Seeing Red

Prologue

Amanda rose out of her bed, setting her feet down to touch the icy floor. Her toes tingled, chilled by the wood. The sky was covered with clouds, darkening her room. Much to her dismay, the birds weren't singing to her as they did most mornings. Perhaps the chilled weather had sent them away. Her fingers were a light shade of purple. 

Sliding her slippers on, she wrapped her worn out blanket around her tiny body. Running over to the sink with as much energy as she could muster, Amanda pried the knob up to dispense water. Waiting quite impatiently, she paced the bathroom for it to turn warm. 

Steam formed above it within a few minutes, and she lunged into it to warm her hands. Immediately numbed by the sensation. Her elderly golden retriever, Bailey nuzzled against her leg affectionately, whimpering softly. 

Turning the water off, she kneeled down to look at Bailey. Her chocolate colored eyes comforted her, and she kissed Bailey's forehead gently. "You're my best girl, aren't you?" She whispered in an enthusiastic tone. Rubbing her ears between her fingers, she signaled for Bailey to sit. 

Obediently, she followed her and sat down next to Amanda. Watching her every move and following her hand as she grabbed a treat from the bucket beside her nightstand. Tossing her a treat, Bailey caught it gracefully and barked in thanks. 

"Now you go and lie down, Bailey." Amanda ordered as she pointed to her dog bed. "I need to go and get breakfast, and I'll feed you when I get back up." She told her over her shoulder and shut her door behind her shut.

Bailey listened as Amanda rushed down the stairs peacefully, the scent of hunger lingered in her room even after she left. Two sets of other footsteps followed not long after her, identified by the routine slam of the door. Mother and father are up. Bailey growled at the sound of their bickering to each other, walking to the door and sniffing it, desperate to get out. 

"Good morning," Amanda's voice carried through the vent. Bailey limped over to it and listened, leaning her ear down low to hear the conversation. "I turn 9 today," She gloated gleefully, reminding her forgetful parents.

"Oh it is, eh?" Father groaned unenthusiastically. Anticipating how it would go, Bailey couldn't resist snarling in anger at the sound of his monotone voice. 

Her shoulders slouched down in disappointment. "Yes sir," She walked slowly to the living room, setting down her bowl and grabbed up a pillow, setting it up on the couch. Bailey ran back over to the door, pawing at it urgently.

Remaining unsuccessful, Bailey backed away, questioning the door. As downstairs became quiet, the scent of alcohol travelled to her nose. Barking incessantly, hope flickered that the door would burst open. But she was met by the dark shadow of Amanda's father standing tall in the door frame. 

Bailey walked back, cowering in fear. Her tail between her legs and her head low in shame. Part of her wanted to run to the back of her crate where her dog bed was, but the other half made her lunge forward and race down the stairs to make sure her girl was alright. 

Father was just standing behind her, but Bailey ignored him and pressed against Amanda. Trying to comfort her as best as she could, her disappointment was flooding the room. 

Lowering her hand to touch the told of her head, Amanda kneeled down to hug Bailey tight. Her body shook as she buried her head into Bailey's fur, dampening it with heat. "You're such a good dog, I love you." Amanda whispered under her breath in between sobs. As she heard father peering over her, she lifted her red face to look at him. 

"Amanda, what in the hell do you think you're doing?" His shadow covered her, making her seem extra tiny in comparison. "Put that dog outside and get to your chores!" A hint of threat was in his voice.