They left me. Alone. With him.

Under the only dangling light bulb, my eyes were stuck on my executioner’s monster smile as he studied me with his quick moving eyes. Before I could muster the courage to say anything, his combat boots were walking my way, very slowly.

When he finally reached the chair that held me prisoner, he gently touched my hair and went, “Tsk, tsk.” I started shaking my head fiercely. He put his hand on top of my head and held it in place sternly.
“Don’t worry. Just calm down.” His voice was hypnotizing. “It won’t hurt a bit.” He licked his knife and smiled wide enough to show some of his shark-like teeth. His knife moved instantly.
I screamed. It was horrendous.

There was a silence.

My eyes flew open when I realized I wasn’t dead. My appointed killer stood in front of me. Then, my ears heard a rustling coming from outside. Slowly, it faded away.
When I focused my attention back to the boy, I found sadness.

Speaking softly, he told me the most shocking thing.

“I’m your brother.”