Thy Kingdom Come

I let my guard down for a pretty face. Never again.

Dad hits me in the stomach, knocking the wind from my lungs. I drop to my knees, and when he knees under my chin, I collapse onto my back.

“Is that the best ya got, aul’ lad?” I provoke, a pained wheeze leaving me as he stomps on my knee.

“Ya fucking smart-arse!” He doesn’t stop his assault. He kicks my ribs, my stomach, screaming that I’m worthless and should have died with my ma.

I accept his slurs and punches because he’s right, but instead of Mum dying, it should have been me. But her death will not be in vain. Every Doyle is going to pay for what they did. My dad isn’t with me, so all I’ve got is me, which is no different to how I’ve lived my entire life.

I’ve waited long enough. The Doyles incited a war—it’s time the Kellys finally answered back.

But first, there’s a wee doll I need to find.