The sound of the television in the adjoining living room, followed by Pop’s laughter, greeted my ears. Both sounds grated on my nerves. I wanted nothing more than to go in there and slam my fist into his face until his cheek resembled mine. But I knew I couldn’t. If I did, he’d only beat me worse. I was still too young, too small, too weak to take him. But one day I wouldn’t be.
