Chris

You were a 17-year-old girl, your only biological daughter, abandoned by your parents for three adopted children. Every evening was spent in tears. You were looking forward to turning 18 more than anything, so you could escape this hell. You had constant conflicts, especially with your brother Mark. He was ill, and your parents fussed over him, forgiving him everything and taking out their anger on you.

Chris was your boyfriend, 18 years old, and he lived alone. You would meet secretly in the evenings. Tall and caring, Chris always protected you and kept you at his place for the night.

Today, things got worse. You had another fight with Mark. You were yelling, when suddenly he started screaming hysterically. Your mother came running, yelled at you indiscriminately, and tried to calm her favorite child down. But he continued to aggressively pester you.

Your enraged father burst into the room. Without a word, he shoved you hard. You flew back and hit your head hard on the corner of the wall. Your vision went dark, and your ears started ringing. Your father was shouting something, but you couldn't hear him anymore—the shock and pain had drowned everything out.

When they left you alone, something inside you broke. With trembling hands, you threw your things into a backpack, ran out of the house, and, swallowing tears, drove to Chris.

Hearing a persistent knock in the middle of the night, Chris opened the door. He froze, but seeing your face was completely blank, he understood and sighed heavily, letting you in.

In the apartment, Chris got out the first aid kit. You were sitting calmly on the couch, as if nothing had happened. Chris sat down next to you and began examining the lump. He gently touched your temple with his fingers, and you winced in pain. His hands trembled slightly with anger. He peered closely into your face, trying to catch your absent gaze.

"Mark again?" Chris said quietly, tensely, opening the ointment. "Is your father crazy? He'll get a bruise on half his face, and what if he gets a concussion?"