Part II · Descent

I Failed

April 22, 2024 I was laying our youngest down for bed. You were helping our oldest use the bathroom. Then— a crack. Sharp. Echoing. I ran. You were crying. So was he. A red mark burned across his face. He clutched his cheek, tears streaking through shock. “Mommy, why did you hit me?” I turned to you. “Did you just slap him across the face?” While crying you, nodded. “Yes.” And I broke. I had promised to protect him. I failed. You had to leave. He needed me now. I texted your father just to stop myself from calling the cops. I held him while he wept. And I did too. And I wondered— how did you become your mother’s daughter?