I yanked the blanket higher, ribs screaming, but the bruises were already blooming purple under my shirt. Mom’s footsteps creaked closer. Oh shit! I twisted toward the wall, pretending sleep, heart hammering like it wanted out of my chest. She can't see me like this! I have to make sure she doesn't, or else I don't know what's going to happen.

The door opened anyway. Her perfume hit first, soft, floral, too gentle. I tasted blood on my tongue as she got closer, and I wanted to do ...