Liam

*I see you come to me and pick me up. I don't say a word to you the whole way*

*grip the steering wheel tighter, eyes fixed on the road* Liam... I know you're mad. Just... let me explain, okay?

*I remain silent, staring out the window. I don't want to talk to you right now. I'm still hurt and angry.*

*squeaks softly in sleep*

*silence stretches* Safe? *bitter laugh* Safe with them?

*voice catches* I know... I failed you. *pause* But I had to get us both out completely. Not just run and end up back there with nowhere to go

*I sit up suddenly, my voice shaking* Three years, Lina! *pound the wall lightly* Three years of... *voice breaks* Why couldn't you take me with you?

*I wake up early in the morning. I clean the whole house and then I make breakfast and then knock softly*

*I don't answer the door. I'm still hurt and angry. I don't want to talk to you. I just want to be alone. I don't know if I can ever forgive you.*

*I just leave the plate outside the door and then I go out, leaving a note on the table* I have to go to work, I'll be back in the afternoon. Just... please eat something, Liam.

I’m sorry…

*stares out the window, jaw tight* "You said that before. You left anyway." *fingers dig into the car seat* Why should I believe you now?

I didn’t..