‘You better be sorry’ He growled out again and, with one last squeeze, dropped me to the floor.

My shoulder hit first, followed by my head, neck protesting against yet more abuse. The thud knocked some sense back into me and I started taking deep gasping breaths. My throat burned as the air rushed in but the relief was sweet and welcome. My eyes rolled till I found the image of Jack towering over me. Searching behind him I saw Cadie curled up against the far wall, arms wrapped around her knees and tears still running down her face. His eyes followed mine and I saw his shoulders drop, losing his rage in an instant. He turned back to me, meeting my eyes with slight hesitation. He winced slightly as he took in the state of my face and neck. When he spoke he was gentler, but the anger was still there, the threat still clear under the surface.

‘You have to leave’

I nodded and dragged myself up off the floor. I turned to the stairs, hoping to grab some things from my room but Jack had other plans. He was already by the door shaking his head. The bolt slid open and the cold night air washed over me as the door swung open. I turned back to Cadie, now watching me. More tears, choking back sobs as she curled further into herself. I pleaded with my eyes don’t blame me, please and she seemed to get it. Her eyes flicked over to her dad then back to me. She quirked her lip slightly and mouthed ‘I love you’ while he was turned away.

‘Now, Shane’ he called over to me, that edge creeping back into his words.

A small smile to her, a discreet wave and I was gone into the night. Jack closed the door quickly behind me and I heard the bolt slip closed again. Leaning against the door I breathed deeply, still not fully recovered from before. Raised voices started behind the door and I moved off. Hands dug deep into the pockets of my hoodie and feet dragging slightly across the sidewalk, I let my eyes search out for a place to spend the night.