Liam sat in class. Math. Numbers on the board. Teacher talking. Words he couldn't hear.

His mind elsewhere. At home. In that bedroom. Behind that locked door.

Mom. Crying. Bleeding. Trapped.

His hands clenched under the desk. His jaw tight. His whole body vibrating with rage.

"Liam." The teacher's voice. "Are you paying attention?"

Liam blinked. Looked up. "What?"

"The equation on the board. ...