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Hit, Smack
It was his fault, really. He should have known better than to leave his room when Father was drunk. But he did it anyway. He was just so hungry.
They had been short on food for a few days, so they had been saving. And now, when they finally had enough, they couldn’t eat it because of Father. It was so unfair! He thought he could sneak in and take something to eat. He would bring some for Mom and James too. But Father saw him. He got really angry.
Slap, Punch
There was no point in running. He would always catch him. He wouldn’t leave him alone. Not now. His mom was still at work. She couldn’t help him. James was too terrified to step in.
He was on the ground, sobbing, bracing himself for the next kick. He wanted to not exist. Anything to stop this torment.
Strike — to the side, to the back, and more, more, more.
Everything hurt. Alex felt nothing but pain. He was shaking, wailing. He tried to focus on something other than the hot, burning pain.
Kick, and another, and another, and…
Finally, he got bored and left. Alex stayed on the ground. Every movement brought more agony. Then he heard a scream.
— Alex! — his mom finally came back from work. — Oh no. No, no, no… she mumbled.
— Ma, it hurts so much, — he cried.
— Shh, I know, pitit mwen, mon ange… — she whispered, scooping him into her arms and kissing his forehead. Alex relaxed slightly in the warm embrace.
James quietly entered the room.
— He is sleeping in his room, — said the boy. — Is Alex all right? — he asked, his voice shaking.
— He will be, — she said confidently.
James looked at his feet.
— I wanted to help, but I was too scared to do anything.
— It's okay, — his mother assured him. — I’m glad that you are safe.
They sat in silence for a while until their mother spoke.
— Let’s get you to your room.
Alex whimpered when she lifted him up. It hurt. It hurt so much.
Tears shone in his mother’s eyes every time he let out a pained sound. They made it to the room, and she gently placed him on the bed and lay down next to him. James crawled onto the other side. She ran her fingers through his ginger hair. James hugged his brother delicately.
- Au clair de la lune, - Thier mother started singing.
By the light of the moon.
- Mon ami Pierrot, - Her voice picked up.
My friend Pierrot
- Prête-moi ta plume, - Both boys closed thier eyes.
Lend me your pen,
- Pour écrire un mot. - A moment od safety after long day.
To write a word
- Ma chandelle est morte, - A kiss on a cheak.
My candle is dead
- Je n'ai plus de feu.
I have no more fire
- Ouvre-moi ta porte, - A blanket covering them.
Open your door for me
- Pour l'amour de Dieu. - She sung last note.
For the love of God
Alex felt himself drifting of to sleep. His father might not be the best person but at least he still had his mother and James.