The Beginning

“Brotherhood isn’t a just a word. It is the total dedication to each other and not just when it convenience you. Many say it but very few live it” This was always the case for all of us. Blood didn’t have to link us. Our stories did.

And this is mine.

February the 7th, Washington DC, USA.

I was only five years old. I was in my room playing with my Star Wars action figure when I heard screams, followed by two loud bangs. I can still remember it as if it were yesterday. I dropped my toy onto the floor and froze in shock. Curiosity kills the cat, dad always said. But cats have nine lives. I slowly stood up and walked out my bedroom and paused on the top stair, scared and traumatized by the deathly screams which rang in my ears. I run my finger through my hair and give a quiet whisper.

“Mommy?”

No answer. I crept down the stairs, passing the family photos which hung on the wall. I reached the bottom then froze at the sight of the kitchen light shining through the small space between the wall and the door. My head was turning.

“Dad?”

I finally decided to go investigate. I quietly tiptoe around the couches in the living room until I reached the kitchen door. My hands were shaking endlessly. I slowly pushed the door open enough to peak my head through. I suddenly lost my breath at the sight and struggled to get it back. I couldn't move. There were my beloved parents dead on the floor. Blood, so damn much. The blood almost flooded the entire floor. Dad's glasses were next to his body. Blood on the one lense. I wanted to scream but I couldn’t, it was as if my life had been suck right out of me. All i could do was stare at dad’s neck which oozed out bloody like a forgotten tap, or maybe mom’s pale face and white eyes which had no more light inside. Tears dropped on the floor and melded with the blood. God I felt so empty. There was pounding at the door but my legs didn't want to move. They wanted me to stare at the only family I knew on the floor. I could feel my lungs struggle for air. The door finally gave in and my house was filled with strangers in blue uniforms as well as a few neighbors. The blue strangers ran into the kitchen then stood beside me. I could feel all the eyes stuck on at me. I couldn't even see anymore. There were too many tears.

“Chris?” A familiar voice called.

I felt hands pulling me but as soon as I exited the trance I collapsed.

I woke up in a beautifully painted room. There were machines all around me. Todd, my dad's best friend, was sleeping on a chair right next to me. I thought it was a dream, a nightmare. It had to be.

“Where's mommy and daddy?” I asked.

Todd sprang up and stared at me. His eyes were bloodshot red as if he had been crying. He wiped his eyes then forced a comforting smile.

“Hey Champ, how you feeling? Good?” He asked in a shaky voice.

I nodded then stared at him as I waited for the answer to my question. I'll never forget the pain he tried to hide in his eyes.

“They'll be back soon champ, but you'll stay with me for the meanwhile,” he cried.

I guess as the years passed by, I knew they weren't coming back.