The heater in the back seat was working the other way round. It was giving cold air instead of warm air. She was using both her hands and lungs to stop herself from freezing to death or shattering into a million pieces. She heard him answer the phone in that awful tone; she guessed it was Mom. "What do you want? Why are you calling here? I don't care!"

Click.

The car goes zzz all over again. But this time, it's because of the rootless fear that's haunting them.

She was thankful that the phone shuts up when one side does. If only he can hear her on the other side. But then again, how will it matter? Why will it? If it doesn't get worse, nothing will even change.

How do you dare talk to her like that! What do you think she is, your slave? Or is she some prostitute you hooked up with over the weekend? If you don't stop talking to her like that and apologize right now, I swear I will get out of this car and never see your ugly face ever again!

"What are you thinking about dear" He shifts tones.
"Oh nothing daddy, I'm just tired"
"Are you okay? Do you want something to eat?"
"Oh no thanks"