“Stay out of this!” He stops walking long enough to backhand her, sending her crashing into the wall. I rush over, crouching next to her. “Are you okay?” “Fine, honey. I’m fine,” she whispers as she tries to right herself. I stand, blocking her with my body. “That’s enough!” “I’ll say when it’s enough!” He throws a punch that I attempt to block, but it still connects with my jaw. “Apparently, you haven’t learned your place.” Pain shoots through my face. I need to find a way to diffuse this. I can’t show up tomorrow black and blue. “I do. I know my place, and I’m so sorry. I spoke out of turn.”
