**The Light in the Darkness**
**Chapter 1: The Break**
“Get out, you ungrateful girl!” her mother shrieked, shoving Emily toward the door.
Emily stumbled, barely catching her balance. Her mothers glare burned sharper than the words.
“Dont come back! I never want to see you again! You liar!” The door slammed shut before Emily could protest.
Frozen on the doorstep, she felt her heart splinter into pieces.
“Mum, pleaseI swear, I didnt *he* was the one who” But no one was left to listen.
Her stepfather, drunk and vile, had tried to assault her. When Emily told her mother, the woman refused to believe her. To Mum, Emily was just trying to ruin her new marriage. So, without a second thought, shed thrown her own daughter out.
**Chapter 2: Wandering the Streets**
Alone, Emily trudged through the cobbled lanes of the tiny mining town, begging for scraps. The icy wind gnawed at her skin, and hunger gnashed at her stomach. Men leered at herespecially the ones stumbling out of pubs, their eyes making her feel filthy. She knew the type.
Hours dragged. Hunger turned into a relentless companion. Emily felt invisible, as if the world had erased her. With Bonfire Night approaching, she couldnt help thinking of her dad. She remembered how, when he was alive, their home would glow with candles and marigolds. This year, Mum wouldnt bother. She knew that much.
**Chapter 3: The Shrine**
With the little shed snatched when thrown outincluding a photo of her dadEmily decided to make her own tribute. Scrounging wilted flowers from hedgerows and stale bread from bins, she arranged a humble shrine under an ancient oak. Kneeling before her fathers picture, her soul cracked open.
“Dad, if you love me come take me away,” she whispered, tears spilling. “I dont want to be here anymore.”
The wind ruffled her hair, gentle as a phantoms touch. Exhausted, she curled up beside the shrine and slept.
**Chapter 4: The Revelation**
At dawn, she woke. Hunger hadnt vanished, so she choked down the shrines offeringsstale crusts and bruised applesbefore shuffling back into town to scavenge.
Then she saw her mother sprinting toward her, weeping. Before Emily could react, the woman yanked her into a crushing embrace.
“Forgive me, love, *please*,” Mum sobbed. “I didnt believe you but last night, I *saw*.”
Emily stayed stiff, wary. Mums voice trembled.
“I left him drinking, like always went to bed. Then I heard screams. Rushed downstairs andhe was *floating*, slamming into the walls like a ragdoll! He screamed, Mercy! I admit itI wanted Emily! Then he dropped. *Dead.*” She shuddered. “And then a voice. Not human. It said, Leave this house. Find your girl. Or next year, I drag *you* to hell.”
A chill seized Emily, but her anger dissolved at Mums brokenness. They clung to each other. In that moment, Emily chose forgiveness. Theyd start anew.
**Chapter 5: Homecoming**
Before stepping inside, Emily glanced at the overcast sky, a tear sliding free.
“Thank you, Dad,” she murmured. “I knew youd come.”
The house felt heavy, the stepfathers shadow lurking in corners. Mum squeezed her hand. “Ill deal with him,” she vowed. “Hell *never* hurt you again.”
Emily nodded, though fear prickled. Mum had been weak beforebut now, her jaw was set.
**Chapter 6: The Showdown**
That night, Mum confronted him. Emily watched, pulse hammering. The argument was muffled, but Mums final shout rang clear:
“Touch my daughter again, and Ill have the constables on you!”
Relief and dread twisted in Emilys chest. Would it stick?
Mum returned, shaky but resolved. “Hes gone, love. For good.”
**Chapter 7: Healing**
Days passed. The wound stayed tender, but they began rebuilding. Together, they crafted a Bonfire Night tribute, heaping it with marigolds and memories.
Emily realiseddespite everythinglove still flickered between them. Mum had failed her, but shed also fought for her.
“Well do this every year,” Mum said, arranging flowers. “So your dads always with us.”
Emily smiled. For the first time in ages, hope glowed.
**Chapter 8: New Traditions**
Bonfire Night arrived, the town alive with sparklers and laughter. Emily and Mum joined in, sharing stories about Dad between bites of toffee apples. Tears mixed with giggles. Emily felt stronger. Dad was still with themguiding them forward.
**Chapter 9: A Brighter Tomorrow**
Time passed. Emily enrolled back in school, determined to finish. Mum, though wrestling her own ghosts, became her fiercest cheerleader.
They learned to talk, to trust. Slowly, the house filled with warmth again.
**Chapter 10: Fresh Start**
A year later, Emily studied their shrine, marigolds glowing in the sunlight. Peace settled over her.
“Thanks, Dad,” she whispered. “For watching over us.”
Mum hugged her. “Well always stick together,” she said. “Always be strong.”
Emily grinned. Shed found her place at last. Life had knocked her downbut shed learned to rise.
And so, heart full, she faced the futureready for whatever came next.
