Judy sat frozen on the bed, her legs still partially open, her heavy breasts rising and falling with each nervous breath as she stared at her son on the floor.
Neil remained on the ground, holding his cheek, finally realizing just how outmatched he truly was.
"Mom… Alex hit me…" Neil cried, still holding his swollen cheek with one hand as he sat on the floor.
"Shut the fuck up," I snapped, already raising my fist again. I was more than ready to hit that motherfucker a second time.
Judy quickly reached out and grabbed my arm, pulling me back toward her.
"Alex, please… let him go. Come here, babe," she said softly, her voice filled with concern mixed with something darker.
"Wait, Judy. Let me close the door first," I replied.
I stepped away from her and the bed, walked over to the apartment door, and firmly shut it this time, locking us all inside. The soft click of the lock echoed in the quiet room.
Then I turned back to Neil, who was still on the floor.
