The Call That Changed Everything
Emily stood by the window, peering into the dark outline of the garden. *”The streetlights are out again. It’s already ten, and Sophie still isn’t home. If only she knew how worried I am. Shes only fourteen. Yet she manipulates her father like a grown woman, and he believes every word she says, handing over money at her every demand.”*
The gate creaked, and familiar footsteps echoed in the alleyway. *”Sophie,”* Emily thought, stepping back from the windowGod forbid her daughter spotted her watching. That would only lead to another row.
“Mum, I’m home!” Sophie shouted from the doorway. “Any food?”
“No hello?” Emily moved to kiss her daughters cheek, but Sophie dodged, darting into her room. “Im starving! I dont have time for this!”
“And where exactly are you rushing off to at this hour? Its past ten,” Emily said, bracing herself for another argument.
“Here we go again,” Sophie muttered just loud enough to be heard. “Im practically fifteenIm not a child!”
She began flinging clothes from her wardrobe, searching for the right dress. Emily watched helplessly. *”What words will reach her? How do I make her stop?”*
“Why are you just standing there like a statue?” Sophie snapped. “Im going clubbing with the girls. Its Halloweeneveryones celebrating! Why should I miss out?”
She pulled out a dressshort, backless, trimmed with scarlet frills.
“Sophie, where did you get that? Its inappropriate. Do you know what kind of girls wear things like that?”
“I dont care! I bought it on sale for Halloween. Dad gave me the money.”
Sophie yanked out a pair of towering red heels.
“Perfect, right?” She strutted past her mother, hips swaying. “Josh will lose his mind when he sees me.”
“Youre not going,” Emily said quietly.
“What?” Sophie whirled around.
“Since when do you get to tell me what to do? Look at youa failure! Dad left you, and no ones bothered with you since!”
“Failure,” Sophie repeated, savouring the cruel word.
Emilys hand flew before she could stop ita sharp slap echoed through the room. Sophies wail followed her as she slammed the door shut.
“Youre vile! I hate you! Youll regret this!” Sophie shrieked.
Emily turned on the cold tap, splashing water on her face. Staring at her reflection, she grimaced. *”A failure? I have a job I love, a cosy flat, and Im not exactly hard to look at. But with Sophie its like she became a stranger at twelve. Backtalk, sneaking cigaretteseverything I say is met with defiance. The vicar said its pride. Maybe hes right. I went to a therapistnothing helped. Every day, we drift further apart. If only she knew how much I love her. I hit her now what?”*
She listenedSophie was on the phone, excited. *”Josh will be there I promised him”*
*”Josh. I remember him in Year 1a tiny, bug-eyed tadpole. Now hes practically a heartthrob. No wonder Sophies smitten.”*
With a sigh, Emily locked the front door and hid the key. *”No nightclubs. Josh will survive. And Halloweennothing but trouble.”* She tiptoed to her room, but Sophie heard her.
“Ill never forgive you! Ill sue you!” Sophies face twisted with hate. “Ill jump out the window if I have to! Josh is waitingI promised him!”
“If he really loves you, hell wait as long as it takes,” Emily said softly. *”My poor girl. How do I help you?”*
“Stop staring, you stupid cow! Ill call Dadhell take me!”
“Go ahead,” Emily said. “But youre not leaving.”
Sophie suddenly went still. “Fine. Youll regret this.”
Emily heard the shoes clatter, then Sophies hushed, sinister laughter. *”Halloweens come to us.”* She wiped her tears, took a sleeping pill, and hoped tomorrow would be easier.
***
The alarm blared. Emily washed her face and made breakfast. Their fights usually ended by morningSophie was quick to cool off. But not today. Sophie stormed past the table, stone-faced, grabbing her birth certificate on the way out.
All day, Emily pushed thoughts of their fight aside, but leaving work, she could think of nothing else. *”Has Sophie forgiven me? What do I say? Should I apologise for the slap? She doesnt know how her words cut. My last ECG wasnt good. Well have tea, make upjust hang on.”*
She bought Sophies favourite éclairs.
“Love! I got your treats! Truce?” No answer. The kitchen was emptySophie hadnt touched her breakfast. *”Better a bad peace than a good quarrel,”* Emily thought, dialling Sophies number.
An unknown number flashed.
“Emily Carter?” A cold female voice. “Valerie Atkins. Social Services. Your daughter filed a complaintabuse. Weve placed her in emergency care pending court.”
“What?! Abuse? What nonsense”
“You struck her. Or have you forgotten? Frankly, you sound intoxicated.”
“How dare you!” Emily gasped.
“We dare. You violated her rights. We protect children from mothers like you. See you in court.”
“Where is she?!” The line went dead.
***
Valerie visited Sophies temporary room. The girl lounged, glued to dramas.
“Brought you something,” Valerie said, placing Snickers on the desk. “Compensation for your mothers abuse. Shell pay for neglecting you.”
“Whatll happen to her?” Sophie asked.
“Termination of parental rights.”
“Good! No one hits kids. Did you see my photo? Lucky no bruise stayed.”
“A bruise wouldve helped. But even a red mark sways judges.”
“Theres a trial?” Sophie faltered.
“Of course. You accused her.”
“I just wanted to scare her! Make her let me do what I want!”
Valerie scoffed. “Mission accomplished. Shes dead. Heart attack. My condolences.”
“Mums dead? Youre lying!”
“Afraid not.”
Sophie crumpled. “She was the best mum! I only just realised I cant live without her!”
Valerie rolled her eyes. “Youll adjust. Tomorrow, youre off to a care home.”
Sophie grabbed her coat. “Ill run away!”
“Try. Security heres tighter than Fort Knox.”
As Valerie left, Sophies wails followed her. Outside, snowflakes drifted. *”Time for a new coat,”* Valerie mused. *”Maybe mink this year.”*
Thenglass shattered. A scream.
Sophies red coat bloomed on the snow like blood.
***
She survivedconfined to a wheelchair. Her fathers new wife refused to take her in.
Sophie was sent to a disabled childrens home. The bank demanded repayment of Emilys loan.
Sometimes, Josh visits.
*Sometimes, regret does too.*
