She grimaced and cradled her hand - purple spots had already appeared on the skin that would soon turn into bruises. You need to do an x-ray. I am a bastard and a reptile, a forgotten beast. But the feeling of guilt and awakened conscience did not cancel my rage.

Taya didn't cry anymore. She didn't say a word as we got home. She did not look drooping either: her shoulders were straightened, her lips were stubbornly compressed.

The children rushed to her, bombarded her with questions, but when they saw our stony faces, they drooped. Mark pulled Nastya. They backed up to the room. They looked scared. Heck.

"I'll...