Chapter 104

I took a long, hot shower before I even considered crawling into bed. The scalding liquid felt nice on my exhausted and weary body. I let it run down my back as I sat down, trying to rein in my emotions. I felt like I'd been battered left and right, although the only visible bruise was a faint welt on my cheek from Brett's punch. My symptoms had abated but I could still feel the overwhelming heat lingering under the surface of my skin. Once my father woke up, I would ask him what the hell was wrong with me. By the time I dried myself and threw on the baggiest t-shirt I could find, I knew dawn was approaching fast. I could sleep a day if I wanted to but, instead, I set the alarm near my bed for afternoon. If something important happened, someone would wake me up. Sometime later, an annoying and persistent sound began to leak into my peaceful haven of sleep. I turned over, burying myself deeper into the warmth of my comforter, but still the noise continued. Afte