ASHER
There was a loud ringing in my ears that almost drowned out everything else. I could barely hear him. He pulled me close to him and slammed me back against the wall, sending a bright flare of pain down my spine.
Hot tears leaked out from the corners of my eyes. I was helpless to stop them. Through a rapidly swelling eye, I saw my father's face twisted in disgust. He spat on the floor.
"You're a f*****g bastard," he said. "You hear me? A bastard!"
I flinched as he raised his fists again. I supposed at this point, I was supposed to hit him back and defend myself, but my arms felt like slabs of iron at my sides. I couldn't even raise them.
"I'm sorry," I cried, not even knowing what I was apologizing for. I could barely recognise my voice. It sounded like I was talking through a bo
