“You need to leave Johnny alone!” I screamed at the top of my lungs, voice shrill and furious. “He has done nothing wrong here! Absolutely nothing.” I didn’t care anymore. If I woke my father, then I woke him. If he kicked the shit out me, then I would heal. I was beyond containing myself, and all of my concern was directed at the boy who had done nothing to deserve being dragged into the middle of my madness.
