Stitches

Stitches


Annie lurched awake. Disoriented and unable to see clearly, her head was throbbing. The darkness smelled dusty and she couldn’t determine where she was, only remembering sitting at the window and soaking in the sunlight on a peaceful afternoon without a care in the world. Content after spending time with friends, she was stuffed with Emily’s tea and crackers, ready to drift off. That was until Liam stormed in and started tearing the place apart.

In a fury, he turned over chairs, shouting at the top of his lungs that he was the king of the castle and everyone better listen to him if they knew what was good for them. Annie was pulled into his rampage when he threw her against the wall, chipping the paint and hitting the floor hard. That was the last thing she remembered.

Now, she felt the solid oak beneath her which was at least comforting, but discovered an unfamiliar low ceiling. Massaging her still throbbing temple, she realized something was horribly wrong. Panicked, she dragged herself toward the light, finally pulling herself from under the bed. A mirror…she just needed a mirror.

The vision in Annie’s left eye was completely gone. Still, she was able to find the full length mirror on the back of the bedroom door. With a deep sigh, she was relieved to see that her eye was still there, hanging on by the stitches, the string’s end tangled into her hair. Giving it a tug, the button pulled back into place and she knotted the end so it wouldn’t slip again.

The sun outside was still high in the sky, which meant it was Liam’s nap time. At least she’d have some temporary peace and quiet. So, she climbed back up with the other toys and fell asleep.



299 words