Chapter 42: Gina

"You stupid cow. How could you embarrass me like that in front of all my work colleagues?" my father shouted, slapping my mother. They had no idea I was hiding in the wardrobe in the living room. Sometimes I liked reading in the dark, holding my flashlight over the text. Mum didn't like it, but she let me do it when Dad wasn't home. She must have forgotten that I was here now, watching them. I must have lost track of time, and I was too scared to leave now.

She cried, grabbing her cheek. I couldn't believe my father had hit her. I'd seen him shout at her, but he had never physically hurt her.

"I didn't embarrass you, I talked about our family. Hilary's husband asked me to-"

"I don't give a damn what he asked about. I am the only one providing for this family. Your job is to keep the kids alive, that's all. That life when you did what you wanted was over when you married me, Melanie."