Adam

‘Stop, Daddy, stop!’

I hear Marnie’s voice but I don’t take any notice, I just keep swinging the axe.

‘Please, Daddy, stop!’

I give a roar of frustration. ‘Don’t! Don’t you dare ask me to stop when you’ve been having an affair with Rob!’ I bring the axe down on the largest remaining piece, scattering fragments everywhere. ‘My best friend’s brother—’ I raise the axe again. ‘Jess’s husband—’ Another swing of the axe. ‘Your best friend’s FATHER—’

‘Daddy, STOP!’

Turning the axe in my hand, I use the head as a club and send the mass of broken wood flying around the shed. ‘Don’t tell me what to do!’ I yell, as pieces smash off the walls. ‘You don’t have the right! How could you do it, Marnie? How could you leave us?’

‘ADAM!’