Nahjaad writing.  Ali has been gone for the day, so I can write in my private journal while I can, while he is not here.

Things continue to be very bad for me.  I have to do the cooking/cleaning and make sure that I do not let anybody in my house; I don't know if they are spies or if they are friends of my husband.  I have to be extremely careful.

If I don't do my husband's bidding, I will be beaten.  Severely.  The last time I disappointed him, he tried to break my arm when striking me with a heavy object.  Luckily, I got away, but my arm was badly bruised; it has just now healed.  The ugly black mark is all but gone:  there's just a little trace of it left.

I don't know why I cannot be a little girl.  I am only eight years old.  A little girl should not be responsible for keeping house or keeping her "husband" entertained and happy.  I should be running around with my friends and attending school!

I am way too young to be married!

I wish I could just run away and leave Ali.  To me, he's no husband.  He's a monster with human skin!  I could try to run away, but he would ultimately find me and then I would regret what I have done with every inch of my life. 

I would have worse things than a severe beating coming to me.  Disfigurement?  Hands or fingers being cut off?  Death??

I would not put it past him if he tried to harm me in some evil way if I even attempted to escape.  So I must do what I am asked to save me from further punishment or dishonor, not only from Ali, but from my family.

I must go:  I feel as if eyes are peering at me.  Ali also must be on his way home.  I will write in here again; until later, this is Nahjaad saying goodbye!  Please say some prayers for me.  I could really use a miracle in my life!  My life is horrible at best!

~Nahjaad.  :(

*to be continued.*