Mom always said things like that. I'd laugh them off and she'd shake her head and blame herself.
But joking about a man's girl to his face while drunk is already risky without also questioning her fidelity.
Alcohol dulls the pain from his boots and fists. Liquid courage carries me along, laughing as crimson sprays - sparkling and bright, warm and comforting.
When I finally close my eyes, it's Mom's grim face that greets me, her thin-lipped mouth that says, "told you so".