The shouting from the living room pulled me away from The Price Is Right. I crept down the hall and peeked around the corner.
"You're nothing but a filthy drug addict, Big Hank!" Ma yelled, shoving at his massive chest.
Dad just laughed. "That drug addict paid for your plastic surgery, so show a little gratitude woman!"
His words seemed to enrage Ma even more. "I've had enough of this! Where's my Coke, I know you been holding out on me!"
Dad shrugged and retrieved his bag from the cabinet. "Now this, this is the good stuff." He took a huge sniff and sighed. "A small price to pay for you and that good-for-nothing whale of a son!"
"Don't you pin that tub of lard on me!" Ma hissed. "I sure as hell didn't want to be saddled with him."
Dad leaned in close, sneering. "You think I won't lay you out? Go ahead, take your best shot. But you and I both know you won't."
He turned to leave, catching my gaze in the process. "Quit your snooping, fatty!" he bellowed, slamming the bedroom door behind him.
I slunk away, heart hammering. Their toxic relationship had only gotten worse over the years. Was there no escape from this miserable trailer and the misery within its rusty walls? I had to find a way out, before it destroyed me for good.
Damn, I thought we were done for the night after that blowout. But of course Big Hank wasn't finished causing trouble.
I heard more crashing and banging coming from the bedroom. Fearing the worst, I crept close and peered through the cracked door.
Big Hank was rummaging through his hoard of tools, muttering swear words under his breath. Finally he emerged with the giant sledgehammer we used for repairs. But the look in his eyes as he hefted it told me repairs were the last thing on his mind.
"That no good bitch needs to learn," he seethed. "Think she can disrespect me in my own place? I'll show her who's boss around here."
With the sledge grasped tight in his meaty fists, he stomped down the hall towards Ma's room. I had to do something before he hurt her, or worse.
Summoning all my bulk, I launched myself at Dad's massive back and wrestled with all my strength to restrain him.
He spun around, eyes wild. But seeing it was me, some of the rage seemed to ebb away. With a grunt, he shoved me off and dropped the sledge, which crashed to the floor with an echoing thud.
"Get outta my sight, Porky Pig" he growled, pushing past back to his room. I was left shaken, but grateful no one ended up in the hospital. Or the morgue.