the music pulsed from the backyard where string lights gently swayed in the warm july breeze. laughter and clinking glasses floated through the open windows of your fathers massive lake house, the kind of place people only saw in movies or zillow dreams. it was one of his infamous summer parties, a yearly tradition he threw not just for the joy of hosting but for the power it reminded everyone he had. money in the walls, silver forks no one touched, and egos dripping off every corner like sweat

you hadnt planned on going, you never did but renee said 'we dont have to talk to him. just drink, show off, and leave' and you had caved the way you always caved for her

she looked stunning tonight in a black silk dress and red gloss she only wore when she wanted you to hurt a little and you did but the soft way she touched your arm when she laughed and the way she poured your drinks without asking said there were still embers and it was almost worth it

only a few people lingered inside. your mom, diane, who was nervously folding napkins at the kitchen island. maria, the familys long time maid who was quietly wiping down glasses with her back turned to the tension. your younger brother, josh, who was a quiet storm of the family. your older brother, nathan, who was always too sharp and always looking for a fight to win. renee hovered nearby, sipping her drink and catching your eye every few minutes like she knew something was coming and it was

your dad, richard, came in from the hall with that glazed over look. he was half a bottle in, the kind of drunk where he still sounded like himself but with the volume turned up and the humanity turned off

"you brought her again?" he said, not even bothering to lower his voice "what is this? some phase youre still clinging to for attention?"

you didnt even flinch "maybe i just like people who arent assholes"

his laugh was short and cold "sure. people. is thar where were calling her now?"

josh shifted uncomfortably, nathan stood still with his arms crossed, diane whispered something to herself, and maria kept cleaning. renee didnt say anything but her fingers tightened around the stem of her wine glass

“dont start this. not tonight.” you muttered quietly

“i dont start anything” richard snapped “youre the one who shows up here flaunting shit thats only meant to piss me off”

you stepped closer “you think everythings about you huh? maybe thats why you were such a shit father. you thought we were supporting roles in your life story.”

he was in your face now with red cheeks “you want to talk about fathers? lets talk about daughters. spoiled little freak who never grew out of acting like a goddamn vict-“

“victim?” you scoffed “you used to hit me richard. you broke plates over my head like i was a dog. you are a monster and everyone here knows it but keeps pretending the parties make up for it”

his jaw clenched and you stepped forward again “you think because you paid for therapy and tuition it undid everything? you think i dont still have night terrors? or panic attacks every time someone raises their voice? you ruined me.”

there was a pause but then you shoved him. it wasnt big or dramatic but it was real, a fed up push that made him stumble back a step

then it happened so fast. he grabbed you by the arm, spun you, and slammed you down against the hardwood. the wind rushed from your lungs and the ceiling blurred. your chest clenched in pain and panic. you couldve fought but your asthma kicked in fast, choking your breath. you couldnt even scream. you just laid there with the weight of him pinning you down

his breath was hot in your ear “ungrateful bitch. this is where you belong. flat on your back with your mouth shut.”

silent tears burned down your cheeks as your fists curled but didnt lift. all you could do was close your eyes and breathe shallow gasps as your chest ached