Chapter 3: Breaking Point
Autor
As promised here is the next episode
Marco’s hand on my shoulder was warm, comforting in its stillness. But that calm didn’t last long. We sat there in silence, the weight of our shared misery settling like a fog, when the unmistakable sound of our father’s footsteps echoed down the hallway. They were slow, deliberate—he wasn’t done with me yet. Marco’s hand tightened, but he didn’t move.
Miles
Go back to your room.
Miles
You don’t need to get involved.
He hesitated, the conflict clear on his face, but in the end, Marco just nodded and slipped away. The door closed with a soft click behind him, and I was alone again. The footsteps stopped outside my door.
When the door burst open, I was already on my feet. My father stormed in, his expression dark and furious, the tension crackling in the air between us.
Jose
You think you can just walk away?
He spat, his voice low and venomous.
Jose
After everything we’ve done for you, this is how you repay us? Being useless?
I didn’t respond. There was nothing I could say that would calm him down now. His anger was like a wildfire, uncontrollable and unpredictable.
Jose
You’re a disgrace to this family.
He hissed, stepping closer until I could smell the sharp scent of whiskey on his breath.
Jose
Always crying, always weak.
Something inside me snapped. Maybe it was all the years of biting my tongue, of pretending like his words didn’t carve into me, of trying to keep the peace. But in that moment, I couldn’t hold it in any longer.
Miles
Maybe if you treated me like a human being, I wouldn’t be so ‘weak’!
I shouted, surprising even myself. My voice rang out, louder than I intended. It was like the dam had finally broken, and I couldn’t stop the flood.
Miles
Maybe if you weren’t such a monster, I wouldn’t be terrified to just exist in this house!
For a moment, there was nothing but silence. My father’s face darkened, his expression twisting into something far more dangerous. He didn’t say a word—he didn’t have to. The flash of fury in his eyes told me everything I needed to know.
Before I could even brace myself, his hand flew through the air and struck me across the face. The impact sent me stumbling backward, my vision blurring from the force of the blow. Pain radiated through my cheek, hot and sharp, but I didn’t cry out. I wouldn’t give him the satisfaction.
Jose
You ungrateful little—
He started, but before he could finish, the door swung open again, and Marco was back.
Marco’s voice cracked, full of desperation. He stepped between us, his arms spread out as if he could shield me from the full force of our father’s rage.
Jose froze for a second, clearly not expecting Marco to intervene. His eyes narrowed, and for a moment, I thought he might turn his wrath on him. But then he scoffed, disgust dripping from every word.
Jose
You’re just as pathetic as your brother.
Marco stood his ground, his shoulders trembling, but he didn’t back down. I could see the fear in his eyes, the way he struggled to keep his voice steady. He wasn’t a hero—he was just as scared as I was—but for once, he wasn’t standing on the sidelines.
Jose
Get out of my way, Marco.
Our father growled, taking a step closer.
Marco said firmly, surprising us both.
For the first time in my life, Marco was standing up for me. It was something I’d given up hope on years ago. But even as relief washed over me, I knew how dangerous this could turn.
My father’s fists clenched at his sides, his whole body shaking with barely-contained rage. For a second, I thought he might actually hit Marco. But then, without a word, he turned and stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind him.
The silence that followed was deafening. My heart was pounding so hard in my chest, I thought it might burst. Marco stood there, his back still to me, his breathing shallow and shaky.
Miles
Why did you do that?
I finally asked, my voice hoarse.
He turned to face me, his eyes filled with something I hadn’t seen in a long time—regret.
Marco
Because I’m tired of watching you go through this alone.
I stared at him, unable to find the words. For years, I’d wanted him to step in, to help, and now that he finally had, it didn’t feel real. But the look on his face told me that maybe, just maybe, things could change. Maybe we didn’t have to survive this place alone anymore.
But even with Marco by my side, I knew deep down that this wasn’t over. My father’s anger was like a ticking time bomb, and sooner or later, it would explode. And when it did, I wasn’t sure we’d make it out unscathed.
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