Chapter 38 - Chapter 37

# Chapter 37
VUSI, 16

No matter how much I ran away from my past, I always returned here, starved for affection. Even the toxic kind. I hadn't meant to do it, but as the cold nights closed in and loneliness hooked my heart, I found myself outside the caravan, shivering in the pouring rain.

Ma creaked open the door, took one look at me, and stepped aside, tightening her pink robe.

I had no one else.

I was too big and strong for her to hit again. Too tall for her to take her anger and resentment out on. Now I served a different purpose. Filled a different hole in her life.

But the voices grew louder, more insistent, whispering things like, "She hates you. You're worthless. Kill her. Cut her throat. You think she cares for you? Lies. No one cares about you. End her suffering. Wouldn't it feel good to feel her life slip from her body? To see the light go out in her eyes. Only then will you be free."

"Vusi, baby," Ma whispered, stirring awake in the bed. Tied to the bed frame, the zip-ties around her bony wrists bit into her thin skin as she tugged on her restraints.

I switched on the bedside light, bathing the room in a dim glow. Ma's eyes widened as I tightened my grip on the axe in my hand. "Haibo, Vusi? What are you doing?"