Chapter 35: Noah's Arc - Part Three

I sat at the dinner table, eyes downcast as I picked at my food. The sound of clanging silverware and the low hum of the TV filled the living room.

"How was school, darling?" My mother asked, her voice a little too warm, almost cautious. I shrugged nonchalantly, taking a small bite of my pasta.

"It was fine."

"I heard you guys had a math quiz. How'd you do?'

"Okay, I guess."

"Good, good..." she nodded awkwardly, eyes trailing down to my plate. "Not hungry?"

"I'm never hungry."

A particularly loud clang rung out across the room. "That's no way to speak to your mother." Dad said harshly, eyes narrowed at me as he gripped his fork with so much force his veins were popping. "For once in your life, talk like a normal goddamn human being!"

"Darling," my mother muttered, putting a hand on her husband's arm, sending him an imploring look. He relented with an exasperated sigh.

"Finish your food." He said sharply, going back to eating.