The disappointment was so thick in my throat I could barely breathe. My voice shook when I finally spoke, "Richard, please, just look. She hit me first."

Only then did he notice the mark. His forehead wrinkled and he finally asked, "Why didn't you say something before? Does it hurt?"

Right then, his show of concern just made my stomach turn.

I tried to laugh but it came out bitter. My cheek throbbed. "Like you even let me get a word in ...