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.

nod, staring down at the ground. He uses a finger to lift my chin, staring

I pull him behind me as I try, very awkwardly

me up, carrying me the rest of the way and placing

bed.

through the drawers and throws a shirt

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

bright red.

point to the top drawer. He acts

fight the urge to

no way I’m about to ask my brother for help getting dressed. I don’t care how long it takes,

hallway” he says then frowns. “Knock on the wall or something when

talk” he says apologetically and I wait

I was done.

Loudly

in. “Anything

he can pick me up. I mime a

he gets the

my desk where a notepad and pen sat. He grabs it

before swiftly picking me up and

me on the couch and I flinch, looking at

recliner anyway” he points out and I

suggests looking a little lost. This is all new

to anyone caring for me

next to me, carefully placing my bad

his lap.

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