Dear Diary,

It's happening again. My father is beating my mother but she stays anyway. I can't tell if she loves him too much or she loves the money he makes, or maybe she just likes the people he brings in. New people come and go, and they always hand me the shovel to handle the dirty work. The forest behind our house is calling for me, but I'm willing myself away. Just the other day I awoke from a haunting dream. Only... I didn't wake up wrapped in my blankets. I found myself standing at the edge of the forest, clutching a knife.

I have to get out of here, but I can't will myself to leave.

- Ida