Chapter 7: An Ominous Laughter (4)
He hesitates before stepping forward, his movements slow, almost hesitant. Then, suddenly, his grip tightens, and his well-built frame crashes into me, squeezing me with a force that nearly cracks my ribs.
I cough, peering over his shoulder.
The blue light of the sun glows in the distance.
My eyes sting. Red bleeds into my vision.
Tears slip free, mixing with the blood on his shoulder.
"I'm sorry," I whisper.
He doesn't answer. He simply pats my back—gentle, reassuring.
I'm the older one, yet he's always been so much stronger than me.
"Pa and Ma would be proud of you," I whisper. And they truly would.
My eyes remain shut as I savor this rare moment. I feel his oily blond hair—identical to mine—brush against my left cheek. Just one more breath. One more second. Then, I open my eyes.
They widen in an instant.