I wonder if it’s a common nightmare. A calloused hand slapping across your ear, fisting now to punch the side of your head and neck.
A cruel, heavy boot catching you from behind as you run away. A harsh voice yelling vulgarities as you slam into a wall or closed door. Then more kicks as you fall in a heap of submission. All this because you broke something that you weren’t supposed to touch, or you couldn’t comprehend what he was telling you, or you failed to control your bladder or bowels.
Then suddenly there is a crack in the door, a sliver of light, a ray of hope from the outside world. You break through, running with incredible speed, wild as the wind. No one can catch you out here in the open. You run and run, drunk on freedom, until you are so hungry and tired you can run no longer…