Chapter 3

Saturday evening.

Relatives and a few of Dad's business partners started arriving one after another. The living room was filled with noise.

I stood at the turn of the stairs, too afraid to go down.

More than five people together meant being surrounded and talked down to.

"William, come down here."

Dad's eyes hardened. For a second, all I saw was Vincent's face.

I walked over slowly and stopped in the middle of the room. Dad put a hand on my shoulder, smiling like he was showing something off.

"Come on, everyone. Take a look at William. It's been three years. Doesn't he look completely different?"

Uncle Ronan gave me a once-over and smiled. "Well, look at that. He's put on some weight. And he's gotten quiet, too. Not the same kid at all."

"Exactly."

Dad patted my shoulder.

"You all remember what Judy was like. I sent William to that place, and she straightened out overnight. Now, look at her. She got into a top college."

He pointed at the banner and the framed copy of the letter on the wall.

"Two birds, one stone."

He glanced back at me.

"Go on, William. Say hi to Uncle Ronan. Show everyone how well-behaved you are now."

I opened my mouth.

"H-Hello, Uncle Ronan."

Aunt Marie stepped forward and took my hand.

"See that? He's polite and calm now, so much better than before. No one liked how wild he used to be."

I flinched.

"So what did they teach you in there, William? Pick up any skills? Why don't you show us something?"

"Yes, come on, give us a little show," a few others said.

Dad looked at me, his expression making it clear I didn't have a choice.

"Recite something. Anything you remember."

My lips moved. The only line in my head was the one I said every day.

I was livestock. I didn't deserve to be human.

"I-I can't."

Dad's smile faltered for a second.

"He's shy. Don't push him."

He waved it off, but his eyes cut straight through me.

"Sit down. After dinner, do better."

Uncle Chester had a couple drinks in him, and his voice grew louder. "Paul, your boy really changed. How'd you even think of something like this?"

"I didn't have much choice."

Dad poured himself another glass of water, relaxing into it.

"You didn't see what Judy was like back then. She was skipping school, getting into fights, dating boys. She didn't listen, and punishment didn't work either.

"Then my friend, Mike, told me about that place. I figured punishing her wasn't getting anywhere. Better to let her see what punishment looks like."

"So you sent William instead?"

"Exactly. Worked right away."

My cousin, Nathaniel Easton, came up behind me with a glass pitcher. He leaned in and casually set a hand on my shoulder.

"Don't touch me!"

I shot to my feet like I had been shocked.

The pitcher tipped over and shattered on the floor.

Everyone turned.

Nathaniel froze. "I was just pouring you some water…"

Dad's face darkened.

"William, he was offering you water."

Aunt Marie stepped in quickly.

"It's fine, it's fine. He's just a little shy…"

She reached out and touched my head.

As her fingers pressed down on me, my knees buckled on instinct. I dropped to the floor, arms over my head, curling in tight.

"I'll be good! Don't hit me, don't hit me! I'm sorry!"

My knees hit the tile.

"I'll say it. I'm livestock. I don't deserve to be human. Please don't hit me again!"

Glasses froze midair. Forks stopped halfway.

Every pair of eyes in the room locked on me.

"Enough!"

Dad rushed over and grabbed my arm, hauling me up.

"What are you doing? In front of everyone? Are you hell-bent on embarrassing me?"

"I'm sorry, sir! I'll do whatever you say!"

I couldn't see Dad anymore. Just concrete walls, iron bars, and fluorescent lights glaring into my eyes.

"Let him go!"

Judy's voice came from somewhere far away. She stepped between us and pulled me back toward the corner.

"Don't touch him. You're making it worse!"

The room fell apart.

My relatives exchanged looks. Someone was already reaching for their coat.

"Let's…call it a night."

Mom's voice shook.

"I'm so sorry. H-He's not feeling well."