Chapter 5: A Surprise Visit

A week had passed since Zack's last visit to Mrs. Patterson's house, and he had been trying to avoid his father's wrath ever since. But it seemed like fate had other plans. As he walked into the living room, he was greeted by the familiar sight of his father passed out on the couch, surrounded by empty beer bottles and takeout containers. The air was thick with the smell of stale beer and sweat. Zack's stomach growled with hunger, but he knew better than to approach his father when he was in this state. He quietly made his way to the kitchen to see if there was anything left to eat, but the fridge was almost bare. The only thing he found was a half-eaten loaf of bread, which he devoured in two bites. Just as he was about to head back to his room, he heard his father's loud snores followed by a loud crash as his father fell off the couch. Zack's heart sank as he saw his father stumble to his feet, his eyes red and angry. "Zack, you little brat!" his father shouted, stumbling towards him. "You're still here? I thought I told you to get out!" Zack tried to run, but his father was too quick. He grabbed Zack's arm and spun him around, his fist flying towards his face. Zack tried to duck, but it was too late. The punch connected with a sickening crunch, and Zack felt his nose explode in pain. He stumbled backwards, tripping over his own feet as he desperately tried to get away from his father. But his father was relentless, kicking and punching him with a ferocity that left Zack breathless. Finally, Zack managed to break free and make a run for it, dashing out of the house and into the night. He didn't know where he was going, but he knew he had to get away from his father. As he ran, tears of pain and fear streaming down his face, he thought of Mrs. Patterson's house, but she was out of town, and he had no way of reaching her. Panic set in as he realized he had nowhere to go. And then, a memory popped into his head - his older brother Zane. He had moved out a year ago, and Zack had begged him to take him along, but Zane had refused, leaving Zack behind with their abusive father. Zack hadn't seen or heard from Zane since, but he had heard through his girlfriend Allie that Zane was doing well, and that he cared about Zack deeply. Allie had always been kind to Zack, and he was grateful for her concern. With a newfound sense of determination, Zack pulled out his phone and dialed Allie's number. She answered on the first ring. "Hey, Zack! What's going on?" she asked, concern etched in her voice. Zack took a deep breath before speaking. "I need Zane's address," he said, his voice shaking. There was a pause on the other end of the line before Allie spoke up. "Zack, what's happening? Is everything okay?" Zack hesitated before answering. "My dad...he's hurt me again. I need to get out of here." Allie gasped. "Oh, Zack, I'm so sorry. Let me get Zane's address for you." Zack waited anxiously as Allie read out the address. He memorized it quickly before hanging up. With a newfound sense of hope, Zack set off towards Zane's apartment, his heart pounding with excitement and fear. What would Zane say when he saw him? Would he even want to see him? As he approached the apartment building, Zack's anxiety grew. He took a deep breath before stepping into the lobby and making his way to the elevator. The doors opened on Zane's floor, and Zack stepped out, his heart pounding in his chest. He walked down the hallway, his eyes fixed on the door at the end. He took a deep breath before raising his hand and knocking on the door. The sound seemed to echo through the hallway, and Zack felt his heart skip a beat as he waited for a response. The door opened, and Zack's eyes met Zane's. For a moment, they just stared at each other, the only sound the heavy breathing of both brothers. Zack's heart sank as he took in Zane's expression. He looked...different. Older. Stronger. But as their eyes met, Zack saw something there that gave him hope. A glimmer of concern. A spark of recognition. "Zack?" Zane said, his voice low and rough. "What are you doing here?"