... The day had started out perfectly. It was her father's birthday, and everyone had been happy and festive. Light classical music played in the background as her father prepared to blow out his candles. Melinda remembered feeling so pretty that day. She had picked out a lovely lavender dress just for the occasion. She wanted her daddy to be proud of her in front of his friends. And she knew he was proud. He had patted her head and smiled lovingly at her as he had made his way to the birthday cake.
     For once, things had felt completely right with the world.

     Soon after the cake was served, Melinda's grandmother put her to bed. Hours later, she awoke to the sound of yelling downstairs.
     Alarmed, she quietly got out of bed and went to see what all the fuss was about.

     She peeked out behind the door as her parents continued to argue.
     She could hear her father pleading with her mother to be reasonable... "Be sensible, Diane, please..."
     Diane Gardenia shook her head, tears streaming down her face, her mouth twisted with anger.
     "Enough is enough!! I don't want to live like this anymore!! Don't you care about me? About your daughter? Surely you care about her!!"
     Melinda blocked her ears as their angry screams grew louder. She felt a hand on her shoulder and turned to see her grandmother standing behind her, her lips pulled tight. "Come to bed," she whispered, "It's going to be alright."
     Melinda followed her, her heart hammering in her chest as the sounds below grew fainter.