Learning to bleed

                                     Chapter 1

I sat on the stairs with my books in my lap, fidgeting as I tried to memorize my lesson.

"Hi, little one."

At the sound of the voice, I looked up and forced a smile. It was Haider, my distant cousin. His light brown eyes were sparkling, but not with a kind shine; it was something that made me feel strange—scared. He smiled back, but the warmth didn't reach his eyes.

"Hello," I replied.

His eyes scanned me from head to toe, making me shiver. At seven years old, being watched like that by an eighteen-year-old was new and terrifying. I clenched my books to my chest.

"Why are you still here? Isn't it late?" he asked.

"Ummm, my work isn't finished yet," I whispered. "Miss Hina said I can't leave until I'm done."

(Miss Hina):

Miss Hina was the worst teacher in the universe. She frequently beat students who struggled, using a heavy, taped-up stick. Sometimes, she even locked children in cupboards, justifying it to parents by saying we were "disobedient" or "slow." I was one of her targets—a weak student. I knew if I didn't finish this work, the stick was waiting for me. That was why, at 9:00 PM, I was still huddled on the stairs, desperate to learn the words so I could finally go home.

His smile widened. "Do not worry," he said, leaning in. "I can help you."

Innocent little Hoor looked up, her eyes bright with hope. "Really? How?"

"I can tell Miss Hina that I tested you and you’ve learned your lesson. But," he added with a smirk, "on one condition."

"What condition?" Hoor asked, her confusion returning.

He moved his face closer to hers. "If you kiss me on my neck." He pointed to the spot. Hoor stared at him, bewildered, and slowly shook her head no.

"WHY?" he asked, his voice strained as he tried to control his tone.

"Umm, I don't know... I just don't want to." Even at eight years old, Hoor felt deep down that this was wrong.

"Hoor, do it! I am telling you!" His voice was a forced, scary calm. "I will tell Miss Hina you are finished, then you can go home and play."

Scared, Hoor sat there and shook her head again.

"It’s not something bad," he insisted. "Just a kiss on the neck. Simple."

"I will ask my mother, and I will give you a kiss on the neck tomorrow," she replied innocently.

His face flushed a dark, angry red. "No! You won't tell anyone," he hissed with controlled rage. He grabbed her arm and pulled her closer, pressing a kiss against her neck. He was careful not to leave a mark, but he held her tight enough to terrify her. She tried to push him away, but as an eight-year-old girl, she was powerless in his grip.

Suddenly, he pulled away. Mr. Shahid, Miss Hina’s husband, had stepped out of the front room.

"Haider? What are you doing here?" Mr. Shahid asked suspiciously.

"Nothing," Haider replied quickly. "I was only helping Hoor with her work. Right, Hoor?"

Terrified, Hoor simply nodded. Just then, Miss Hina appeared. "Hoor, did you finish?"

"Yes, she did," Haider answered for her. "I tested her myself." He gave a final look and left.

"Well, then it’s fine. I’ll call your family to pick you up. Pack your bag."

Hoor nodded, relieved to be leaving but now deeply afraid of Haider. When the doorbell rang, she scrambled up, knowing her older brother Zaran was there. As she walked home with him, she debated whether to tell him what had happened. Little did she know, the nightmare that would ruin her childhood had only just begun................