Ears struggling for sound over the heavy silence,
boards groan under weight nearby.
Tears fill eyes and hands stifle sound,
ragged breaths fill the closet.
Eyes peer through the cracked door,
The sliver of light is blinding at first.
More floor boards screech,
closer than the first.
Praying for an end,
Praying for silence.
Silence is safe.
Damp hands press firmly along the wall
Knees ache from crouching.
Bottom lip quivers
Tears spill over.
Boards creak under weight, outside the door.