Independence

She was standing beside her bed with her hands on her hips, looking at the bed she had made that morning. The house had been spotless, and now--it had been destroyed. Well--if he thought he'd scare her like that while they had a son...he would never see his son again. He can pick on me now, but he will NEVER find his son. Never. He was finally safe with friends. Friends who could be counted on and trusted. So when the smell of the freshly lit cigar arose, she was ready. She took lighter fluid and poured it through the house. As she took up the match she said, "Sorry baby, but this is your only way out." A tear streamed down her cheek as she watched everything she had acquired her catch with the bright hot flames...they engulfed everything that belonged to her, even the man with the cigar...he wasn't able to escape. She prayed once more that it would be over, and her son would understand some day and still love her. She had to do this, it was the only way for him ever to have a decent life without the bruises and without broken bones.

Her son was summoned by the kids in the neighborhood. Everyone told him that his house was on fire. He didn't believe it and couldn't believe it. Tears fell over his partially bruised eye. A fireman walking by him paused to look around. The boy tugged on his sleeve. "Sir, what it happening here?" He knew this was their boy. He was mighty polite, but there was news to be told.

"Your mama and your daddy were in the house together son, and I don't think we'll find them...alive."

His eyes swelled with new tears. "What's going to happen to me then sir?"

The fireman took one quick look around and spotted the exact image of Tayla. "Be right back son." The fireman said and moved over to Tayla's look alike.

"Beg your pardon missus, but are you related to Tayla?"

"I am her twin sister, Kayla."

"well I got a little boy over here who sure needs some kind words and a good night's sleep. He'd be your nephew."

"Yes, I would expect so...lemme look at you son."

He looked just like HIM. Not all that bad, he had his mother's eyes and her frailty.