Thirty-Eight: Another Request

"That man is no father of mine," Ava spat bitterly. "A real father doesn't beat and abuse his own family. The day I saw him lay a hand on my mother was the day he lost any right to call himself my dad."

Mrs. Williams recoiled slightly at her. "Harboring all this hatred is only poisoning you more, my dear. Just look at the dark circles under your eyes - I know the nightmares and memories are keeping you awake at night again."

Ava averted her gaze, refusing to respond. Seeing she wasn't going to get through to the stubborn young woman yet, Mrs. Williams tried a different tactic.

"You made me a promise once, Ava. To let go of this all-consuming anger toward your parents." Her tone took on a wheedling quality. "You can't go back on that promise to your mother now, can you?"