But then, suddenly, I’m not. Echoes of things Demyen used to tell me whisper in my mind, and I’m reminded that I am not, in fact, a helpless little girl.
I’m a full-grown woman.
A full-grown woman with a bone to pick.
I wrench my arm from Dad’s grasp and quickly snatch the phone from the floor. “What does it look like I’m doing, Dad? I’m getting the truth from you and making sure the right people hear it.”
Blood drains from his face. His anger waivers into fear, and then back into rage. “You… you little f*****g b***h—”
“Watch your tone with me.” I hold my hand up to stop him when he moves to grab me again. This time, I’m not scared of him. This time, I look him dead in the eyes. “I’m not your Clar-bear. I’m not your helpless little punching bag anymore.”
Dad sidesteps my arm and gra
