Shane could feel the splinters from the hardwood floor tearing at her from beneath as he dragged her over to what should have been the small linen closet beneath the stairs. The door flung open and her body nearly convulsed as the smell of ammonia hit her from within the small dark cave. He tossed her in and she jumped back immediately to try and push her way out, only to receive a slap across the face.

“What’s the matter you ain’t get enough last night did ya?”

Shane began sobbing as the room started to close in around her.

“ No ..No please don’t….Please…stop…please….NO!”

Shane felt arms wrapping around her and began to kick and flail her arms.

” Shane…Shane its okay…its just me baby”

Shane continued to wrestle her way out of the arms that held her down until they gently began caress her arms. Shane opened her clenched eyes and squinted from the pain of clamping her lids down so tight.

Alice: Baby…its okay you’re here with me.

Shane was breathing heaving and shaking like a leaf. Alice jumped up and turned the lights on only to turn around as she saw the terrified look on Shane’s face. Alice hadn’t seen that look in years but she recognized it immediately.

Alice: Its okay…its just me, I’m sorry.

Shane was sweating bullets and her eyes searched her surroundings as if they didn’t believe where she was. Alice cautiously stepped forward, causing Shane to jump back from her as if she were the one that caused the horrific look in her eyes.

Alice: Its just you and me Shane…it was just a horrible dream.

Shane shook her head as Alice came close and crawled up next to her in bed. They both sat with their backs to the headboard as Shane wrapped her casted arm around her legs. Alice reached out to smooth the hair from Shane’s head, but her head snapped up in panic. Alice followed her instincts and pressed forward until she could fully see Shane’s eyes behind the wet locks that hung in her eyes. She cupped her cheek and let her thumb graze across the small scar above her eyebrow letting Shane get comfortable with her familiar touch.