Shattered Memories

**Flashback**

*13 Years Ago*

"Why did you leave me? " I whisper silently; tears fall down my face as I stare ahead in a daze.

The broken picture frame lies on the floor, with pieces of glass reflecting light at sharp angles. It reminds me of my father, who is now gone. He was kind and always put others first. I remember his laughter and warm hugs. He could make any room feel bright with just a smile. Now, that warmth is replaced by a deep emptiness. My dad is no longer here, and I struggle with mixed feelings, including some anger for him leaving me.

Tears flow down my cheeks, each drop heavy with memories and sadness. It feels like just yesterday that I asked my dad to take me to our favorite ice cream shop, the one with bright lights and the smell of fresh waffle cones. I can still picture the excitement I felt when choosing the biggest sundae, piled high with rich chocolate and vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, and colorful sprinkles.

After our ice cream, we would curl up on the couch in our cozy living room, watching *Toy Story*. I loved sharing the story with my dad, eager to explain all the twists and characters, even though he sometimes had trouble keeping up.

Now, I feel like a shadow of my old self. That lively ten-year-old girl, full of imagination and mischief—who sneaked out at night to grab cookies from the top of the fridge—is just a memory. I search for her in my heart, but it feels like she has vanished. Maybe she left when my dad did, creating a space I can't fill. Or maybe she went with him, taking the joy and light that once filled my life.

The rustling of keys and the sound of the door opening snap me out of my thoughts. I quickly wipe away my tears and rush out of my room, heading down the stairs. I arrived just in time to see her open the door.

"Mom, you're back!" I say cheerfully. I want to hug her, but I know she'll push me away, so we skip hugs and kisses—or any emotions, really; she is a strange woman.

She glances at me in response to my greeting before walking further into the house. As I turn back to close the door, I nearly jump in fright when a man's face suddenly comes into view, so close to mine.

"Well, hello there, little girl," he says, his voice dripping with a creepy, drawing tone. A shiver runs down my spine, reminding me of the unsettling experience I had when a clown grabbed my hand at the circus Dad and I attended last year. The memories of that day flash through my mind, overshadowed by a sense of discomfort.

"Umm, hello," I reply, my voice shaking as I nervously glance back over my shoulder. I feel a wave of relief wash over me when I spot my mum, leaning casually against the kitchen door, her arms crossed and a look of concern crossing her face.

"Leave the kid alone, Brent," she says, her tone sharp and dismissive, cutting through the tension in the air. I hesitate, torn between the instinct to seek comfort by hiding behind her legs and the fear of being scolded for acting like a baby.

"Come on now, darling. I just wanted to introduce myself to your little doll," he chuckles, his laughter echoing around the room, sending another shiver through me. His smile is unnerving, and I can't shake the feeling that something isn't right.

"She is as pretty as you, maybe even prettier," he says as his hand glides over my cheek.

Mom looks like she is ready to yell at someone, but I don't know if it is at him or me. Hopefully, it's at him; I don't like him.

"I am your daddy, little doll," he says, suddenly grabbing my ar,m, which makes me shriek in fright.

"No, you're not, "I yell, trying to pull my hand away from him but failing; he is really strong.

"Don't shout at your elder, you little brat, "Mom says, glaring at me and making me cry; she sighs before removing his hand from mine and holding my shoulder, the only sign of affection I have received in a while.

"He is going to be your new dad , aren't you excited ,you were crying cause you miss your dad right ? Well I got you a new one "

"Am I not the best mom ever "she says with a laugh before leaving me to hold the strange man, he holds her waist and kisses her which leaves me shocked, she never allowed dad to hug her talk less kiss.

"We are going to be a happy family isn't that right darling"

"But he is not Daddy; I have only one Daddy, and that is not him," I shout, pulling at my hair in frustration.

"Look at me," she says, grabbing my face tightly. She squeezes my chin so hard that I can't help but cry.

"I am doing what is best for you, precious," she says, stroking my hair lovingly.

"Do you think Mummy will do something to you that is bad for you?" she asks. I shake my head. Mummies don't do things that are bad for their children, right?

"Good. Now hug Mummy," she says, pulling me into a hug. I cry into her clothes, happy to finally get a hug from her.

She soon pushes me away and walks into the kitchen, telling me I can do whatever I want until dinner is ready.

I walk happily into the living room and jump onto the couch. I grab the remote and turn on the TV, searching through the channels before landing on one of my favorite cartoons.

The smell of something burning, like smoke, makes me scrunch my nose in disgust. A strange guy is sitting too close to me on the couch.

He leans in and takes a strand of my hair before sniffing it, making me go still.

"We are going to be a really happy family," he

says.

"isn't that right little doll "

"I am going to be your big daddy"

"come on little doll , say daddy for me " he grips my chin pulling me closer to him but I remain silent.

"say it or else I will get mad and you don't want me to get mad ,do you ?" he say his turning crazy for a moment before it goes back to normal.

"now say it "