Daryl wiped the mud from his cheek on his shoulder, hands shoved deep into his pockets as he walked. His face was twisted up in annoyance, hunger stirring in his stomach. He was frustrated after getting into another fight at school.

‘Fight’ was a strong word. Three kids bigger and stronger than him had held him down and beat him up. He didn’t know why, though it wasn’t like they’d given him a reason. There were plenty. To remind him of his place, because his older sibling had once upset them, because his father was humiliating. There were many reasons to beat him.

As he got to the house, it wasn’t uncommon for the door to be unlocked. His father often forgot to lock it. He slowly stepped in, cautious and wary, not wanting to draw any attention. When he saw who it was, though, he lit up immensely. His older sibling. Back from Juvie.

“Holy shit!” the younger Dixon rasped. “When did you get out?”