07
I crouched on the floor, covering my head, my
body wracked with sobs.
It was the first time I’d seen Dad this angry.
Mom married him because he was mild-
mannered and easygoing.
But after I was born, his good temper seemed
to expire.
I squeezed my eyes shut, my heart pounding
in my
Darkness took its place.
Dad picked up the stool. “If anything happens
to Ethan, I’ll kill you!”
He raised the stool above his head.
07
I crouched on the floor, covering my head, my body wracked with sobs.
It was the first time I’d seen Dad this angry.
Mom married him because he was mild-
mannered and easygoing.
But after I was born, his good temper seemed
to expire.
I squeezed my eyes shut, my heart pounding
in my ears.
I waited, but the stool never landed.
Then I heard Dad cry out, stumbling
backward.
Chanter 2
