Upon the bus coming to a stop, Kaelynnee extended her hand to signal the driver, resulting in the familiar "ding" that signaled the opening of the doors. Stepping onto the pavement, she was engulfed by a wave of anxiety as she approached the porch of her residence. Each step felt burdensome, her heart racing with apprehension. Pausing before the threshold, she hesitated, filled with dread about what awaited her inside. Every moment seemed to elongate, laden with fear and unease. In her mind, a haunting image of her formidable mother trapped within the confines of their abode haunted her thoughts.

She readied herself to show happiness for her mother's sake as she lingered outside the house for what felt like hours, only to dash inside upon hearing a loud thud. Upon entering, she noticed that the house was in disarray: the couch torn, the flat-screen TV cracked, broken glass scattered on the floor, and amidst the chaos, her mother sat on the floor, laughing and drinking from a bottle of alcohol.

When her mother saw her, she smiled."I'm so happy to see you, my daughter. Come, sit down and have a drink with me." She loudly spoke in a manner resembling that of someone heavily under the influence.

"I'm sorry, I can't drink. I'm just 18, you're aware of this."

Her mother didn't catch those words as she brought the bottle close to her daughter's lips, encouraging her to take a few sips. She accidentally two big gulps and pushed the bottle away from her mouth which left a bitter taste. " What are you doing?" She questioned in a tone that conveyed her distress.

" Atta girl!" Her mother cheered.

Kaelynnee couldn't bear seeing her mother in such a distressing condition. Her heart ached as she watched her mother, a usually vibrant and strong woman, now weakened. She was determined to be her mother's rock during this difficult time and provide the love and care her mother had always given her.

"Mom, I know you're in pain, but you must stop drinking."She attempted to brainstorm solutions to help her mother cease drinking."You have work in the morning."

" I was fired! For inappropriate misconduct what a load of bullshit. Fuck them!"Her mother seized another bottle and began imbibing from its opening.

" I said stop!" Kaelynnee tried to grab the bottle from her mother's hand, but her mother swatted her hand away accidentally hitting her on the head which the glass to shattered and the liquor to steep into the carpet.

" That what you get! Don't fucking touch my shit again, you bitch!" Her mother expressed her dissatisfaction.

In that instant, fear consumed her when she thought about her mother. Quickly, she fled upstairs to her room, secured the door, and momentarily disconnected from reality as she drifted off to sleep. Upon waking, she felt a throbbing ache on her forehead. Observing a purple bruise in the mirror, she noticed it was tender to the touch. After unlocking the door cautiously, she glanced around to ensure her mother wasn't nearby. She proceeded to the bathroom and applied a damp towel to the injury.

I wondered if Mom okay? She did seem upset. I was my fault for trying to take it away from her. I should apologize and she's probably forgiven me. - It was an accident I am sure she didn't mean to do it.

Kaelynnee went downstairs to check on her mother, who was found lying in her own vomit. She assisted her mother by changing her clothes and carefully tucking her into bed.

Precious dreams, Mom. Hopefully, tomorrow is better

She meticulously cleaned the entire house.

Mom will be so happy that I tidy up!

Her hard work went unnoticed, and her mother's condition worsened. She would be gone from the house for days, and upon returning, she would bring along a different man each time.

Kaelynnee stood outside the house, trembling in the cold, as time seemed to stretch on endlessly. She repeatedly checked her phone, eagerly anticipating any activity indoors. Eventually, the light in the bedroom window dimmed. This was her signal. Gathering her courage, she inserted the key and gently pushed open the front door.

As she entered, the musty odor of beer and cigarettes filled the air. The table and floor were littered with empty bottles, while clothes lay scattered around. She started by tidying up the clothes, neatly folding and stacking them. Next, she collected all the empty beer bottles and disposed of them in a recycling bin. It may have been a small gesture, but she hoped it would have an impact.