Everyday Life

She comes home from school and walks in through the back door, trying to avoid him. Beer cans are scattered across the kitchen. She's so used to it; it's simply another part of her home. Tip-toeing to her room quietly, she's hoping he doesn't hear her.

"Where the hell do you think you're going?"

Away from you.

"My room. I have a lot of homework."

He takes two steps closer.

"Why can't you do it out here?"

Because I can't stand the smell of beer and the sound of a bipolar man sharing his regrets of having a daughter.

"I like the quiet, too noisy in here."'

He rushes towards her like an angry bull.

"Sit down! You're staying in here for once… with your father."

Ugh. Beer breath. I can practically taste it.

She reluctantly sits on the couch and attempts to unzip her backpack until he snatches it and hurls it across the room.

"Hey, I have to do my –"

"No. You're too stupid to get into college, so what's the point in doing your homework?"

He laughs hysterically, like he's the funniest man on earth. She sits there, looking calm, unsurprised.

By the way Dad, I received my report card today. Straight A's.

"What's wrong with you?! You have no personality!"

He laughs again, even more hysterically now.

I have more personality than your alcoholic, lame excuse for a father-self.

"Answer me dammit! What is wrong with you?! You're so stupid!"

She looks at him directly in the eyes and doesn't even flinch as he picks up the end table and throws it across the room.

Well that was completely unnecessary.

He struts into the kitchen and gulps down yet another beer. It's apparently the last one because she hears him throw the can against the wall. He quickly walks to the front door and slams it behind him.

She bursts into tears.