**Light in the Darkness**
**Chapter 1: The Break**
“Get out, you ungrateful girl!” her mother screamed, shoving Adelaide towards the door. She stumbled, barely keeping her balance. Her mother’s glare was sharper than any knife, the hatred in her eyes worse than the words. “Don’t you dare come back! I never want to see you again!” The door slammed shut before Adelaide could even speak.
She stood frozen on the doorstep, her heart shattering. “Mum, please… I swear, it wasn’t me—it was him,” she whispered to the closed door, but no one was listening. Her stepfather, drunk and disgusting, had tried to hurt her, and when Adelaide told her mother, she refused to believe it. To her mum, Adelaide was just trying to ruin her new relationship. So, without a second thought, she’d thrown her own daughter out.
**Chapter 2: Wandering the Streets**
Alone, Adelaide wandered the cobbled lanes of the small mining town, begging for scraps. The biting wind cut through her thin jacket, and hunger gnawed at her stomach. Men watched her with looks that made her skin crawl—especially the drunk ones. She knew to avoid them.
Hours dragged by, the hunger growing unbearable. She felt invisible, like the world had forgotten her. With Halloween approaching, she couldn’t help but think of her dad. She remembered how, when he was alive, their home would fill with marigolds and candles. This year, her mum wouldn’t bother.
**Chapter 3: The Shrine**
With the few things she’d grabbed when she was thrown out—including a photo of her dad—she decided to make a shrine of her own. She gathered wildflowers and scrounged up stale bread and bruised fruit, arranging them under an old oak tree in a quiet corner. Kneeling before the photo, she broke down, tears streaming.
“Dad, if you love me… come for me,” she whispered, voice cracking. “I don’t want to be here anymore.” The wind rustled her hair, soft as a gentle hand. Exhausted, she fell asleep beside the shrine.
**Chapter 4: The Revelation**
At dawn, she woke. The hunger hadn’t gone away, so she ate the leftover offerings—wasting nothing. As she wandered back into town, she spotted her mum running towards her, tears streaming. Before Adelaide could react, her mother pulled her into a crushing hug.
“I’m so sorry, love, please forgive me,” her mum sobbed. “I didn’t believe you… but last night, I saw it.” Adelaide stiffened, wary. Her mother’s voice trembled. “I left him drinking, like always… then I heard screams. He was—floating, slamming into the walls like a ragdoll! He screamed, ‘I confess! I wanted Adelaide!’ Then… he dropped. Dead.” She shuddered. “Then I heard a voice… not of this world. It said, ‘Leave this house and find your daughter, or I’ll drag you to hell next.’”
Adelaide’s anger faded as she saw her mother’s broken expression. She hugged her back. In that moment, she decided to forgive her. They’d start again.
**Chapter 5: Going Home**
Before stepping inside, Adelaide glanced at the grey sky, a tear rolling down her cheek. “Thank you, Dad,” she murmured. “I knew you’d come for me.”
The house felt heavy, the stepfather’s shadow lingering. But her mum promised—he’d never come back.
**Chapter 6: The Confrontation**
That night, her mum confronted him. Adelaide listened, heart pounding. “You’ll never touch my girl again,” her mother shouted. “If you don’t leave, I’ll call the police.”
Relief and fear twisted inside Adelaide. Would her mum really keep her word?
When her mother returned, she was shaken but firm. “He’s gone, love. For good.”
**Chapter 7: Healing Together**
Days passed. The wound was still raw, but they rebuilt their bond. Together, they made a shrine for Halloween, filling it with flowers and memories.
Adelaide realized—despite everything, there was still love. Her mum had messed up, but she’d fought for her too.
“We’ll do this together,” her mum said, arranging the flowers. “So your dad’s always with us.”
Adelaide smiled. For the first time in ages, she felt hope.
**Chapter 8: New Traditions**
Halloween arrived, and the town came alive. Adelaide and her mum joined in, sharing stories about her dad. Laughter and tears mixed, and Adelaide felt stronger. She knew her father was watching over them.
**Chapter 9: A Brighter Future**
Time passed. Adelaide went back to school, determined to finish. Her mum, though still fighting her own battles, stood by her. They learned to trust each other again. Slowly, the house filled with laughter.
**Chapter 10: A Fresh Start**
A year later, Adelaide looked at their shrine. Marigolds glowed in the sunlight, and peace settled over her.
“Thank you, Dad,” she whispered.
Her mum hugged her. “We’ll always be together. Always strong.”
Adelaide smiled. She’d found her place. Life had been hard, but she’d learned to rise above it.
With a heart full of love, she faced the future—ready for whatever came next.
