Page 49 of Something So Strong

I can see clouds shadowing the sky.

It’s almost morning.

Almost time for Mom to get up.

I can’t let her see me like this.

I don’t want her pity.

I can’t bear to see her take Dad’s side again.

I need to move…

I don’t want to wake Blake. I can’t let her see me like this.

I need to move…

My bedroom light is still on.

The door is open.

If I can just drag myself over, I can push it closed.

If I can bide myself a few more hours, maybe the rest will give me enough energy to figure out what to do next.

Maybe I can call Millie?

Maybe reporting it is what I should do?

Maybe my parents won’t be so ashamed of me after all?

“Why the fuck has your son left the goddamn light on? Does he think I shit out money?”

Dad’s awake.

The unease makes me nauseous.

I strain to look at my open door, but the dried blood on my swollen face cracks as my skin creases.

“Turn off the fucking light, boy!”

“I’m sorry,” I try to speak, but the words are pulled down into my churning stomach.

“Sort it out!” he demands.

There’s footsteps in the hall.

Mom’s.

I try to drag myself forward, but my engorged and still bleeding hands are useless.

“Kai!” Mom gasps, and I squint up at her. “What happened?”

“What’s he done?” Dad bellows.

“Nothing. Just stay there.”

“Close the door,” I mumble—my insides whirring like a tumble dryer. But she’s motionless. Stunned and staring at her beaten child, yet even through my bloodshot irises, I can see her worry is only out of self-preservation.

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