**The Light in the Darkness**
**Chapter 1: The Break**
“Get out, you ungrateful girl!” her mother screamed, shoving Emily towards the door. Emily stumbled, barely keeping her balance. Her mum glared at her with a hatred that hurt more than the words. “Dont come back! I never want to see you again!” she spat before slamming the door shut.
Emily stood frozen on the doorstep, her heart shattered into pieces. “Mum, pleaseI swear, I didnt he was the one who” she tried to explain, but no one was listening.
Her stepdad, drunk and disgusting, had tried to assault her. When Emily told her mum, she just refused to believe her. To her, Emily was just trying to ruin her new relationship. So, without a second thought, she kicked her out.
**Chapter 2: Wandering the Streets**
Alone, Emily wandered the cobbled lanes of the small mining town, begging for change. The cold wind bit her skin, and hunger gnawed at her. Men looked at her with eyes that made her feel filthyespecially the ones stumbling out of pubs, drunk and dangerous. She knew the worst kinds.
Hours dragged, hunger turning unbearable. She felt invisible, like the world had forgotten her. As Bonfire Night neared, she couldnt help but think of her dad. She remembered how, when he was alive, their home would fill with marigolds and candles. This year, she knew her mum wouldnt do a thing.
**Chapter 3: The Shrine**
With the little shed grabbed when thrown outincluding a photo of her dadshe decided to make a small shrine. She gathered wildflowers from the roadside and what little food shed beggedhard bread and dried fruitand set up a tiny tribute under an old oak tree. Kneeling before her dads picture, she broke down.
“Dad, if you really love me come get me,” she whispered, voice cracking. “I dont want to be here anymore.”
The wind ruffled her hair, gentle, like an invisible hand comforting her. Exhausted, she fell asleep beside the shrine.
**Chapter 4: The Awakening**
At dawn, she woke. The hunger hadnt gone, so she ate what was left of the offeringit tasted like nothing, but she couldnt waste it. She walked through the streets again, scavenging.
Then she saw her mum. Running toward her, tears streaming. Before Emily could react, her mum pulled her into a tight hug.
“Forgive me, love, please,” her mum sobbed. “I didnt believe you but last night, I saw.”
Emily stayed still, wary. Her mum carried on, voice breaking.
“I left him drinking, like always then I heard screams. I ran downstairs and saw himfloating, slamming against the walls like a ragdoll! He was screaming, Please, dont kill me! I admit it, I wanted Emily! Then he dropped. Dead. And I heard a voice not of this world. It said, Leave this house and find your daughter, or next year, Ill drag you to hell myself.”
A chill ran down Emilys spine, but her anger faded seeing her mum so broken. They clung to each other. In that moment, she decided to forgive her.
**Chapter 5: Home Again**
Before heading back, Emily looked at the grey sky, a tear rolling down her cheek.
“Thanks, Dad,” she murmured. “I knew youd come for me.”
The house felt heavy, the stepdads shadow still lurking. But her mum promised hed never set foot inside again.
“Ill deal with him,” her mum said firmly. “Hell never hurt you again.”
Emily nodded, even though fear twisted in her gut.
**Chapter 6: The Showdown**
That night, her mum confronted him. Emily watched, heart pounding.
“Touch my girl again, and Ill call the police,” her mum shouted.
Relief and dread twisted inside Emily. Would her mum really stick to it?
When her mum returned, she was shaken but resolute. “Hes gone, love. For good.”
**Chapter 7: Healing**
Days passed, wounds still raw, but they rebuilt their bond. Together, they made a Bonfire Night tribute, filling it with flowers and memories.
Emily realisedthrough it all, love still existed. Her mum had failed her, but shed fought for her too.
“Well do this together,” her mum said. “So your dads always with us.”
Emily smiled. For the first time in ages, hope flickered.
**Chapter 8: New Traditions**
Bonfire Night arrived, the town alive with sparks and laughter. They celebrated, sharing stories about her dad.
Laughter mixed with tears, and Emily felt stronger. Her dad would always be with them.
**Chapter 9: Brighter Days**
Time passed. Emily went back to school, determined. Her mum, still wrestling her demons, stood by her.
They learned to trust each other. Slowly, the house filled with warmth again.
**Chapter 10: A Fresh Start**
A year later, Emily gazed at their shrine. Marigolds glowed in the sun. Peace settled over her.
“Thanks, Dad,” she whispered. “For watching over us.”
Her mum hugged her. “Well always be strong together.”
Emily smiled. Shed finally found her place. Life had been cruel, but shed learned to fight.
And so, heart full, she faced the futureready for whatever came next.
