Chapter 43 : Just like her mother

Shirley's breath caught in her throat.

Jason's voice was raw with fury, slurred with the remnants of alcohol but still sharp enough to slice through the night air. She turned her head slowly, her body still tense from the flames licking at the house behind her.

Jason stood there, barefoot, swaying slightly, his face twisted in rage. The fire's glow cast shadows over his features, making him look more monstrous than ever. His bloodshot eyes flickered between Shirley, the burning house, and the boy standing beside her.

"You little bitch!" Jason bellowed, taking a stumbling step forward.

Shirley felt her pulse hammer against her ribs.

He wasn't supposed to wake up.

He was supposed to die in there.

"Do you have any idea what you've just done?!" Jason's voice cracked with fury. He turned to the house, watching as the flames spread, consuming everything, the walls, the furniture, the past.

Then his gaze snapped back to Shirley.