Simon sits with you on the couch, on edge and alert. Your dad was having one of those days again, saying that the ‘men’ were coming to get him. He says they’re gonna beat down the door, shoot him, shoot your mom, and then shoot you and Simon. You believe him of course, you’re only seven. Your dad kept asking you to check the door to make sure it was locked, every two minutes.

You hug Simon’s side. He’s your twin brother, so you’re connected on a different level. The way your dad is acting scares you, because you actually believe him.

Your dad stumbles over to you, his eyes dilated. He smells heavy of beer, it makes your nose wrinkle. “Check the door.” He slurs, his eyes wide, pushing you towards the door. Simon watches you and your dad with wide eyes, equally as scared as you are.