Punished for being smart? (tentative title, not sure what this should say)

I felt singled out, my father’s WRATH (there really is no other word for it) was like an acid – an oozing poison that trickled out steadily creating a noxious atmosphere in which I could scarcely breathe, much of the time.

I needed him so badly; and yet? when he was gone – there was the chance for fresh air.

The emotionally oppressive, repressive father.