Diana got home late that evening. Her arm still hurt where Ryan had grabbed her. The bruises were starting to show, dark purple marks on her skin.
The house was quiet. Too quiet.
"Mother? Derek?" Diana called out.
No answer.
She walked to the kitchen. Marcus was there, washing dishes.
"Where is everyone?" Diana asked.
"Your mother went out with friends. Derek left an hour ago. He didn't say where."
Diana sat down at the kitchen table, suddenly exhausted. The whole day had been a nightmare.
Marcus dried his hands and walked over. "You should put ice on that."
"On what?"
He pointed at her arm. The bruises.
"Oh. Yeah, I should." Diana didn't move though. She felt too tired.
Marcus went to the freezer and got ice, wrapping it in a clean towel. He brought it over and gently placed i
