Take Care

Janelle was huddled against the headboard of Allison's bed, her thumb in her mouth, a long-ago habit that had been broken but which Janelle had started again after Baxter became their stepfather. Allison hugged her sister and hurriedly whispered, "Try not to think. Try to make your mind a complete blank like we talked about. Okay?" Janelle stared up at her sister. Allison saw the hope drain from her eyes and fresh tears began to course down her pale cheeks. "Get!" Baxter hissed, coming up behind Allison. Allison jumped away from Janelle. She wanted to try begging but she knew it wouldn't help. They had both tried...and tried. The last time they had begged, he had snarled another warning, "I don't want to hear another word about either of you not wanting to please your daddy, not now and never again. Do you understand? Answer me!"