31/12/1999

As time came closer to midnight, all I could hear was the clock ticking, louder and louder with every thought. I glanced at my watch and jumped onto my feet, horrified at what the digits were.

When I looked in the mirror, makeup was smeared all over my face and my dress was the wrong way round. I rolled my eyes and checked my phone. Messages from everyone I could name appeared.

Mom: ‘I tried to wake you up but you didn’t want to wake, please leave as soon as you see this’

Dad: ‘Hide!’

Sofia: ‘I beg you, get out of your house right now’

I opened my draw to get my pocket knife but it was already gone. I reached for the door handle but it was already locked.

I felt a shiver of fear crawl up my spine, someone was near. I turned around and there he was. My heart felt as if it was going to spring out of my chest,

my knees dropped to the floor as a flood of tears poured from my eyes. I couldn’t believe what i saw. It was him, my ex, my abuser. I ran to the window but he grabbed my arm. “I knew I’d be back” he whispered.

“Leave. Me. Alone!” I screamed at the top of my lungs.

10

And the countdown to the new year begins

9

What will he do to me?

8

Will I get hurt?

7

He wouldn’t do this to me.

6

I need to be strong.

5

I can’t do this

4

Is someone going to help me?

3

“HELP!”

2

“HELP ME PLEASE!”

1

“Someone..?

0

“I knew we would be together forever” he said as he dug my pocket knife into my chest then into his.