My father wrapped me up in a blanket. As much as I fought to be let out he wouldn't let me go. I think I heard my sister cry. It wasn't a long trip. He locked me up in an empty bedroom. Shortly after he left my mother appeared with a box. Was that to use as a toilet?

I couldn’t open the door or windows. I screamed for help. I don’t think anyone can hear me.

After some time had passed, my father locked me up in the closet. Again I could hear my sister. It sounds like she's in the other room.

I cry until I can’t.

I don’t know how long it’s been but eventually, I fall asleep.

And now I wait.

I think about how I got here and why.

Was it because I was so mean to my sister? She’s about my age. We could be twins. Except we’re not related. Not by blood anyway. I don’t even remember life before joining this family. I know that my father chose me for my mother. I know that my sister loves my mother more than anything in the world. And my father was my best friend. He understood me in a way no one else could. We could communicate without speaking the same language. It just worked. Why would he do this to me? Punishing me for something I did to mom? Feels like I’m playing hide and seek. Is he hiding me? With no food or water. 

I don’t think so…

By Cristina Collazo