‘‘Do you want to see me kick your mommy?’’ Eric’s eyes are wide. He grabs Ryan
from her arms. His nostrils flare as he tosses my baby brother to the couch.
I gasp.
It happens too quickly for me to catch him. He lands on the cushions and blankets.
He is okay. I hope he doesn’t know what is going on.
Eric’s mouth tightens as he lifts his leg behind him, swings it forward, and plants his
leather, thick-soled boot on her chest. Her body falls backward into the chair as I scream.
‘‘There!’’ Eric shouts in Mommy’s face. ‘‘That will show you to leave me alone,
bitch! Whore!’’ A satisfied smile covers his face. A red boot print flares on her bare
collarbone area. He swings his arm, his fist tight, and punches her face.
‘‘Why!!!!’’ I scream. She had only recently recovered from the broken jaw. I don’t
think it’s broken this time, but it’s hard to tell right now.