I open my eyes and awake to the sound of my stomach grumbling. I look at the time. 

10:37 am

I listen to make sure that the apartment is empty and make my way toward the kitchen. I hurry to grab a granola bar, make sure that it is not noticeable that one of the bars is missing, and quickly gobble it down. I wince as my fast motions cause the pain from the night before to come back.

My body hurts, but when I finally make enough money I can leave. I'll live by myself and have my own food. I'll eat whatever I want, whenever I want.

I smile thinking of my future freedom and instantly regret not paying attention to the front door unlocking and opening.

I try to run towards the room, but it's too late.

The wind gets knocked out of me as Mother kicks me in the stomach.

"I thought I told a pest like you to stay in your room! The least you could do would be to make some money to pay off the debt!"

The debt collector looks down at me and spits.

"HOW COULD SUCH AN UGLY THING TRY TO EAT FOOD THAT YOU DON'T EVEN PAY FOR!?  HUH!? YOU DON'T DO ANYTHING EXCEPT FOR SLEEPING ALL DAY! WHERE IS MY MONEY?! MAYBE I HAVE TO REMIND YOU THAT I NEED MY MONEY!"

I try to tell the debt collector that my mother took the money from me, but she cuts me off.

"I just don't know what's gotten into her. She always tries to eat the food that I spent my hard-earned money on! She's useless! Just like her father! I don't understand why she acts like this, especially since I try my best to pay the debt for her."

You liar. You took it from me to buy alcohol.

I tear up knowing that no matter what I say, the debt collector won't believe me. My mother did her best to keep herself alive but pushed all of her husband's debt onto me when he died. She married the debt collector so that she would never have money problems, but clearly, I was never in the picture with her. The only thing that she gave me was my name: Shawna. 

I braced myself for the beating that was coming and let them beat me mercilessly. After it was over, I just laid there in agony from the new wounds on my already bruised up body.

I hear them leave the house after they threatened to break my legs if I don't come up with $800 by the end of the week. I lay there crying until my stomach grumbled again.

What's the point of me trying to pay off this debt when my mother won't let me? Should I just run away?

I shivered at the thought and remember the previous attempts, where the repercussions almost left me dead. 

I will just take a walk and buy some food.

I got up, after struggling for five minutes, put my shoes and jacket on, and grab my wallet. I left the house and made my way toward the convenience store. I bought a cinnamon roll, a bottle of grape soda, and some smarties, then made my way toward the empty park.

I ate my snacks and cried in peace.

I look at the time.

11:56 pm

I flinch and start bolting home hoping that they aren't there yet.

I didn't notice the car that was speeding toward my left until it hit me. It felt like time had stopped as I flew through the air and hit the concrete. The driver stopped and drive off.

I guess this was a hit-and-run. I'm in pain, but I can bare it. more than the beatings. My eyes are getting heavier and I'm getting sleepier.

I closed my eyes.

Then, I opened them. I try to look around the room but struggle to.

???????? 

Why is everything so short and why can't I move my head and body properly?

I turn my head around the room for a mirror and look into it shocked.

I see a mini-me, but she's looking right back at me making the same exact gestures as me.

Am I now a baby?????