One Night In No Mans Land

Rory Thompson remained motionless

While staring at a painting displayed before her.

 The exciting artwork created by bold brushstrokes radiated own-life energy to Rory, who focused on different things.

 Memories that she wanted to ignore arose in her mind to swallow her whole.

 Her youth spanned from a single endless traumatic episode. Her father's reputation as a hot-tempered man caused him to strike anyone who challenged him.

 Rory's mother could not stop his violent outbursts because she remained hidden in fear while he expressed his fury and fierce demeanor 

Rory existed as the favourite object among his targets.

 The memory of standing small and defenceless returned to her as she recalled being imprisoned in a world she could not escape.

 His words, "You're worthless, Rory," remained in her thoughts. "You'll never amount to anything."

 Rory lifted her glance from the ground, where paint smears created a mess.

The memories flooded her consciousness, resulting in an old, familiar tightness in her throat.

 Such powerful feelings had become her normal state after many years.

The profound feeling refused to leave her mind.

The moments of her childhood returned, and Rory remembered sleeping under her bed many times, praying to end the beating.