No one knew what went on or why it did at 83 Dell Street.

It was years before the secrets came out. In a darkened room, curtains drawn, anything was possible. Monsters could roam free; terror was a way of life.

Children would huddle in corners, arms wrapped around each other the only protection they had.

What made it always worse was the randomness of it all. There was no agenda, no timetable, they were at the monster’s whim and mercy. Though mercy was a quality it didn’t know much about.

The room was scant of furniture. Dirty mattresses lay on the floor, a floor that had seen better times but when you have victims aplenty you care little about their comfort as your own needs supersede all else.

To the outsider 83 Dell Street was like any other house in the street. Respectable, looked after, lawns mown, professional people contributors to the community.

Inside was a different game. Depravity, abuse, deprivation. No one knew about the children. The walls and windows had been sound proofed. It was the house to all and sundry of a well-respected couple.

The eldest child looked around and saw her silent siblings. Each lay on their mattress. Eyes focused on what she could never tell but eyes that were in the main vacant. Footsteps alerted them. The monster and his assistant stood at the door.

It was time she thought…..

Reproduced in full as there was a glitch. Please leave your comments here if you cannot leave them for Michael on his site here.