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 — how 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 — sadness, confusion, and anger that he left me behind.

Tears continue to fall, each drop heavy with memories. 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 choosing the biggest sundae, piled high with chocolate and vanilla scoops, whipped cream, and colorful sprinkles.

After ice cream, we would curl up on the couch in our cozy living room, watching Toy Story. I loved sharing the story with him, eagerly explaining 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 — the one 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’s vanished. Maybe she left when Dad did, 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 downstairs. I arrive 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. We skip hugs and kisses — or any emotions, really. She’s 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, drawling tone. A shiver runs down my spine, reminding me of the clown that grabbed my hand at the circus Dad and I went to last year.

"Umm, hello," I reply, my voice shaking as I nervously glance back over my shoulder. Relief washes over me when I spot my mum leaning casually against the kitchen door, arms crossed, a look of concern on her face.

"Leave the kid alone, Brent," she says sharply, cutting through the tension. I hesitate, torn between hiding behind her legs and standing still, afraid she’ll scold me for acting like a baby.

"Come on now, darling. I just wanted to introduce myself to your little doll," he chuckles. His laughter echoes around the room, sending another shiver through me. His smile is unnerving; something about him isn’t right.

"She’s as pretty as you — maybe even prettier," he says, letting his hand glide over my cheek.

Mom looks ready to yell, but I can’t tell if it’s at him or me. Hopefully him — I really don’t like this man.

"I’m your daddy, little doll," he says suddenly, grabbing my arm. I shriek in fright.

"No, you’re not!" I yell, trying to pull away, but he’s too strong.

"Don’t shout at your elder, you little brat," Mom snaps, glaring at me. I cry harder. She sighs, removes his hand from mine, and holds my shoulder — the only sign of affection I’ve received in a while.

"He’s going to be your new dad. Aren’t you excited? You were crying because you miss your dad, right? Well, I got you a new one," she says.

"Am I not the best mom ever?" she adds with a laugh, before leaving me to stand with the strange man. He holds her waist and kisses her, leaving me shocked — she never allowed Dad to hug her, let alone kiss her.

"We are going to be a happy family, isn’t that right, darling?"

"But he’s 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 and squeezing 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 would do something bad to you?" she asks. I shake my head. Mummies don’t do bad things to their children, right?

"Good. Now hug Mummy," she orders, pulling me into an embrace. 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, scanning 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 man is sitting too close to me on the couch.

He leans in and takes a strand of my hair, sniffing it. I freeze.

"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," he adds.

"Come on, little doll, say daddy for me," he grips my chin, pulling me closer. I remain silent.

"Say it, or else I will get mad, and you don’t want me to get mad, do you?" he growls, his voice slipping into madness for a moment before returning to normal.

"Now… say it," he insists.