Collateral Damage

Mara- Collateral damage Hi, my name is Mara, I'm six years old, I have brown hair and brown eyes. People say I'm pretty like my mom, but, I don't know how that matters now. My mom said she named me Mara because it means bitterness, my being born has only caused my family bitterness, as we are 4 children, in a war torn land. I am a girl and no one wants a girl, unless they are useful in some way. My father escaped the war, and fled to America, he says to find us a better life. I don't understand how leaving us here would give us a better life! It's so dangerous here for woman, and even girls like me. The only men we see are soldiers, or freedom fighters. My three brothers Ahmed 13, Sammir 12, Nicolo 11, went to get food at the market last week, they were looking for huma...humana....humani..tar i an relief. They were all killed when a bomb went off. I miss them a lot! No relief for me, I haven't eaten for a week. I would love to go to school but all the schools are closed, most of the buildings are blown up, so I don't think I will go to school anyway. My Mom left yesterday to play with the soldiers, she told me if you play with the soldiers they will give you food. I'm so hungry!! Rat atat atat ata atatt knock knock knock open up, open up this door!!! Mom? I'm so glad your back! (opens door) hey your not my mom! Rat atat atat. (Voice from behind) hey there's nobody here!! Let's go, lets go! My name is Mara, I was 6 years old, now I'm dead. I guess I'm what they call collateral damage! John Derek Hamilton July 11,2017 First place premium contest winner but who cares about a win really in this case.