The weather is quite clement, it’s not too hot nor is
it too cold. Ebony sits on the back balcony soaking up
the warm rays of sunshine that descend upon her. She
raises her pale face to the clear sky above and inhales deeply,
causing the neighbours freshly cut grass to tickle her nostrils.
Brax and Lehanna are running around the backyard playing
Zombie Tag, a game Brax made up himself. Their delightful
little screams and playful banter are music to her ears and it’s
blissfully over-riding the echoes of her and Brad’s argument last
night. He came home just before midnight heavily intoxicated
and demanded more money. When she gently refused and
told him she had no more to give, he burnt up like a heated
butcher’s knife. “Bullshit! You have money hidden all over this
house, so where is it?” he fumed.
“I don’t have any more just so you can drink it down the
drain. We have bills due and—”
“Bills?” he snapped, cutting her off short. “You seem to
have them every bloody week! I’m sure they can wait one more
week, right? Besides, it’s the least you can do considering I put
up with you all the time.”
Ebony flinched as if his harsh words slapped her in the face.
“Put up with me? You have to be home to do that and
you barely are these days! I’m sorry, but I can’t help you again
tonight. Now if you don’t mind, I am tired and would like to
get some sleep.”
Brad inhaled so hard and fast he almost snorted. “You are nothing but a selfish bitch, Ebony. Go back to what you’re
good at and that’s being a loner with no friends. You my love,
are pathetic.”
Ebony held her hurt eyes on his burning gaze. “If that is
what you think of me Brad, fine. Don’t come back here until
you are sober and well and truly clear headed,” she said quietly.
She fixed herself under the covers and turned away from him.
She felt his lingering presence for a few moments before she
finally heard his heavy footsteps fading down the hall. The front
door slammed so hard it not only shook every window pane
in her tiny house but also rattled her heart.
•
Brad never...