They say once you hit rock bottom, the only way from there is up... but what happens when life decides to be a bitch? When your whole world is spiralling further into the abyss of darkness, gripping you by the throat, dragging you farther, until you reach the gates of hell? Is there really a way back from that? Can someone like me outrun Death?

Tish, age 10:

"Momma...I wish you were here. Dad isn't the same since you left to meet Grandpa in God's land. He's always leaving at night and comes home smelling like beer. He yells at me more now. I'm scared, Momma. Please don't let him hurt me like he did you."

Bottles smash in the kitchen downstairs, and hearing my father's slurred words of anger and hatred sends my body into that state again. I don't know when it started, but my body does this thing where I freeze up whenever Dad kicks off. My therapist at school calls it anxiety... but I still don't understand what that means. 

My body shakes as Dad's heavy boots stomp up the stairs and towards my room. I hide under the blankets, my heart skipping beats as I hear him pass my bedroom door and slam his.

I sigh, listening closely. I can hear him crying, saying Momma's name. He misses her... I miss her.

Tish, age 16:

My eyes widen at the news. Police showed up at my school, notifying me that my father was involved in a drunken car crash. He didn't make it. He, along with two others, were fatally killed in the collision. I knew this day would come eventually. Dad's drinking began to get worse over the years. When he didn't come home last night, I didn't think much of it... at this point, it was normal for him to go missing for days without contact.

My heart swells as I am escorted to the hospital. Heading to the room where they are keeping my father. I open the doors to find his lifeless body on the bed. Monitors turned off, the evidence of the doctors trying to save him still fresh. I walk over, seeing his emotionless face. Anger builds in me, an anger that had been buried long ago, finally resurfacing. I lean down, my mouth hovering just next to his ear.

"I hope you burn in Hell for everything you did to Mom, for everything you did to me, and for everything you have done to everyone in this world. I hate you, I've always hated you. I'm glad to see you gone." The words leave my mouth easily, words I've been dying to say for years. I stand up straight, taking one final look at him before I leave. His face will be the first I wipe from my memories.

A week passes, people crowd around crying, the sorrow-filled cries of family losing a loved one. It brings me back to the day we laid Momma in the ground, only no one cried for her like they do for him. I remember that I was the only one crying the day Momma was buried. Dad didn't bother contacting her family to let them know when the funeral was... it was just his side of the family. I see a familiar face walking over to me. Her face has aged, but I know exactly who it is. Aunt Vivian...

"Latisha darling, you will be coming to stay with me and your uncle Philip until you are old enough to live on your own. We will head to the house and pack any of your belongings after the wake. After, you will head to our house." She says, her voice void of any emotion.

I give her a nod, letting her know I understand. Even though Aunt Vivian is Dad's sister, she was the only one who ever stepped in to help Momma. She was the only one at her funeral who silently sat with me as I cried, the only one who truly cared about my Momma. She and Dad never got along; even growing up, they both fought with each other. Luckily, she took me in rather than sending me off to a home; I should be grateful for that. At least it's only for two years...

Tish, age 18:

"Finally! Senior year is over, Aunt Vivian will be so proud to know I've got the scholarship to College in Vermont. One day I will repay her for everything she and Uncle Phil have done for me." I say cheerfully. Driving home, I get excited. I've been working so hard to get into this college, and all my work has paid off. I can't wait to tell Aunt Vivian. I pull up to the gates of the estate, red and blue lights flashing around as I quickly panic, pressing the call button to let me in. A voice from the other side answers.

"Tish, it's Ronnie. I don't think you should be here right now. Something has happened, and you shouldn't see." Ronnies' replies voice shaky through the intercom. I scrunch my nose in annoyance. 

"Ronnie let me in," I say coldly, knowing I should prepare for the worst. The alarm beeps, the gates opening wide as I floor it. Heading straight the the front of the manor, I watch as an ambulance carries out two bodies covered with a white cloth. The cloth is stained a deep crimson, and that confirms the worst. I see police and first responders flooding the scene. Looking around, I spot Captain Gregory. He catches me in his line of sight, slowly shaking his head towards me... my heart stops, I can feel myself becoming unsteady. 

A hand is placed on my shoulder, a firm grip giving me that sense of comfort, but it's not enough. I lunge myself into Captain Gregory's chest, his arms wrapping around me, giving me the hug I so desperately need. 

Death truly does follow me.... taking everything I love away... will I be next, I wonder?