, and looked up at Erica, only to see a shy smile instead of fear.

"Honey, we're just playing a game. We love you. How could we leave you?" Erica said.

Her words sliced through my heart like a knife.

Bobby's assault soon sent me into unconsciousness.

When I woke up, I was in a hospital bed, and Erica was nowhere to be found. I knew my mother had once again succumbed to Bobby's threats without a fight, never considering my fate when faced with Bobby's wrath.

Soon, Bobby was invited to the school for a discussion. He was greeted by the headmaster, Tanner Dixon. "Mr. Khan, your daughter wants to live on campus for a better environment for her studies. We recognize her potential given her straight-A record and need your approval."

Bobby frowned. "Studying? She can do that at home. Why does she need to live in the school?"

"Mr. Khan, students who live on campus have more access to resources. They can immerse themselves in the library and seek guidance from teachers whenever needed. Your daughter is excelling. If she continues, she could have the chance to attend a top university," Tanner explained patiently.

After a moment of silence, Bobby reluctantly agreed. "Fine, but I expect you to guarantee her safety."

I sighed with relief. This was just the beginning, but I had a long way to go before I could finally break free from my twisted family.