For the Best (PART 1) By Jayden Day
A little story by me, inspired while listening to the song "Demons" by Imagine Dragons. This is part 1 of 2 parts BTW.
[Characters: Daniel Howl (Father), Ellie Howl (Daughter), Rose Howl (Deceased Mother of Ellie Howl), Carl Howl (Brother of Daniel Howl), Bailey Howl (Wife of Carl Howl)]
*(All the characters listed above are anthropomorphic wolves)*
It's 7:39 a.m, as Ellie Howl has to suffer another beating by her drunk father, Daniel Howl. Daniel's alcohol addiction started shortly after becoming depressed from the passing of his wife, Rose Howl. Rose died 2 years ago in a vehicular accident, since then, Daniel finds comfort in drinking; but unintentionally abuses his 10 year old daughter Ellie.
As Ellie sits on her bed, crying from the now finished wave of abuse, she thinks about what life was like before her mom died. 2 years ago, life seemed perfect, everyone was happy; and New Years had just passed, leaving everyone with their newly formed resolutions and prayers. Rose's resolutions were for Daniel and Ellie to find a stronger bond, Daniel's were to find confidence and courage, and little ol' Ellie's were for her family to find peace.
Later that evening, Daniel comes into Ellie's room, as usual, to apologize for the abuse. Ellie hugs her father and suggests, yet again, rehab. Daniel hated that word, rehab, he didn't go into rehab because of 2 reasons: One, he didn't want to feel weak, and two, he didn't think he had the courage to confess something like that. He waved off the idea and kissed Ellie's forehead goodnight. As Daniel gently shut the door and walked back to his room, he looked at his stash of beers and whiskey. He stared at it for a few minutes and sighed, he picked up the bottles and threw them in the trash. He was gonna try to be a better dad for his family, for his daughter...
One week later, Daniel found himself back at the popular convenience store known as "Chuck's", buying another case of beers. The addiction finally caught up to him again. He put them under his bed and tried to forget about his pain. As he lie on his bed, he notices a photo of his dear wife, Rose. She was so beautiful, her flowing hair and her emerald green eyes. He put the photo down as a single tear fell down his cheek. The next night, came another alcohol-induced beating; and in the morning, when her father came to apologize, Ellie couldn't resist. "I HATE YOU DAD!!" She barked, a wave of tears falling from her cheeks. Daniel, shocked by her aggression, fell to his knees, he put his paws on his muzzle and started to cry. "You're right." He said, "I'm a bad father."
The next morning, Daniel packed up Ellie's belongings and a couple of photos, 2 family photos and a photo of her mom, Rose. Ellie awoke, wondering what was going on. "I'm giving you to my brother, Carl." He said, "You'll be safer and happier with him and Bailey." "NO! I don't want to leave you all alone!" Ellie said. "I don't want you to go either, but it won't be forever. Just until I'm in a better place." Daniel said. "It's for the best.."
To Be Continued...