"So this is how you feel, my daughter... I see everything clearly now."
With those ominous words, he kicked the blanket off of himself and lunged at his child.
Gilbert grabbed her hand which held the blade and squeezed hard, forcing the weak girl to drop the knife while yelping in pain.
He didn't let go of her hand even after she lost the weapon, instead choosing to use his hold as an anchor so that the girl wouldn't fly across the room from the punches that followed.
This time, there was no Vernice who could offer her body as protection the young Iris could hide behind. She was alone, faced by a cruel monster.
