The arguing got louder. The warm glow from the basement lights became heated with anger and blame. I whispered to my brother to stay still. I slowly crept, trying not to trip on my nightgown, to get a peek. I needed to see it. I could feel the hate, but I needed to witness it. Just two steps down and I could see them. A loud accusation swiftly followed by a forceful slap to the face!
It happened at that moment. That single moment forever changed me. I quickly grabbed my brother and led him back through the darkened house to his bed.
...
Who hit who? I don't know. It doesn't matter. All I knew was that my safe world was destroyed before my eyes. I could feel it to the core.
Within a year my parents divorced. The ugliness, the hatred, fear and pain intensified for both of them. The uncertainty, sadness, fear and confusion grew for my brother and I.
