11
I hear the front door close from the bedroom. Michael must be home from the fair. I look over to find Colin but the bed is empty for some reason. I get out of bed, quickly putting on the pair of shorts and t-shirt from the floor.
I take the stairs two steps at a time, turning the corner to the living room. Michael is standing facing the door, slightly swaying in place.
“What are you doing?” I call out.
Michael slowly turns, his face a grimace. Then blood starts to drip down the right side of his face…
I jolt up from the couch, the blanket under me soaked through. The sun’s just setting, the living room dark when the knocking starts up at the front door. I stare at the door, listening as the knocking continues.
I lie back and roll over, smashing my face into the cushion.
An attempt to shut out the world.