Family

“You idiot! How could you do that to me? How....”

I sobbed as I clutched my friend to my chest.

He gazed up at me, straight into my soul. A thin trail of blood dribbled from the corner of his mouth, and blood from his fatal wounds seeped around us in a crimson pool. He smiled faintly, gripping my arm.

“It was my time, Yu. Now go before it’s too late. Don’t waste your time here with me. I am already fading.”

More hot tears dripped down my face and onto his stained white jacket.

“Tadashi, no. You can’t leave me now. You said that family never abandons each other, so you can’t go!”

“Did you just call me family? Thank you, Yukio. Take care of yourself.”

His grip slowly loosed on my sleeve and his small body fell limp. His expression of peace and longing remained on his face.

“Tadashi! No. You can’t die. You promised you’d come with me to see a new future where all children can live in freedom. You’re family... my family...”

Footsteps began clattering down the halls, getting louder and louder. Unwilling to leave Tadashi, I simply sat beside him, staring in silence. However, when the first sentinel rounded the corner and sounded the alarm, I got to my feet with resolve. I would avenge all of my broken family, especially Tadashi. With that thought, bare feet slapping cold tile, I fled into the night.