Her Beginning

Tara woke up to the sound of laughter coming from the neighbor's yard. She covered her head with the pillow, but it was no use. She was awake. The room was dark, as it had been every morning since her birth. The laughter continued. Tara sat up. It did not take long for her eyes to adjust, for she was used to the darkness. She walked over to the window and pulled back the heavy curtain. The light which entered the room was blinding. Tara covered her eyes. Underneath hung still another curtain, sheer and white, which she dared not remove. Tara heard the sound of splashing water. She tried to focus, but it was difficult. After a few moments, she saw him. He looked to be about her age and his hair color was light. He held his knees close to his chest and jumped into the pool. "Tara!” Her mother shouted. “What are you doing?" Tara stumbled back into a darkened corner. Her mother rushed to the window and pulled the heavy curtain until the room was once again dark.