The feeling that he was the main character vanished in an instant, snuffed out by a sharp, echoing smack.

A burning pain shot across Dennis Lane's back, cutting his howl short. It took him a moment, but then he realized what happened-Kevin Lane had struck him with the family ruler, and he hadn't held back. The jolt scattered every brave thought Dennis had managed to hold onto. He hunched his shoulders, stunned, and stared up at Kevin, not sure what to think.

Kevin's face was stone-cold, his anger written in every line. He called for the butler and a maid, telling them to pull Dennis away.

That's when Dennis finally started to fight back. “No, Grandpa, please, don't hit me..."

This wasn't how it was supposed to go. In the cartoons, the grandpa always gave in after the hero's speech, promising to help save Mom. That was how it should end- not like this.

But Kevin was coming closer, his face set and the heavy, dark ruler in his hand. Dennis's heart sank. He wasn't the hero here. He didn't have any special power. Love and justice weren't going to save him from Grandpa.

Kevin raised the ruler high. Dennis's eyes went wide as the butler and maid grabbed his wrist, forcing his hand open.

The ruler landed with a loud crack. Pain shot through Dennis's hand, and he screamed.

Kevin didn't even flinch. "Cover his mouth," he said.

The butler hesitated. “But sir, Dennis is just a kid..."

Kevin gave him a cold look. The butler lowered his head, then leaned in close to Dennis and whispered, "Sorry, young master." He pressed his hand over Dennis's mouth.

Dennis's cries were muffled now, just faint, desperate sounds. The sharp slaps of the ruler were louder than anything he could manage.

Kevin was furious. He put all his strength into every strike, making sure Dennis would never forget this. After just a few hits, Dennis's small palm was bright red and swollen.

His face was flushed, tears streaming down his cheeks. He flinched with each blow, a soft whimper escaping every time. He ooked so pitiful that the butter and maid couldn't even bear to watch. They turned their faces away.

Dennis's shoulders shook with sobs. He tried to squirm away, but he was pinned in

place, forced to take every blow.

Kevin's expression was so dark and cold, he looked like a villain from a horror movie. Dennis was nearly too scared to think.

Upstairs, Amelia Lane slowly pushed open her door and peered down the stairs. Dennis was crying so hard it hurt to watch, but Kevin didn't let up. If anything, his strikes just got harder.

Kevin paused and told the others to hold out Dennis's other hand.

All the color drained from Dennis's face.

The butler and maid tried to plead with Kevin, but he wouldn't listen.

When she saw things getting out of control, Amelia hurried down the stairs. “Grandpa, stop! Grandpa, please, that's enough!”

She ran over and grabbed the ruler

from Kevin's hand, her face full of panic. Grandpa, please, don't hit him anymore. Look at Dennis, falling apart. Please, just stop