Chapter 12
The damage Merrick had done to Ryan took time to heal. The swollen lip and the bruises were the first to go, removing the daily visual reminder of what had happened. The emotional damage took longer.
They still ate together, and Ryan did all the chores Merrick had given him. But otherwise, he spent most of his time in the studio, pouring all his energy into completing the monster series. He slept alone in his own room, as he’d told Merrick he would.
I could pack up and leave. It might be the smartest thing. He knew it would be. If I did leave, where would I go? I don’t have a job anymore. Sure, I’m making some money on from my art, but it’s not steady. It’s not guaranteed. But if I stay…
He had no reason to believe Merrick wouldn’t blow up again at some perceived infraction
