Unwanted Protection

DAPHNE

I paced in the living room, my arms crossed tightly against my chest, my nerves fraying with every passing minute. Dominic’s absence was enough to anger me, but Vanessa’s words were like salt in an open wound.

He hit my father.

The phrase looped in my mind, relentless and infuriating. I had told myself to remain calm until Dominic returned, but as the clock ticked on, I felt my resolve crum