I crept back, searching for things to put in front of the door just in case he managed to break it down. I ran to Ace’s dresser and attempted to push it only to find that it was too heavy.

So, I did the only other thing I could think of: I crawled underneath Ace’s bed. I covered my ears and rolled into a ball on my side, my pulse pounding, my heart in my throat.

The banging continued for a while. And even after it ceased, Mr. Stoll sounded livid in the hall, screaming my name, swearing, snarling. It sounded like he was punching walls and throwing furniture.

I...