Dark and ominous storm clouds choked the sky, mirroring the weight pressing on Leah's heart. Rain lashed the windows as if to drown Leah's voice before it could escape. "Mom, I am not lying," she choked out, her voice trembling.
"Stop it, Leah. Just stop it." Her mother's voice cut like a glass. "I have had enough of you lying through your bloody teeth. You're just an ungrateful brat." Her mother said, gritting her teeth. She placed down a washed plate with a thud on the counter and proceeded to busy herself with other dishes.
Leah's voice cracked, "Why don't you believe me? Why would I lie about it? Mom—he touched me everywhere. I swear, I am not lying."
"You are lying because you want to ruin everything!" She flung the plate across the wall just above her head.
Leah flinched, the sharp crash ringing out like a slap.
She saw her mother's eyes, blaring with hatred, flicker to the broken shards and then to the dishes. Her mother did not move. She did not come closer.
"Leah, go to your room." She said, her voice breaking, leaking a hint of fear behind her rage. "I have heard enough."
Leah's eyes darted towards the hallway, where her step-uncle's boots still sat by the door, muddy and menacing. The silence was heavier than the storm outside. The crash echoed in the mind of a nine-year-old like a siren, shrill and relentless, drowning out even her thoughts.