Chapter 27

Winter POV

We pull up into the driveway and I shudder looking at the house. Had it always looked this intimidating and

imposing or was my imagination going into overdrive? I’m reluctant to get out of the car and I watch as Damien gets

out, part of me wanting to cower against the seat and stay in the car. I know he’s told me that father is gone forever

but a small part of me thinks he could be lying, that this could be a trap and that’s what keeps me from getting out.

My brother looks exasperated but I don’t care.

“Winter” he says softly, knocking on my window “it’s safe to come out, I promise he’s not here.”

I just look at him and then slowly, quietly, get out, closing the car door behind me. To my surprise Damien takes hold of my hand and gives it a squeeze, I guess his way of trying to reassure me as we walk up the driveway and to the front door together.

Damien reaches out and opens the door, turning the light on and going inside, while I clutch his hand with a death grip. The lounge room is completely littered with beer bottles and there’s father’s odor still drifting in the air. I gag, putting a hand over my mouth and taking deep breaths. I’m aware I’m still in a hospital gown but I’m too scared

to go upstairs by myself.

“Are you hungry?” Damien asks and I shake my head, tugging at my hospital gown and looking at him with wide

eyes in an effort to get him to understand what I want.

“You want to get changed” he says and I nod.

“Go on then” he urges and I shake my head, pulling on his hand while he stares at me confused.

want me to come with you?” he asks gently and I nod, staring down at the ground. He uses a finger to lift my

and I pull him behind me as I try, very

though and scoops me up, carrying me the rest of the way and placing my

bed.

and throws a shirt and pants at

need underwear, vehemently aware that I’m not wearing any at the moment. I

bright red.

top drawer. He acts

as I fight the urge to laugh. He pointedly

I nod. There’s no way I’m about to ask my

in the hallway” he says then frowns. “Knock on the wall or something when your finished. I forgot

and I wait impatiently until he’s

I begin to wriggle into my underwear and pants, every movement excrutiating. The shirt was the easiest part and I was panting heavily by the time I was done. The clothes hung on me but so did the rest of them and it’s not like

Loudly

rushing in. “Anything

pick me up. I mime a pen and paper, pretending

he gets

mutters and I point to my desk where

before swiftly picking me up and taking me

and I flinch, looking

the recliner anyway” he points out and

food or a drink?” he suggests looking a little lost. This is all new to him

not used to anyone caring for

to me, carefully

his lap.

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