Greg had eaten dinner, and said good night to his family. After a night of board games and fun, he wanted to go for a walk in the park. He was on the sidewalk when he heard a sobbing coming from somewhere. He tried to ignore it, but as he walked it got louder. Greg was looking around but didn’t see anything. He walked by a bench then out of the corner of his eye noticed a familiar body. It was Hilary. What is she doing here alone on Christmas eve? he thought to himself. He didn’t want to scare her, so slowly he walked up to her.

“Hilary?”

“Go away!! Just get away from me!!” she tried to scream but it was a loud whisper.

“Hilary, it’s me, Greg.”

“Oh, I’m so sorry.”

“That’s ok. Who do you think I was? What are you doing here? Why aren’t you home with your dad? It’s Christmas eve.” He bombarded her with questions.

“I thought you were someone else, I’m thinking, and don’t want to go home.”

“What’s wrong?”

“I’m not going home. Greg tell me you won’t make me go home!” she begged.

“Well I’m not going to make you go home. Your dad is a nice guy and I’m sure he’s worried sick about you, but first tell me what’s wrong.”

“That’s what you think. You and every other person in this world.” She mumbled, “He’s not a ‘nice guy’. He’s always drunk and always telling me I need to be beat.”

“Oh god,” his face dropped, “Has he ever hurt you?” Greg demanded.

More tears rolled down her bony face.

“It’s ok, it’s ok,” he sat beside Hilary and hugged her very tightly, “Please tell me though, has he ever hurt you?

“Only when he’s really upset, I don’t want to go home! Please don’t make me!!”

Greg had persuaded her to go home, though knowing it wasn’t safe. But she couldn’t stay at his house. The next day she would go to his house with his family. Then they would decide what to do.