Chapter Text
The rain was smattering on the window. It was dark, and the streetlights were the only thing illuminating the empty sidewalk. Will sat on the cold floor with crayons in all kinds of colors scattered around him. The drawing showed two smiling boys. One with black, curly hair wearing armor. The other boy was a bit shorter with brown hair, cut in a bowl cut. He was wearing a purple cloak and a pointed hat. It was Mike and Will. Mike the brave and Will the wise. Will smiled when he thought about showing the drawing to Mike. Mike always loved them. He loved them so much that he always gave Will a long warm hug. Will loved when Mike hugged him. It was almost better than his moms hugs. The toughs of Mike made Will very happy. So he stood up dancing to “Should I stay or should I go”. The bedroom door opened with a small and Will turned quickly around. His father stood in the doorway.
”What are you doing son?” Lonnie slurred.
Will could tell he was drunk. Not just because of the smell from the alcohol. But also because of Lonnies word choice. He just called Will ”son” when he was drunk. Otherwise he was too ashamed of him.
“I’m listening to the cassette tape Jonathan gave me” Will mumbled. He hoped his mom would be home by now. Because being home alone with Lonnie was terrifying. Will never knew what mood Lonnie was in. Right now he didn’t seem upset. But Will knew he was drunk, so he had to be careful. Lonnie walked closer.
“Are you drawing again?” He asked.
“Yes” Will answered, trying to not show the fear in his voice.
“You know drawing is a bad habit son. That’s just for girls”. Will swallowed.
“But mom said…”
“I don’t care what your mom said. I decide the rules in this house” Lonnie interrupted him. Now he sounded irritated.
“Let me see what you’re drawing” he said and took the paper from Will.
”What even is this?” Lonnie asked in a dangerously calm voice.
”It’s me and Mike as our D&D characters” Will whispered.
”Don’t you think I see what it is?!” Lonnie slurred, raising his voice. Will didn’t answer. His hole body was shaking.
”It’s my son being in love with his best friend!” Lonnie bellowed.
”It’s just a drawing…” Will sobbed.
”DON’T YOU DARE LIE TO ME” Lonnie snarled. Before Will could react his father slapped him hard across the face. Will tumbled backwards and knocked his head on the desk before falling down on the hard floor. At first he didn’t feel any pain. He was too shocked. Lonnie had never hit him before. Will could feel tears filling his eyes. Not because of pain, but because he was scared. Scared of his own father. He tried his best to hide the tears. But Lonnie saw it, of course he did.
”You’re so weak William. Boys don’t cry”. Will hated when his father called him William. He hated it. His brain screamed that he needed to get out of there, now. So without really thinking, he got up and runed out from his room into the hallway.
”WHERE ARE YOU GOING?!” Lonnie yelled after him. Will fumbled as he tried to put on his shoes. Then he quickly opened the door and ran outside. It was cold and raining, but he didn’t care. He scrambled onto his bike and pedaled as fast as his legs could toward Maple Street.