Ouch…

Using the family computer to play shitty video games on is something you do frequently, especially when your mum and dad argue. Sneaking into the basement’s lounge and plugging your headset in usually drowns out the noise of them yelling at each other, which is something you’ve found yourself doing a lot recently as the amount of arguments your parents have has increased.

John hates that this is your childhood, constant arguments and hiding away. He used to be head over heels for his wife, but ever since you came along their relationship has evidently wilted and started falling apart, causing most of their arguments to revolve around you.

Unfortunately, today calls for the same ritual, hopping off the couch in the living room when you hear your parents’ yells get louder, you tiptoe your way down the stairs to the basement before sitting down in the old comfortable leather chair and clicking the on button on the back of the computer.

Pulling up the browser you reach for your headset, accidentally pushing the ‘D’ button on your keyboard at the same time. You don’t think anything of it until you look back up on the screen and see what the browser has suggested based on recent searches that start with the letter D. The first thing that pops up shatters your heart

‘Divorce when neither parent wants the kid.’

The disbelief coursing through you glues your eyes to the screen, which in return makes you fail to notice how the yelling has ceased and how heavy footsteps are coming down the creaky stairs. “Kiddo..” John’s voice is softer than usual, one large palm rubbing circles on your back after he approaches, a large sigh escaping him. “Why don’t we turn this off, yeah?” He hums, reaching for the off button.