“Did you know he used to beat on her too, Pen? He’d hurt her. All those times you snuck out to be with them, he would turn his anger on Mum. She took your beatings when you were out fucking around with them! Mum would lock me in my room, and I would lie in bed listening to him smack her about. I would hear her begging him to stop, and I couldn’t do anything. I was too young, and you weren’t there!” I clutch at my stomach, winded by her words. “Lena, I didn’t know… Why did you never say anything? I’m so sorry.” “Don’t you dare!” she cries, stepping away from me as I try to reach for her.
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