Olivia curled her arms and legs through the banister at the top of the stairs as her parents’ anger spilled from the living room. Cruel words clawed at old scars and opened new wounds. Fiery retorts blasted back, scorching a tattered heart. Demands, accusations, and blame swooped and circled. Threats, recriminations, and denials flanked, winging inward.
The war raged on as this latest skirmish swept into the kitchen. A door slammed shut and the roaring muffled.
Nine-year-old Olivia yawned, untwined herself from the banister and crawled into bed to read a book about dragons who wore their scales on the outside.
As an educational administrator in the elementary grades, I’ve met more than a few Olivias. Children are amazingly resilient, when they have enough unconditional love and acceptance from professional role models (also known as teachers). Of course, they should get this at home, too, but it doesn’t always work out that way. Great story.
Oh wow, I love this. It’s short, but it carries so much feeling. The way you build the parents’ argument like a battle is so vivid, and that last line is just quietly heartbreaking. Really beautifully written.
Relatable.