Her eyes hurt from her salty tears; they felt raw and rough. After what seemed liked ages, Rose finally moved away from her mum and her brother. Despite the food he'd cook, she couldn't eat and her hands shook so bad that she couldn't hold on to the tea cup.
Walking outside with the thought to escape, Rose's swollen eyes fell on Alex. He was hugging one of the porch railings. Uncle George must have gotten him. Quietly, she crossed the porch towards him.
"Alex?" she said softly as she gently touched his shoulder.