Chapter 2

My parents died in a car crash during my sophomore year of high school.

They were fighting over the steering wheel, causing the car to plunge off the road and into the river below a cliff.

I became an orphan overnight. Everyone thought I was pathetic, but all I felt was relief.

A mother who, after an argument with my father, would choke me and scream about dying together.

A father who would hit me to vent his anger whenever things went wrong at home.

What was there for me to pity?

The funny thing was, outside, they’d act like we were the perfect, loving family.

Only Liam Hayes knew the truth.

Even though I tried my best to hide them, he saw the bruises on my neck.

He pulled up my sleeves and saw the scars on my arms.

He once told me:

“The more this happens, the more you have to fight. I’ll help you. Once you’re strong enough, they won’t be able to touch you.”

Liam and I were childhood friends from the same street.

When we moved away, our families ended up in the same neighborhood.

When the arguments at home got too loud, I’d be afraid of getting choked.

Afraid of getting beaten, I’d run to his place.

His home was truly warm!

Hot, steaming meals, all sorts of snacks, loving parents – it was paradise.

Mrs. Hayes would always ask if I'd eaten, and Mr. Hayes would remind me to focus on my studies.

Liam would clear half of his desk for me to study with him.

He was smart, good at school, and well-liked.

Even back when we lived on the street, all the adults said he was destined for great things.

If my parents were looking for me after a fight, all I had to say was I was at Liam's, and they'd leave me alone.

I always remembered Liam’s words:

“Get strong. Once you’re strong, they won’t be able to touch you.”