He kicked her with his steel-toe metal boots. So. Much. Pain. Hope fell to the ground like a deflated balloon, but her father kept pounding on her ribs. Her hands provided little protection against the strength of his blows. Hope's father slapped her four, five, six times across the face. He continued cursing and swearing Hope to the brink of death. Eventually, he stopped, slamming the door on his way out. Eyes swollen shut. Breath harsh and ragged. Hope held death's hand that evening. Her beating heart was the only reminder that she was still alive.
