"Is it my fault again, Mommy? I'm sorry. I prayed Daddy wouldn't hit you again. Honest, I didn't side with him just because he bought me that new bike. I even told him that daddies shouldn't hit mommies. That's what my teacher said yesterday when that goofy Ann Marie told her I was crying in the bathroom. Wake up Mommy, can you hear me? It's safe now, Mommy, come on. Daddy went for a ride."

" Let's go downstairs and play that pretend game again. You know the one I mean. I'll be the nurse and you can be my patient. I'll get the ice bag out of the fridge and you can lay down on the couch while I fix Daddy supper so he won't get upset with you again."

"Uh oh, I think he just pulled into the garage. Never mind, you better stay here. I know how to make him happy. It only hurts for a little bit. I'll fix it so everything will be ok. It's my job... Hope his breath doesn't smell like beer again."