I am struck speechless by the sheer amount of bruises covering Neil’s bare chest. His usual attractive physique is hidden behind splotches of red and purple. Angry, swelling marks and cuts with drops of blood.
“This is a lesson?” I ask. Outrage swirls inside of me, making my gut clench uncomfortably. I want to find out whoever did this to him and return the favor tenfold.
I have questions and I want answers. But first, I want to make sure that he’s okay.
I walk closer to him. He doesn’t move except to watch me as I come to stand before him. I think to tug on his arm, but bruises litter the skin there too. The only places that seem untouched are those that would be visible while he wears his usual clothes.
His hand seems safe, so I take it in mine. He doesn’t hold my hand in return, but
