She walked sluggishly into the compound dreading the moments that are to come. She knew it will happen again just like it's been happening for weeks now. The thoughts alone sent shivers down her spine. She can still remember the anger and disappointment in her mother's eyes when she had confided in her and told her everything but to her dismay, the anger and disappointment was for her and not him. It should have been for him. She would have had the courage to speak out but not anymore.
"How dare you accuse such an elderly man", her mother's voice thundered, "I didn't bring you up to be a liar. Where did you learn how to lie? She questioned, shaking her vigorously.
"I am sorry mum," she whispered, "I'm sorry mum. I didn't mean to get you mad".
It was terrible. She had cried herself to sleep that night. Enough of that, she told herself. This is how it is now, this is how it will remain. She took her siblings into the house. Helped them undress and changed them out of their uniform into a more comfortable clothing. She fed them the food mother left in the food flask and made them have their bath. She was just 7 but she's grown so fast. Soon she will have to lock up the house and take them to his house. Mummy doesn't want them staying at home alone. She believed they were safer with him. If only she had known.
"Zara", the voice of whom she fears called out. She knew it was time. It always starts with her name. Like a sacrificial lamb she walked into his room. He had that smirk on his face. He always has it. She looked at his wrinkled face holding the stare for a while then to his his bald hair and then to his potbelly then she let her eyes trace lazily the line from his belly button to the wrapper tied like a twine around his waist. He beckoned her to come smiling sheepishly. She walked into his arms like one hypnotized and he embraced her. His hands were strong, too strong for a 60 year old man. He gently laid her on the bed.
He reached out for under her skirt and pulled her pants. She shut her eyes in horror as hot tears forced themselves out. She laid still and wished as she felt it again, the tip on her clitoris and then she cried more. If only mummy would believe her, then she would have a voice.
