Alex

“Are you deaf, son?” Mother yelled. This time her voice was getting louder. My stomach twists with familiar dread.

I should have known better than to involve her. I should have known she’d turn this into another chance. “I want you to do it now.”

“Mom, please keep your voice down.” I tried to sound calm, but my voice shook. “You don’t want Father to hear this, do you?”

“Do you think I care?” She laughed, but it was mean and cold. “Do you ...