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“It was. I’m just sorry it came to this to make me see that I needed to report him. He’d tell me over and over that he’d change, and then for a while, he did. He seemed fine initially after you left, but the longer it went on and you didn’t come home, this mania overtook him. It was all he could think about. I thought if you spoke to him, it’d help, but I see now that nothing would have. He’d have just got worse and worse.”
She stood, gripping her handbag in her hands.
“Are you going already?” Ashok stood too, towering over her small frame, and Hayden realised how strong she must have been to withstand all that Ashok’s father had done to her.
“I have a train to catch. I just wanted to stop by and tell you what had happened. That he is no longer around to bother you. My door is always open to you both, and I hope now you will come back home to visit. These past few months have been difficult, not seeing you, not having any contact with you. I was selfish, thinking only of myself and that if your father brought you home, all would be well. I hope you can forgive me. Both of you.”
Ashok hugged her tight. “Of course I can, Mum. We went through so much together; how could I not?”
She pulled away, tears wetting both their faces.
“Look after him, Hayden. He’s going to need you in the coming months, I suspect. More than he needs me. You were there for him when I wasn’t.”
“I promise, but you have to promise and come visit us, too. You’re always welcome.”
Ashok walked her to the front door, and Hayden stayed back, sure they had things they needed to say without him around. He busied himself washing and drying the cups. It had been a funny old day, one fraught with worry for Ashok, not knowing how he’d react to coming home nor how he’d be with his mum when she turned up, but he needn’t have worried.
Yes, it would take time for him to get used to the house again, but there was nothing to say they couldn’t move. It was only a rented house after all, and with how busy the coffee shop had become, he was sure he could find something a little more upmarket, a little closer to the studio. He’d discuss it with Ashok, just not right now.
Ashok walked back into the kitchen, wiping his eyes.
“Are you alright?”
“I am now. Tired but fine. I didn’t realise how much it’d take out of me, getting home and talking with mum. I’m glad she came, though. It put my mind at rest a little, knowing he won’t be coming after me again.”
“She’s a brave woman. Most victims of domestic abuse never get out and often end up dead. You were both victims.”
“Can we go to bed? I just want you to hold me until I fall asleep.”
“Sounds like a plan.” He only had one thing he needed to say to him, first. It had been playing on his mind for the last few days but now, there was no holding it in. “Just one thing, though. That day when I came home and found you. I knew what had happened, and I was ready to burn down the world to find your father, except you needed me. I just didn’t realise how much I needed you, too. It’s been hell on earth these past few days. I’m glad you’re home, Ashok.”
“I’m glad you found me, Hayden, and you’re right, I did need you. I still do, and I don’t see that changing any time soon. I think you might be stuck with me, old man.”
Epilogue
Twelve Months Later
Ashok
“Is that the last of it?” Ashok shouted from the bedroom.
“I think so.” Hayden was outside, putting the last of their belongings into the car.
It was moving day, finally, and Ashok couldn’t be happier to see the back of this place. He’d loved it when he first moved in. It was central to everything he needed; it had a cute garden, and there was more than enough room for the two of them. Three, if you included Jerome.
Since the assault, everything had changed. When Hayden was with him, he had no issue, but the moment he was alone in the house, he saw ghosts behind every door. Visions of his father walking towards him, a manic look in his eyes. He’d been intent on murder, Ashok was sure of it.
He’d said nothing to Hayden about his fear, but the moment Hayden left the house, he would too, either walking into the city or, as was usual, ending up in the coffee shop.
Of course Hayden had noticed. He always did see the bigger picture, and one evening after dinner, he’d broached the subject.
“How are you getting on? It’s been a few months now.”
“I’m fine,” Ashok said, playing with the food on his plate.
“You’re not, though, are you? When was the last time you spent any time alone in the house? I’m not saying it’s a bad thing, but I get the feeling you no longer feel safe here, and that won’t do.”
Ashok sighed. He thought he’d managed to hide the abject fear he felt, only to find he’d not hidden it at all.
