Please note: single mother, no father in the story at all, "friend" staying over.....all the hallmarks of a family gone wrong.
Yep, lack of Father...all the reason...
I noticed that right off.
It doesn't say male friend. Still, I don't see how she'll be any less afraid when the boy is released to her care in a month. If anything, she should be more afraid.
Please note: single-minded, all the hallmarks of a judgemental person with a wide paint brush gone wrong.
The child is mentally ill...been there, done that, lost my T-shirt keeping mine in institutions.
Can you use your telepathic powers to determine why she is a single mom? My wife's first hubby walked out because he didn't care to be a dad anymore (his loss my gain, 2 great kids). My mom was a single mom 'cuz dad died of leukemia (I was 5).
Not all single moms are single moms by choice.
But apparently the other kid, just one year older, is doing okay.
Dead right!
Male leadership is what this punk needs. He is getting away with this stuff because she can't dominate the little cuss. The kid has grasped that. A father figure would immedately put the kid into his position and ensure he cleans up his act.