Hani

“All the time I talk, more man gather round, summoned by Bert's silent rage. And I know they'll have made sure the screw is looking the other way whilst Bert punches me quietly in the stomach untill I fall to the floor. I'm talking all the time, as the punches take the air from my body. He'll always love him, I say. Over and over. Then Bert's kicking me in the chest and and someone else is kicking me in the back and I cover my face with my fists but it does no good because the blows keep coming. And still I'm getting the words out. He'll always love him. And I remember the time Tom came to the flat and was so angry with me for lying to him about portrait and a I imagine it's him kicking me again and again and again and I keep whispering his name until I no longer feel anything at all.”
― Bethan Roberts, My Policeman