Final Conflict

”Check the front window.”

“He’s not there.”

“Are you sure?”

“There’s no car but yours and I don’t see anyone.”

“All right. You need to finish packing quick. Don’t bring anything you don’t absolutely need.”

“Mama, I’m scared.”

“I know honey. Me too.”

“What if he shows up before we’re gone?”

“I won’t let him hurt you again baby.”

“But where will we go? Grandma’s?”

“No honey. He’ll look there.”

“Then where Mama?”

“I’m not sure. But we’ve got to go. Now.”

“Mama, why does he hate me so much? What did I do?”

“Oh baby, give me a hug. It’s not your fault. You didn’t do anything.”

“Then why Mama?”

“I don’t know baby. I think he’s just…, sick. It’s the way he’s made.”

“Can I tell Sarah where we’re going?”

“No! … I’m sorry baby, we can’t tell anyone. If we do he might find us.”

“Mama, why are you taking Daddy’s gun?”

“Just for safety baby. Don’t worry about it.”

“Will you shoot Daddy?”

“I sure hope not baby, but, if I have to to keep you safe…”

“Mama…, what Daddy did to me… It really hurt.”

“I know baby. He won’t ever do it again. I’ll make sure of it.”

“Mommy, am I going to have a baby?”

“No honey. It’ll be fine.”

“If I do can we keep it?”

“Shh dear. You’re not going to have a baby.”

“Okay Mommy. Can we take Mr. Giggles?”

“Yes honey. Put him in the carrier then get your bag into the car.”

“Where’s the carrier?”

“It’s in the garage honey. Grab it real quick for me while I get the rest of my stuff.”

“Mommy, the lights not working.”

“Hold on a sec honey. I’m coming.”

“MAMA!!”

“Vicki!”

“You stupid bitch! Where the hell do you think you’re going?”

“Mike? Wh.. what are you talking about?”

“You think you can just take my daughter and leave?”

‘No. Of course not.”

“Then what the hell are you doing? What’s the bag for?”

“Mom called. Dad had a heart attack.”

“Bullshit! Your Dad’s as healthy as a horse.”

“Mom said he’s in intensive care. I’ve got to go or I might not see him before he’s gone.”

“I don’t believe you Marie.”

“It’s the truth. I swear it.”

“Mommy?”

“It’s okay honey. Daddy won’t hurt you.”

“Ow My arm!”

“Let her go Mike.”

“I’ll let her go when you tell me the truth.”

“I already told you the truth Mike. I’ve got to go.”

“Fine. You go but Vicki stays with me.”

“No. She needs to see her grandfather before he dies.”

“No. She stays with me. ICU isn’t a place for kids.”

“Mommy, I want to go with you.”

“I know Vicki. Mommy knows. Let her go Mike.”

“Hell no. You’re not going to see any sick daddy. You’re stealing my daughter from me.”

“Why would I do that Mike? Is there a reason I’d want to take your daughter away from you?”

“What happened wasn’t my fault Marie.”

“What happened Mike? Were you drunk again?”

“She was parading around in her underwear…”

“She’s eleven years old for God’s sake Mike!”

“It’s not my fault. I couldn’t help it. Little bitch threw herself at me!”

“You’re sick Mike. You know that, right?”

“No! It wasn’t me!”

“Ow! Daddy! That hurts!”

“Look at your hands Mike. That’s your daughter you’re squeezing like that.”

“Shut the fuck up! You’re not going anywhere and neither is she.”

“You’re drunk Mike. You’re always drunk.”

“It’s work! Tim screwed me over.”

“It’s not Tim’s fault you got demoted Mike.”

“It’s sure as shit not mine!”

“Yes, Mike it is.”

“Let go of her Mike! You’re hurting her. We’ll stay if you promise to get help.”

“Help?! I don’t need no fucking help!”

“Yes you do. Do you think it’s normal? What you did to your own daughter? A little girl.”

“Screw you bitch! I’ll fucking kill you! Ow! She fucking bit me!”

“Vicki! Drop!!”

* * *

‘Mama! Is he…?”

“Call 911 Vicki. Just tell them someone’s been shot and we need police and ambulance.”

“Yes ma’am.”