In a small town of Coriola where its so small its expected you’ll see the same people multiple times in a day if you were to go out there was a massive disturbance that gave them something to complain about everyday.

Its name was Brett Powell and his unfortunate family that happened to be related to him.

He was a violent man that screamed and most likely beat his wife who valiantly protected their 2 small children. Police getting called to their house was a normal occurrence. Heidi never pressed charges and always smiled with bruises all over here saying it was just a misunderstanding.

The people pitied her. Many offered to protect her.

She says she loves him and they have children.

Child Protective Services can’t even take the kids away as the couple plays perfect every time. Heidi often asks for concealer and foundation from neighbors as if they were sugar.

When the town meeting came one of the most pressing issues facing them was the Powells.

“I’m this close to letting a stray bullet fly to his head.” George announced to the people as they frowned at the mention of the town problem of the Powells.

“You shouldn’t announce your plans of homicide with the chief of police literally right here.” Owen warned, pointing to his badge on his uniform.

“Its called saving a life chief. Who knows when that crazy motherfucker will beat Heidi to death and move onto the children. I can’t just sit still anymore.”

“Can’t we just have him jailed?” Martha asked. “Surely beating your wife is a crime.”

“It is but not if the wife profusely defends him and says its all her fault. The woman even bails him out with a black eye, carrying the kids with her.” Owen sighed. He can only help if they can accept his help.

“How about we invite Heidi to a party? To celebrate the town’s founding anniversary. At least to get them out of that treacherous house.” Martha suggested.

“Pretty sure anywhere Heidi goes, Brett comes too.” Keith said, remembering the fights they’d often have at his grocery. Brett doesn’t even wanna come but the kids are hungry and there’s nothing in the cabinet.

“Not if it’s basketball tuesday.” Carly said. She was the neighbor of the Powells. The one who always called the police. She considered moving but that would be cruel to Heidi and the kids. They were sweet despite having a Brett in their lives. As chaotic of a family they are Brett was hyperfocused on the tv with basketball blaring every Tuesday. It was the only days where Carly could count on peace.

“With the Brett there all alone, a gas leak could happen.” George said making everyone stare at him.

“I guess there could be a stray wire, starting a fire.” Keith added, it was everyone’s turn to look at him.

“It is a pretty old, beat up house.” Owen said, signaling he would turn a blind eye in a town effort to rid themselves of a nuisance and save innocent lives.

The day of the party came and Carly practically had to drag Heidi out even when she already said she would come. Her kids were having fun eating food and watching Keith make animals out of balloons. The music was loud and the townsfolk looked at each other with faint worry in their eyes. George was not there.

Alone in his house with beer in his hand and an abominable posture, Brett watched transfixed on the tv. He didn’t know of the gas released into his home with a cut that could be excused for the work of a rat or wear and tear of time. He didn’t know of the faulty wiring that was definitely man made but will be burned along with every evidence later on.

Heidi took the hand of Owen who offered her a dance. Brett didn’t allow other men near her but for Owen she saw him too much under vulnerable circumstances and he was always nothing but compassionate to her so she couldn’t refuse. She used to be a zumba dancer before she met Brett. As Owen spun her around she let herself genuinely smile for the first time in ages.

Outside the party though. Sirens wailed nearby, signalling the townsfolk to take cover from a danger they had tried to convince themselves wasn’t real.