THEY RETURNED FROM the Rim just before dark. Cash dropped j******f at the gas station and he walked to his house through the trail in the woods. The snow on the ground was melting and made for slick spots and slush as he trekked along. The thick canopy of trees made it hard to see, even though the sun had not fully set, but Jack would know his way even if it was pitch dark, having used the path so much as a shortcut to town. When he got close to the house, Jack could make out the flicker of light from the TV through the back window. He’d had a good day and refused to let anyone ruin it, so he walked in the house, trying to stand tall and not be bothered if his Father was in a bad mood or not.
“Where have you been, boy?” His Father’s voice was full of menace. Jack could see the empty cans
