No matter what...

A tightness just below my heart threatens to suffocate my lungs and patience wears thin. The skin on my forehead forms mounds that may remain permenant features at this rate as I watch a very solid mahogany door. No noise comes through, no light shines neath it’s bottom edge- only darkness encases its stained patterns.

Something scuttles past, an extra shadow cast on the floor. It pauses as if looking at the door. My heart picks up in tempo and my muscles tense, ready to run. Does she suspect? Has she found me?

The shadow grows in size as she approaches the door which creaks eerily as small hands push hard on the heavy wood. With the click of a switch, light floods the room and I adjust to remain in the shadow of a dresser. She enters.

”Mommmy?” she calls with a giggle. I shuffle in my spot, eager to jump and grab her off the ground.

She ducks under the bed and then waddles to the closet. I smile excited as she makes her way to me. Because no matter what-

“Mommy! I found you!” she jumps on my lap and laughs, I pull her close in a tight embrace.

And I will always find you.