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.

and I blinked at the sudden brightness. The curtains were tied up and have stopped flapping, but the windows were still

Don't be afraid!" A

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

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

he won't. He knows you love him. How can he bear to

flowing and my heart felt like it was suffocating. "I'm sorry, I've worked so hard, but the rope was too thick. I can't break free at

tightly. "He knows.

into his chest and warmed up a little, and when I calmed down enough, I attempted to push away to stand up. My eyes

bed instead and drew the blanket over me and sat

was not blood, but just a small puddle of water

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

said, "Our balconies are

my head back to look

fell on my elbow and he scowled. "How did you