Chapter 9

8-year-old Cole’s POV

I yelp as I’m awakened by a sharp blow to the back of my neck. Before I can fully process what’s going on, I receive a harsh slap across my face. I grab the side of my face, gently rubbing away the sting as my eyes well up in tears. I yelp again as my mom starts yelling at me.

“What are you doing sleeping before dinner? There’s too much you need to get done before you go to bed, and you know it.”

I try to back away from her as she’s only inches from my face. Unfortunately, this show of fear earns me another hard slap across my face before she grabs me by the back of my neck and drags me out of my chair.