amaranthine • joshler

• 'cause it's nine in the afternoon •

Tyler had never felt pain this extreme.

When his dad was still living with the family, pain was a daily occurrence. Tyler learned to live with it. Get up, go to school, come home, get hit. It was in his daily routine. But this was something different. Less drunken stupidity and more pure rage. Tyler wasn't familiar with this type of violence. It hurt in such a different way.

When it was the usual hitting, Tyler could wrap his head around it. Anger issues + alcohol = Tyler being left with a bruise on his cheek and another flippant explanation to his peers the next day. But this, this was more emotional abuse than anything. Tyler was hurt in a way he couldn't explain, and this affected him most.

Tyler started to believe he needed it. I mean, maybe he did need to be taught a lesson. His dad sure thought he did. Maybe this really was his punishment for being who he was. And maybe it was necessary.

Mr. Joseph was gone at the moment, but Tyler made no effort to move from his chair. He had already tried, and all he had done was tire himself out. He had truly and sincerely given up.

"I'm back, boy." A gruff voice stated as Mr. Joseph came through the door carrying a sandwich and another case of beer.

"Hey, Dad." Tyler said sadly.

"You been tryin' to escape?" His dad asked.

"No, Dad." Tyler admitted truthfully.

"Good. Time for another lesson."