At exactly one o'clock that night, her bedroom door burst open with a violent bang that shattered the silence.
The overhead light snapped on instantly, flooding the room with a harsh white glare.
Nevaeh jolted awake.
Before she could gather her senses, a pair of rough hands seized the blanket covering her and yanked it away with such force that it landed in a heap on the floor.
She gasped, blinking repeatedly as her eyes struggled to adjust to the sudden brightness.
"What... what's happening?" she stammered, pushing herself upright. Her heart hammered wildly against her ribs as she looked toward the doorway.
Through bleary eyes, she saw her father standing by the bed. Gently he told her to get up quietly and make no sound. She childishly rubbed her eyes, chasing the sleep away.
