CHAPTER 1 — HE NEVER TALKED
CHAPTER 1 — HE NEVER TALKED
The emergency room fell silent.
A doctor gently rolled up Ethan's sleeve.
David froze.
Purple bruises.
Yellow bruises.
Old scars.
Layer upon layer.
"...How long has this been happening?" the doctor asked quietly.
David couldn't answer.
He looked at Ethan.
"Buddy..."
"Who did this to you?"
The little boy's lips trembled.
His eyes filled with tears.
He slowly shook his head.
"I can't..."
David knelt in front of him.
"You can tell me."
"I'll protect you."
Ethan's tiny fingers grabbed David's shirt.
"If she hears me..."
"...she'll be angry."
David's blood ran cold.
Just then—
The door opened.
Claire walked in carrying a bouquet of flowers.
Her smile was flawless.
"My poor little angel."
Ethan instantly flinched.
He let go of David's hand.
And lowered his head.
May you like
Claire noticed.
She smiled even wider.
