Every light in the house was turned off except for the one in Nigel's bedroom. Thursday was Ralphie’s study group, so she didn’t have to pick him up until after dinner. She dropped off the chicken, groceries, and her briefcase on the island in the kitchen, then walked upstairs, turning on lights as she went.

She knocked on Nigel's bedroom door.

“Honey, it's me!”

All she heard was a grunt. She tried a few minutes later after she popped the cooling chicken in the oven for a quick warm-up. Nigel did not respond, so she opened the door.

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Nigel was sitting in the middle of the floor with his face in his hands.

“What's the matter, Sweetheart?” Ellen asked.

“Nothing!” cried Nigel.

“I think it is a bit more than nothing.”

She pulled Nigel's hands away, and her heart sank as she noticed the bruises covering nearly half his face.

“What happened?”

“I got into a fight.”

“With who?”

“With some kid.” Nigel turned away.

They ate in silence. Nigel was clearly upset, so Ellen didn't press the issue. The moment he was feeling better, they were going to have a talk. She needed to set the record straight with her boy. After dinner, Nigel went to his room. Ellen didn't see him again for the rest of the evening.