Dad is home. The shouting is starting. Their shouts seem to gain hatred every night they fight.

It just occurred to me, why haven’t I asked them to stop and think about it? Why not ask them to sit down and talk?

So instead of going to my room, I go to the living room where the fight is taking place. My mom and dad both have the same look. Their eyes are full of anger. Their mouths snarl with hatred. If I have anything to console myself, at least they haven’t resorted to violence…yet.

“Um…” I say. Say it, Yuko! There’s still a chance. Maybe you can save it.

“What?!” My mom’s voice is full of anger and I stagger back trying to hold in my shock.

“Why don’t you just sit down and talk about it?” I say.

“Kids should out!” My dad shoves me out the doorway. I fall to the floor. What just happened?

“We’re beyond talking.” I’m not sure if I heard that right. If I have asked earlier, would it have made it better? Would I be on the floor, too shocked to register any pain that I might have?

I get up and start crying. My parents don’t notice. They’re too busy, too selfish to notice that I’m hurt. I go upstairs and put on a black jacket and black pants. I put on my shoes and take my phone and leave the door.

I try to call Atsuko. “Hey,” She says.

“Atsuko! I-“

“Sorry, I can’t get to the phone right now. Just leave a message and I’ll get back to you.” The voicemail? What is she doing?

I try again and again and each time I get her voicemail. I give up on calling and so I text her instead.

Can I stay with you tonight?

I doubt that she’ll reply right away. So I decide to go to downtown.

---

I wander downtown aimlessly. It seems like an hour has passed but when I check it’s only been 10 minutes. I’m still waiting for Atsuko’s text, call, anything.

The streets are poorly lighted. I don't know if it's to help preserve the history of the area or something else. I see a café across the street. Maybe having a nice hot chocolate will cheer me up tonight. As I begin to cross the street, I hear a honk.

When I turn, I see two blinding lights heading towards me and–

Chapters 11, 12, and 13 were supposed to come out this morning but I had writers block. Sorry, about that.