My Pretty Sweetheart (Arianna)

Suddenly, with a loud bang, the lamp on the bedside table and the other things on top fell to the floor, and I was plunged into utter darkness.

Fear engulfed me, I shrank into the corner. Within the darkness, and I heard a baby's cried.

My heart raced, long- buried fear and untold sorrow washed over me and threatened to suffocate me. I curled into myself, feeling all my carefully constructed self crumble in agony. Memories of that terrible night flooded my mind. I felt the same wave of helplessness and fear from that night. I looked down and saw a large pool of blood.

I screamed at the sight.

"Arianna!" Someone called out to me, from outside the window.

Terrified, I yelled, "Go away, all of you go away!"

Trying to stop the shaking, I buried my head in my knees, my body trembled so hard my teeth hurt.

"Arianna, it's me, Hendrix!" A soothing voice rang in my ears. The sounds of thunder receded slightly.

up hesitantly. The lights in the room were turned on, and I blinked at the sudden brightness. The curtains were tied up and have

be afraid!" A low

few deep breaths and allowed my vision to get used to the light. It was only then that

my voice choked out, "It's the child. He's here. He...

I felt him take a deep breath and said hoarsely, "No, he won't. He knows you love him. How can he bear to hurt you, someone

and I leaned in his arms. My tears kept flowing and my heart felt like it was suffocating. "I'm sorry, I've worked so hard, but the rope was too

tightly. "He knows. He knows it

and warmed up a little, and when I calmed down enough, I

drew the blanket over me and sat

small puddle of water that blew in through the window from the heavy

didn't answer him. "How did you get in?" He hadn't come

said, "Our balconies are connected,

to whip my head back to look at him with a frown, "Hendrix, you

on my elbow and he