Even underground it was hot. Faith sat on the platform. A trickle of sweat ran between her shoulder blades. She felt hollow, numb. A man walked past, staring at her.
She knew she must look a sight. She could still taste the metallic tang of blood, and she knew her eye was beginning to swell.
The first punch had taken her by surprise. Fred had swung and hit her eye, his wedding ring catching her below her eyebrow, splitting the skin.
She had just stood there, too stunned to move.
Her passivity annoyed Fred. He slapped her hard across the mouth.
She had moved then, walking to the door.
She opened the door and walked out, not looking back. She walked down the stairs and out into the heavy night air.
And now she sat on the subway platform, shoulders bent, shaking.
She couldn't believe what had happened.
She knew she couldn't go back.
The problem was, where could she go?
Her first thought was Bosco, but after the last few days, she couldn't face it. Besides, she didn't want to drag up all the shit with his mom.
My God. She was a beaten wife. The thought popped into her head. She began to laugh hysterically, tears rolling down her cheeks.
She had to pull herself together. Winos were looking down their noses at her.
She had to go somewhere, but where?