“If they come up to you, just walk away. Okay?” Momma said.

My momma was very overprotective of me. She rarely let me out of the house. She’d lock the doors and shut the blinders. If I even tried to go outside, she’d slap me. The slaps stung and shortly after my eyes began to water up.

After that it wasn’t long before I was crying untill my lungs heaved. Then, she’d start to cry, and I’d feel bad. She was my momma. I loved her, and I couldn’t stop myself from hugging her, my wet cheeks pressing up against her wet cheeks.

I was excited to take my first walk outside. I slept in the basement, and I didn’t go out much. She’d let me out for thirty minutes and not a minute more, her words, and if I broke it, I’d never get to see the sun again.

I made sure to wear the cheap little watch she’d gotten me, but my attention was quickly taken when the cold wind brushed up against my face. I looked around to find the street which looked completely huge. I couldn’t believe it.

She gripped my shoulder just as I was about to take my first step. I jerked my head towards her. I saw a look I’d never seen before in her eyes. It was as if they’d narrowed down into slits, trying to read my intentions. My eyes instinctively grew large, and her hand softened. I gave her a hug and walked outside.

That day I was only brave enough to walk to the end of the street, but Momma got more loose with the rules and I explored more of our surroundings. Anytime anyone tried to talk to me though I ran all the way back.

Momma’s told me why she’s so protective about me. It has to do with my father. She tells me he’s a bad man. A terrible, monstrous man, that left us for another woman. She says the other woman is also a monster that would kill me if she had the chance. Just thinking of her gives me the creeps.

One day, I was playing at a park. It was a lot of fun on a swing than in the basement, and the sun felt good, but something bothered me. In the distance, about a hundred meters away, a woman with brown hair stood still staring at me.

I tried to ignore her but it was hard. It grew even harder when she started walking towards me. A stranger, I thought, I have to walk away. But the swing was so fun and maybe she didn’t want to talk to me. As she came closer I saw tears on her eyes. Then, she stood right in front of me and embraced me. It felt good.

Between sobs she said, “Thank god for bringing my son back to me.”