Back in the room, Damien casually tore down the photo from the cabinet.
I hurriedly crawled over and snatched it back.
Clutching the photo tightly to my chest, I whispered, "Don’t touch my daughter. Please... don’t touch my daughter."
"I’ll behave. I’ll do anything. Just don’t hurt her."
I lay on the floor, holding the photo like it was life itself.
"Elise, Elise... Mommy will protect you. I’ll protect you, no matter what."
Since my daughter was taken away, this photo has been the only thing keeping me sane.
More and more, I could not tell the difference between what was real and what was not, between the real my daughter and pictures.
Damien grabbed a fistful of my hair and slammed my head against the wall.
"Still pretending to be crazy? You just love acting pitiful, don’t you? Addicted to lying now?"
"The training staff may not dare lay a hand on you, but I will."
A large clump of my hair was ripped from my scalp and sharp pain tore across my head.
Blood ran from a fresh gash.
Dazed, I could only think, I’ve been so obedient, so why do you still want to hurt me?