Projection

55 • threats

"What do you think of this one?"

Marie was holding up a simple summer maxi dress. It was blue and white with thick stripes. The straps were strings lined together that fell intricately in the back. It was nearing the end of August now, so summer clothes were staring to go on clearance. Abel would normally be delighted, but every time he saw them, all he could see was his mother's disgusted sneer.

"It would looks really nice on you," he mumbled. He pulled his sweatshirt sleeves over his hands. He really wanted to bite his nails at the moment.

Marie put the dress back and turned to face Abel. It was Saturday, and he wasn't faring much better than the afternoon before.

"Would you mind waiting for me by the dressing rooms?"

Abel sighed softly and went. Marie quickly picked out a few things from the nearby racks and went to meet him. When she arrived, he was leaning against the wall, shoulders hunched and eyes downcast. She pushed him into a room with the clothes and locked him in.

"Don't you dare come out without those clothes on."