Nightguard by Robert F
Nightguard by Robert F You grind your teeth, said the doctor. They will grind to nothing unless you get a night-guard. It’s just a piece of plastic to bite on in your sleep. I’m an infant trying to sleep in my crib, and crying. I bang a cast on my leg against the crib. No one comes. Mom is busy, she is with other men. Dad is angry. I have no teeth, no advocate. I brace for the next blow. My brother pins this toddler to the floor, his knees pressing my shoulders and arms down. He beats on my chest, he twists my skin, my nipples. I cry. No one comes. I clench my teeth, bracing for the next blow. My father is very angry. He spanks me. Did I break the garbage can, climbing on it? Did I lie about it? I am afraid of him. I clench my teeth, bracing for the next blow. My brother hides in my room with a distorted mask. He jumps out to frighten me when I ...