Apparently, she was three years old as well and enjoyed many of the games he did. They never had a play date, but it sounded like they had more than enough fun at school. Anna had become his best friend even though she was a girl. I suppose the ignorance of youth allowed for more enjoyment.

We got in the car and drove back home. Jason sat on the couch with a box of crackers and watched one of the ‘Bob the Builder’ movies I had bought for him.

I walked to my room and saw a lump underneath the covers where Jacob had been this morning. I guess he was still asleep from what was sure to be a painful hangover – or so I assume after last night’s beating.

“Jacob,” I whispered, shaking the lump a bit. “It’s time to get up.” I pulled back the covers to help and found a bunch of pillows instead of the person I expected.

Suddenly, a strong arm wrapped around my stomach and pulled me onto the bed. I struggled a bit but did not gain any ground. The pain in my abdomen was growing quickly and tears formed in my eyes. I knew what was coming next, but I wasn’t quite ready for it.

“Where were you today? It was your day off. Why didn’t you come home, love?” a rough voice growled in my ear.

He had been drinking again and I could smell the liquor fill the air around me. It was suffocating, but I was used to it after years of being with Jacob.

“Well?” The grip around my stomach tightened, causing even more pain, and another hand came up to pull at my hair. The pain was excruciating and it took all my will not to scream out and frighten Jason.

“I was shopping.”

That answer seemed to please him and I was thrown down onto the bed. Relief flooded my body as Jacob’s iron grip was removed, but a throbbing continued in its place.

Not seconds later did the spanking begin. I tried to block it out and buried my face in a pillow to muffle my cries. Eventually, the pain overtook me and I fell into a peaceful oblivion. The day had not ended well.