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SECOND CHANCE

            I cowered in the closet, the same place I always hid whenever things got too scary. The only real place I've ever felt safe.

            The sound of a slap made me jump, and I scooted tighter into the corner. My hand brushed against the cold metal of the gun I'd found the last time I'd hid here. The time I'd promised myself would be the last time. And now here I was again.

            I couldn't take it anymore. I held the gun close to my chest, pushed myself up from the floor, and grabbed the doorknob.

            I took a deep breath and then slammed the door open, glad to hear it hit the wall. The screams stopped. I pointed the gun, my finger on the trigger. "Leave her alone." My voice sounded too soft to have any effect. "Leave her alone, or I will shoot."

            Footsteps thundered toward me. He towered over me, my mother's blood splattered on his shirt. He reached for me, his breath chafing my cheeks, rough hands scraping my arm.

            I fired.

Obituaries:

            Mercer, Amy, 9, at home as the result of a terrible gun accident on September 19th, 2005. Leaving to mourn her mother, Julianne and father, Thomas.

The Carter City Sentinel, September 19th, 2010:

Thomas and Julianne Mercer celebrate their 20th wedding anniversary and the 5th anniversary of their daughter's tragic death. Said Mr. Mercer, "It was the worst day of our lives, and it was the beginning of a new life for us. Amy showed us how we were slowly killing each other. We found Jesus, and turned our lives around. Through Amy, God gave us a second chance."

Births:

Mercer, Angel, on July 1st, 2011, to Thomas and Julianne. A little sister for Amy, who waits for her in heaven.