He came onto the bed and sat with her, on his knees. He held her up and looked into her eyes. He didn’t even look while he brought the knife to her knuckle.

Chop. She shook harder and her teeth chattered.

Chop. Her eyes stung and felt sore and puffy but the steady flow of tears continued.

Chop. She felt sick.

Chop. His face was taught in a mad expression of craze.

Chop. He pushed her backwards and knelt over her.

Chop.

“Please, please!” Her barely audible protests came though she sobbed and kicked her legs. Chop. She lay armless on the wet sheets, unable to move. He stood.