She slurs it all, nothing about her stable at the moment.

I ease closer, ready to coax her upstairs—anywhere but here. “Mom, let’s go⁠—”

“I fuck you in that dress because you look like a whore, Rebecca.” Daniel barrels through, and I draw back, wrapping my arms around my middle. I’m not sure if he’s on something or just his usual raging, abusive fuck self.

“I told you to fucking be presentable and quiet tonight. Not pregame with a handful of painkillers and dress like you want Marlo to come on your tits at the dinner table.”

My nails dig into my upper arms when she rips her head up, eyes wild. I hate it here. I hate every second.

“God, I wish he would have.” She wobbles toward him, but I think she intends for a sexy sway of her hips. “I bet Marlo’ll fuck me good. Better than your tiny dick⁠—”

“Watch it, cunt.” He rips his loosened tie over his head and fists the silk, forefinger pointed in her face. “I’ll make sure you die in the fucking gutter where I found you if you pull this shit again.”

She shoves him in the chest, and I flinch even before he grabs her by the jaw. I need her to stop.

“Mom,” I say, stepping forward, but Daniel jerks toward me, face and eyes red. I stop. I look away. I can’t move while being ripped in two different directions inside. A scared little girl, begging me to save her mommy like she always tried to, and the shredded remains from her failing every time, demanding I save what’s left of us.

“Be grateful, Rebecca,” he says, voice low and as much of a threat as his words. As his grip digging into her cheeks. “You’re a pathetic junkie, thrown away by men once they figure out you’re worth nothing but a quick fuck and regrets. Appreciate me for tolerating you and your fucking kid and be grateful I haven’t traded in your gash for a better one.”

My nails break the skin on my arms as he shoves her face, sending her stumbling backward. He storms away. I breathe in once he passes me, unsure the last time I exhaled, but my lungs were starved and my head swims.

But my mother doesn’t wait for me to regain my bearings.

She rips at her hair and then screams, tearing through the living room. I lunge in front of her and barely catch her to keep her away from Daniel.

“Mom,” I plead while she screeches and fights to get past me. “Please. Stop.”