He's coming again
I can hear it
Thud, thud
Those heavy boots of his
Loud pounding up the stairs

I tug the blanket closer
Shut my eyes
Squeeze them tight
Fake sleep

Maybe he won't...
No, it's never stopped him before
Nothing ever seems to
My screams or pleas
My thrashing and whimpers
Despite it all
He keeps coming back

The door swings open
I know his routine

Boots off outside the door
Step in--once, twice
Door closed quietly behind
Shirt off and hung on knob
Padding to the edge of my bed
Silence before...

"Daddy's home."