Page 45 of Choke

I freeze. As if she could sense my movement, so I can’t move.

There is a frantic series of pounds on the door. They alternate between what is obviously her fist and the metallic-sounding item.

“Open the fucking door, you little cunt!” She booms.

Silence. Her footsteps retreat down the hall. I start to exhale—BOOM—the door bows inward under a violent blow, and some of the books stacked on the chair wedged under the handle go scattering.

She’s using something huge to hit it.

Oh god, she’s going to break it down.

Our relationship has always been strained, but never to this level. Another blow sends me scrambling through my room.

BOOM

I slap my hand over my mouth to stifle the scream threatening to come out. If she hears me, she’ll only try harder.

The phone is here. It has to be here. Closet, bed, dresser, nightstand. Nothing.

FUCKFUCKFUCK. I’m fucked.

Frustration takes over, and I knock everything off my desk onto the floor in one sweep.

BOOM

Among the chaos, I spot the phone. My hands shake violently as I turn it on. I feel a slight relief when I hear the dial tone.Thank god.

BOOM

The door starts to splinter, and I decide my dad can’t get here fast enough. I dial 911, and the operator’s voice comes over the line.

“911, What is your emergency?”

BOOM

I retreat to my closet. If she hears me on the phone, she will only work harder to get in, and I don’t know what is in her hands. A knife, a bat?

I curl back into a ball, knees to my chest, and open my mouth to speak, but nothing comes out. Panic grips my throat.

Please. Someone help me.

The operator repeats herself, “Hello? 911, what is your emergency?”

BOOM

The sound frees my voice, and instead of being unable to speak, I work to keep myself from screaming out.

“I need police,” I whisper.

“What’s the address of the emergency?” The woman’s calm and reassuring voice starkly contrasts with the chaos tearing through my home.

My mind goes blank—I can’t remember my fucking address?

She urges me to take deep breaths, slow my heart, and focus on her voice. This momentary distraction allows my brain enough time to catch up, and I can relay my address and explain what is happening.

“Something is wrong with my mother. I’m scared. I think she will hurt me.”

BOOM

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