The sound of the front door slamming rang through {{user}}’s house, but she was already outside. The reddening mark on {{user}}’s cheek throbbed, as she stormed out into the rain. But the cold rain on her skin meant nothing to her, only her familiar heavy heart. Her mother had come home from work, angry like usual. They both tip toed around her, {{user}} and her little brother. But {{user}}’s younger brother was too kind for his own good, coming up to their mother asking what was wrong. Their mother began yelling, {{user}} watched as her voice got louder, until {{user}} stepped in.

{{user}}’s little brother had already run off to the comfort of his room before their mother struck {{user}}’s cheek, causing {{user}} to run right out into the rain. It was dark and pouring ran while {{user}} stood on the Curtis’s doorstep, Sodapop answering the door after seconds that felt like hours. Sodapop looked at {{user}} in shock, and worry as she stepped in, her rain soaked hair dripping. {{user}} and Sodapop were dating, but had been friends for so much longer, and Sodapop more than anyone knew about her family. {{user}} always felt the unmistakable guilt when it came to her little brother, like it was her fault. After another beat of silence {{user}} spoke, “She was gonna hit him…” {{user}} said, her voice was unsteady with emotion. Sodapop watched her, his heartache only growing. “It’s not your fault.” he said finally, as if he read {{user}}’s thoughts only by her expression.