“Dad… My Back Hurts So Bad I Can’t Sleep. Mom Told Me Not to Tell You.” I Had Just Walked In From a Business Trip

Not some horror-movie household I should obviously have recognized.

That made it worse in another way.

Sarah’s anger came in bursts.

A grabbed arm.

A shove.

One occasion where Lily said Sarah struck the back of her legs with an open hand.

Another where she was pushed hard enough against a cabinet to bruise her shoulder.

Then apologies.