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 deeply

gently and I pull him behind

me up, carrying me the

bed.

nods and rifles through the drawers and throws a shirt and pants at me, which I catch but I continue

aware that I’m not

bright red.

he says weakly and I point to the top drawer. He acts as though is hand is burned

urge to laugh. He pointedly

no way I’m about to

says then frowns. “Knock on the wall or

apologetically and I wait impatiently until he’s left

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

Loudly

in. “Anything

my head and then stop him before he can pick me up. I mime a pen and paper, pretending to write

gets the

paper” he mutters and I point to my desk where a notepad and pen sat. He grabs it

me, before swiftly picking me up and taking

to place me on the couch and I flinch, looking at him in

points out and I relax, letting him put me

looking a little lost. This is all new to

used to anyone

he brings me water before sitting next to me, carefully placing my bad foot and leg on

his lap.

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