Shane has never managed to catch a break. His mother died when he was a teen and his father left home the day he turned eighteen. Then he met a man he thought would fulfill all his dreams. Little does he know that Tyler will plunge him into a nightmare of both physical and verbal abuse.<br><br>With his self-esteem destroyed and no friends to turn to, Shane lives every day in despair. But when they’re invited to a neighbour’s house for dinner, things begin looking up. Michael, their host, is no stranger to Shane, for they have often said hello over the fence.<br><br>But is he the one who will come to Shane’s rescue? Or will Tyler make sure their friendship goes no further than the dinner?

Something from Nothing

“Sound carries,” continued Michael, “especially at night. And those bruises on your face…and that one around your neck. They say a lot.”


Shane subconsciously brought a hand to his neck.


“If you’re in trouble, which I’d say you were, I can help. You can stay with me, if you like. He’s not going to suspect you’re right next door. He’ll think you’ve gone as far away from him as possible.”


Shane considered the man’s offer. He did need somewhere to stay that night. Once he’d been paid, he could go off on his own. It was just the vicinity to Tyler that made him feel uncomfortable. What if he was seen through a window? Or what if Tyler heard his voice? Apparently, sound carried at night.


“What do you say?” said Michael, a hopeful expression on his face.


“Maybe just for tonight,” said Shane, reluctantly. “I get paid tomorrow, so I can find a place of my own.”


Michael stood, his knees cracking in the process. He picked up Shane’s bags. “We can talk about that tomorrow.”


Chapter 7