Stay Down

Riley knew how to take care of himself. He wasn't good at much, but he could do that and do it well. Cycling through violence and neglect from his father, he didn't have much of a choice. When the abuse turns extreme and Riley can no longer take care of himself, he's forced to rely on the mother who abandoned him when he was five, who also has another family and doesn't appear too pleased about having him back in her life.

Physically and emotionally, Riley tries to heal, only to be repeatedly knocked back down. When it comes to his mom, is there even a relationship to salvage? How many chances are too many? And at what point should he just give up and stay down like his father told him?

Awesome cover art by _munroe