Chapter 2: All Alone
"Mama?" Kael could barely speak, his little hands trembling against the cold floor panel and he pushed it open, the faint morning light slipping into the crawlspace. His breath came out in short, uneven gasps, his chest tight.
His fingers clutched the golden coin— the one his father had given to him, pressing it against his chest. It was warm—warmer than it should be.
Slowly, on shaky limbs, Kael crawled out.
His knees wobbled. His body felt too light, too weak, like he might float away if he let go of the coin.
Then he saw his mother lying there on a pool of blood beneath her head, her curls fanning out across the cold marble floor.
Kael's breath hitched, his lips trembling.
"M-Mama?" But, she did not move. His tiny bare feet stepped forward hesitantly.
"Mama," he tried again, reaching out with trembling fingers.
His hand brushed against her cold arms
Kael's little body gave out. He collapsed to his knees beside her, his fingers wrapped across the the fabric of her dress.
"Mamaaa... wake up," he pleaded, his voice breaking.