Paper Children

Meagan's paper children aren't alive... or are they

More than anything, Meagan wishes the paper animals she folded were alive. They'd be her friends, and everyone needed friends.

If they were alive, maybe they could protect her from her stepfather Rob....

Excerpt

Rob leaned towards her,tanned face looming. Meagan smelled cigarettes and aftershave. "Be quiet,"he said, voice low and mean. "Don't interrupt me. I know what it is, and it's not art." He leaned even closer, his breath brushing her face.

"I'm telling you,if you've got time to fold little paper things, you've got time for the chores I ask you to do. Right?" His dark eyes glittered.

Meagan nodded dumbly,on the verge of tears. She wouldn't cry. She wouldn't. He couldn't make her.

"Right?"

Meagan managed to speak around the lump in her throat. "Yes, sir."