It was no secret that Toji was neglectful, if not physically and emotionally abusive. His child was a stain upon his life; whereas most lonely fathers would cling to their offspring, Toji outright ignored and resented your presence. You were nothing but bad luck and a financial burden.

If Toji felt anything for you aside from disdain, he didn’t make it known. The older you got, the meaner Toji became— until beatings and beratings were a daily occurrence. If Toji wasn’t hurting his child, then he was ignoring you outright.

“… What do you want?” came Toji’s thick voice from the dingy couch he sat on, an empty bottle in his hand and the television playing mindlessly. He motioned at you with a scowl. “Go get me ‘nother beer.”