I needed to get the milk wiped up, and then hide the rag in the dirty laundry and hope that mother doesn’t noticed it. I had only just gotten on my knees in front of the puddle of milk when the lights came on.
“Annabelle, what the hell are you doing out of your bedroom?” mother screamed.
I didn’t have time to answer as I scrambled off the floor as mother stepped toward me, not that there was anything to say in my defense. Her puffy eyes and dark red cheeks were indicative of how she had spent the evening. I tried to raise my arms up, but I wasn’t quick enough as her hand slapped downward across my cheek. I braced myself for another blow, but mother stepped back with her hand cupped against her nose.