A tobias story.
He stands in front of me, puffing out his chest. He looks like he could just be trying to be proud, but instead he is trying to be the bigger man.
As always.
He takes a step towards me. And another.
"You've been very naughty, haven't you Tobias" he says quietly. Most people would be pleased he is not shouting, but is acting like a cat about to pounce on a unsuspecting victim. But I'm not unsuspecting though. I know what's coming.
He moves his body in time to the image of I'm in my head. He does this almost every night.
Takes his hands down to his jeans.
Moves his hand to the buckle of his belt.
Un dos the belt.
Picks up the belt.
Throws the belt at my face, my chest, my arms, my...
"STOP IT! GAHHHHH!" I scream in agony, as the sharp metal buckle hits me.
But as I say. That's what normally happens.
He will do the same thing as always.
Hurt me. Make me feel weak.
But I shall be different. Brave and strong.
I shall stand as the blood trickles down my face.
Proudly, as Tobias Eaton.
That way he would be lying to call me a coward.
But inside I'm shutting down. The agony of the belt hurts to much.
I nearly scream. But I restrict myself. Just when he thinks I am about to give in I shout:
"I MAY BE YOUR PHYSICAL SON, BUT YOU ARE NO FATHER OF MINE!"
I grab the belt from his unsuspecting hands, and throw it at his face.
He screams, then drags me by the scruff of my neck to the cupboard under the stairs where I stay for days.
Undisturbed.
Alone.
At last.