A Precious Memory

Her teacher said,
“Relive a precious memory.”

Her father crossed her mind
With that belt
and flaming eyes
as her body
shook
from the
pain.
Tears flowing down her cheeks,
she looked at him
with all the pain in her eyes.
He looked back.
And looked away.
Put the belt back in his drawer
and sat in the corner with her
and cried with her.
Never again he touched her.
Gave all the love he could,
making up all the mistakes he made.

She looked at her teacher
with teary eyes and a half
of a smile.
She’d never forget
that precious memory.