The Kids Aren't Alright

-7-

"Hello?" Frank called gingerly, stepping over the threshold and into the place her called home. He gripped the strap of his school bag tightly, venturing into the kitchen.

"Oh, Frank." His mother mumbled, suprise ringing through her words as she spun around from where she was standing. Her dress was partially torn at the collar, and she held the fabric together loosly with shaky hands. Tears stained her face and reddened her cheeks, but she did her best to smile for her son.

"What happened?" Frank asked, rushing to her side. Her lip was bleeding too, so he took a tissue from the box on the counter and slowly dabbed at it, not wanting to cause her any more pain.

"It was nothing, really." She said quietly. "I forgot to make the bed before I went to work.." She trailed off. "He was right. It was my fault."

Frank wanted to cry. "No, mum." He pleaded. "Its not. Kevin's a fucking psycopath. We need to leave."

She shook her head again. "It'll work out, Frankie." She spoke quietly, convincing herself more then her son. "It always works out."

Frank didnt have any more words he could use, instead opting to fall into one of the chairs at the dining table.

His mother was never going to do anything about her abusive husband. Instead of continuing the convrersation, she turned to the counter and began to prepare the ingredients for the pasta Kevin had demanded. "How was school?"

"Fine." Frank said coldly, having no emotion left for such trivial ordearls.

"Thats good." She said numbly, smiling to herself about the seemingly normal conversation she was carrying.

---

When Kevin arrived home later that night, Linda smiled at him, greeting him with a kiss. He apologised for 'raising his voice', and the three sat down for dinner.

Frank could smell the alcohol on him. It was no secret that after 'raising his voice' Kevin would head to the bar and meet with his drinking buddies.

But he didnt say anything, instead taking a mouthful of his mothers delicious pasta. Kevin followed suit, but stopped abruptly after just one bite.

He slammed his fork down on the plate, glaring angrily at Linda. "Wheres the meat?" His voice was low, almost calm.

Linda stuttererd to give her answer. "W-well Frank's a vegeterian a-and i thought it w-would be nice if we could all eat t-together."

Suddenly Kevin was on his feet, sending his chair flying backwards. "And why the fuck should he come above me?!" He flung his plate to the floor and it shattered, sending pasta all over the floor.

"How can you be such a useless bitch!" He screamed into her face. Linda began to cry, but made no move to stop him.

Kevin didnt speak again. He just turned on his heel and left ther house, back down thre road and towards the bar, leaving a broken family in his wake.

Probs very shit, but its late and im half asleep.

Apologies for spelling errors, i wrote this on my phone and its glitchy as fuck.

-Saffron