Merrill opened the can of lasagna and poured it into a saucepan. He turned on the flame and started to stir. His daughter, Jamie entered the kitchen. he was warming it up for her.

"Hey Kiddo," Merrill called out, "I have to talk to you."

"About what?"

"I've had enough. I'm going to leave your mother. I'm going to tell her tonight."

Jamie knew there was trouble in her parent's marriage. She couldn't blame her father for getting out. "Are you going to take me with you?"

"I can't I just can't."

"What? You are going to leave me here with mom? That is crazy."

"There is nothing I can do. You can't go with me and I'll never get custody."

"You have to try."

"It's useless."

"Dad I have to show you something. Turn off the flame and come with me."

"Is it serious?"

"Yes, very serious."

Merrill followed his daughter to her room. "What do you have to show me?"

Jamie started to take off her top. She undid the top buttons and then pulled them over her head. Merrill was perplexed. He couldn't imagine Peta his soon-to-be ex-wife beating Jamie. Merrill didn't see any marks. When she continued to unfasten her bra, Merrill asked, "What are you doing?"

"I'm getting undressed. You had better do the same?"

"What?" Merrill asked. It took only a moment for him to realized that he was pulling his own shirt off over his head. he didn't know why he was doing that."