Seeing Red

Thomas:

Dad would hit me for lying, he would hit me for rolling my eyes, he would hit me just to hit me. I can't imagine what he'd do to me for this.

I clench my jaw, ignoring every part of my being telling me it's a mistake. I swallow my fear. I turn to face James, noticing for the first time how close our faces our to each other. My lips rest only inches from his.

James:

Dwelling on something I have no control over is never a good idea; I find I do it anyway. I really shouldn't worry about Thomas, but I do. I should worry more about mom. I should give her more of my time. But she reminds me that dad's gone. She carries his loss around on her shoulders like an accessory and every time I see her I get lost in that vortex. It's hard to move on when she's stuck, though maybe I'm stuck too.