No Compassion

Chapter One.

The sun was setting, it's dying golden light casted out across the streets. Yet in the church, it was rather dark, save for the candles that were lit.

A young girl, around the age of 8, stood in the middle of the church, her mother and father aswell. Church was empty except for those three. The father stepped in front of the young girl and turned to face her.

"What had I told you, Tiana?" He asked in a stern tone.

The child dare not hesitate in her answer. "'Don't cause a scene, behave.'''

He nodded. "And what did you do?"

"I caused a scene and got us in trouble." She replied in a quiet voice.

"You told neighbors we've been abusing you." He snapped. "Do you think you're abused?"

"No, sir." She swallowed hard. "I do not."

"You understand everything we do is for a reason, yes? We only want the best for you, but you misbehave so much. All we do is to teach you how to behave, it's for your own good." He waited until she nodded to continue. "God would be disappointed in you for how you disrespect your parents, you know."

The mother chimed in, "You've been nothing but a brat since we took you in. You'd think since we saved you from the streets, you'd show some appreciation." She continued, "Perhaps if you apologize for your behavior and beg for forgiveness now, we and more importantly God, may forgive you."

"I-I'm sorry I misbehaved, I'm so sorry I promise I won't do it again, p..please do..don't be disappointed i...in me, I'll be.. be a better daughter, please. I..I'll be..behave I swear." She said, stuttering her words and shaking.

Her father slapped her face, hard. "Say it clearer, such a half-assed effort could never be accepted."

Tears filled the childs eyes but she quickly blinked them away. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, please. I won't misbehave again."

"Good. You'll be staying here for the night. You have until morning to reflect on your actions and apologize to God."