After I Refused To Pay Tuition, A Family Dispute Turned Violent—and Went On Record

in my ears.

The headaches were worst at first. Bright light stabbed my eyes. Sudden noises made me flinch. I moved slowly, careful not to jostle my head, mindful of the stitches tugging my skin.

Sleep came in patches. I’d wake from dreams where the bottle hadn’t landed, where I’d ducked in time, or where I was the one holding it, my fingers pale and continue reading …