THE BRIDGE BETWEEN REALMS.

Genevieve stood motionless in the darkroom partially illuminated by the scintillation of the moon, she kept her head lowered not daring to utter a word.

She thought she had prepared herself physically and mentally for what she was about to endure but the instant the office door opened she knew she could never be prepared for such an experience.

These walls, the office in itself were a perfect reminder of her shortcomings, whenever she was in this room it never had a delightful ending, she wasn claustrophobic but these walls triggered something in her, the emotions she felt were too clear.

Fear and anxiety like she was walking on eggshells.

The cool breeze swooshed in through the window, and she shivered slightly as she placed her hands over her body

Genevieve continued to keep her head lowered even as she heard the creaking sound the door made when being unlocked, accompanied by the sounds of his shoes against the marble floor.

Her agitation continued to amplify for a moment she thought her heart was about to leap out of her chest but she refused to show any form of weakness.

”Click…clack…Click…clack ”

” By now you should be aware of the reason you are here ”. Her father voiced in a calm tone that was daunting and assertive whilst sitting on his chair.

”Yes, father ” Genevieve replied almost immediately.

” Good ”.He expressed as he proceeded. ”Did you complete the assignment ”

At that moment her legs felt weak, the office now seemed suffocative with a sinister atmosphere.

”l… l.. can explain father ” She uttered hesitantly as she raised her head while searching for the words ”

” Enough! I asked you a question and what I expect is a yes or a no, did you complete your study of the books? ”

Genevieve could see and hear the annoyance on his face and in his voice.

”No father ”

” Tsk Useless child ”

Without another word he stood up from his seat and took a whip laying on his desk as he advanced gradually toward her.

”For not completing your assignment you are aware there are consequences ”

”Yes, father…I am prepared and willing to receive my punishment ”

She placed her hands on the desk while gazing straight forward in preparation for the anticipated pain.

Genevieve gradually closed her eye as she felt the first wave of pain from the impact of the whip against her back.

She felt herself on the verge of tears as the whip whacks her in different areas of her back but she continued to remain passive, all she could do was make muffled sounds and whimper, she couldn dare to show her pain for fear of the pains being amplified.

” Who are you? ” He asked as he continued to scourge her back with increasing anger and momentum.

”Genevieve… Corleone ” She answered with a shuffle.

”And what must you be? ”

” I…must be..perfect ”

Genevieve could feel her shoulders now dripping with blood.

He grabbed her chin harshly forcing her to gaze into his eye.

”Thats right! now remember that… you must be perfect the worst things I hate are useless things ” He said while gritting his teeth after which he shoved her away with extreme force.

” Ah!.. ” Genevieve shrilled when she hit the floor.

Her legs gave up and her body trembled from fear and pain, a mixture of sweat and blood streamed down her back.

”Stand up! ” He ordered in a commanding voice while eyeing her with displeasure even as he loomed over her. ” You useless and worthless thing, if you cannot fulfill one simple instruction, do you think you are fit to be a Corleone ”

”A stupid excuse for a child ” He spat in irritation.

Genevieve struggled to stand up despite the pain she felt, her body continued to shake, and her legs proved to be unresponsive.

How many lashes had she taken? twenty, thirty, at this point she had already stopped counting.

Why did she have to be so weak, how could she be strong just like…If she couldn even protect herself, how was she supposed to protect those she wanted to, their images began to flash in her mind

How much she had tried to please him, everything she had done just to get a compliment from him, but she was never enough, she could never be enough. She suddenly remembered him, her brother.

”You