“He cries because you encourage it,” Cynthia continued while inspecting her nails as if nothing mattered. “One weekend with my mother and he will finally learn how to behave properly.”
Her mother Gloria was a retired military nurse known for her rigid discipline and intimidating presence, and Anthony had always felt uneasy around her. He had resisted these visits for months, yet constant arguments and threats from Cynthia had slowly worn him down.
“Dad,” Evan suddenly screamed as he unbuckled his seatbelt and reached forward desperately. “Don’t make me go, Grandma scares me so much.”
“Evan, sit back,” Anthony began, but Cynthia spun around quickly and grabbed the boy’s wrist with force that made him cry out in pain. The car swerved slightly before Anthony steadied it again, his heart pounding with rising dread.
“Sit down right now,” Cynthia hissed with sharp hostility before releasing him, leaving red marks on his small arm. Evan collapsed back into his seat silently, his sobs fading into quiet resignation that no child should ever carry.