My whole body trembled with the sobs that racked my body. “No. NO, NO, NO!!!” I screamed my anguish mentally. “This can not be happening again, I don’t know how much more of this I can take.” My heart filled was filled with grief and brokenness. I glance up from a tear filled haze, glaring my anguish at, the one who people say is my father. As of now, I disown him.  He will most likely be my father again when this is all over, but as of now, I am fatherless. I have never really known what it is like to be protected by a father. So, every time I see a dad defending his daughter, my heart breaks. I will her to treasure this time with her father. She is so lucky to have someone who loves her and protect her like her father does.  
Studying his profile, my heart constricts as once again I see the reason for all my despair and grief. His eyes are glassy and glazed over and he can barely speak. When he stands, his body moves like that of a snake to the song of a snake charmer.  But he moves to the cold, mind destroying hands of alcohol.  He glances at me and there is something, something in his eyes that sends my heart into spasms of terror. I do not even know what he is, but he is not my wise, soft-spoken father. All I know is that in this state, he is a terrifying monster.
   He takes a step forward and my head snaps up in alarm, eyes wild with fright. In the back of my mind I am thinking that I am being too much like a wild, cornered animal. But I do not care. My only instinct is to flee and to get as far away from this man as possible.
My mother comes into the room, eyes sparking with anger. I know that what is to   come will involve much scolding and raised voices. I had only one thought, run, get out, get away, get as far away as you can! I flee out the door, and collapse against a tree, tears pouring down my face, my eyes betraying the emotional anguish that I go through.
Yet as I lean against the tree, trying to calm myself, a peace which surpasses all understand spreads throughout my being. I stop shaking and tilt my head, knowing what to listen for. In a still small voice I hear it. The Voice that my soul recognizes.  It whispers to me through the wind that I am not alone, that were ever I go, there He will be also.  I nod my head and a small smile plays at the corners of my lips. I know that now, as long as he is with me, all will be well and I will not have to bare this burden alone.