Absolute Zero

dad’s greatest hit

a kick

between mother’s legs

children services

we memorize

our lines

5th Commandment

another beating

justified

family photo

I learn

to grind my teeth

gaslight

suffocation

is play

slow death

he demands

to share my bed

absolute zero

our roles shift

to predator-prey

no exit

he name drops

a hitman

*Published in Issue #24 of Prune Juice (under the pseudonym, Coda)