The next morning, Nina sat on the floor with a crumpled sheet of paper and a stub of pencil, her teddy bear beside her. She drew quickly, her small hands moving with care, sketching a garden filled with bright flowers, fluttering butterflies, and a golden sun shining overhead. In the center, she drew herself and her mother, holding hands, smiling freely no fear, no sadness, just warmth and love.
When her mother peeked in, Nina's eyes sparkled. "Look, mummy! This is us… far away, in the garden!" Her mother knelt beside her, brushing her hair back gently, tears welling up in her eyes.
"It's beautiful, Nina," she whispered, hugging her tightly. For a brief moment, the bruises, the shouting, and the fear disappeared.
The drawing was more than paper and pencil it was a promise of hope, a secret world where they could be safe, and a tiny seed of freedom growing in Nina's heart. Every line, every color, carried the dreams of a little girl who longed to fly far away, just like the butterfly in her story.
Later the day her mother left for work.
Nina stayed alone at home hoping to see her soon.
Nina waited quietly in the corner, clutching her teddy bear tightly, as the sound of keys turned in the lock echoed through the apartment. Her mother came home, shoulders slumped from a long day, eyes heavy with exhaustion. Without a word, she dragged herself to her room, shutting the door with a soft click that sounded louder than any shout. Nina's small body tensed, her heart pounding. She pressed herself against the wall, eyes fixed on the closed door, whispering softly, "Mummy… are you okay?" The silence that followed was thick and heavy. Hours passed, and Nina stayed still, her teddy clutched against her chest, staring at the door as though her gaze alone could reach her mother, ease her pain, and bring her back into the world.