Infused with Sickness

Alec walked swiftly down the street, dodging the people around him.

He carried a paper bag filled with a loaf of bread and a glass container of milk.

The only thought that kept him going was the thought of his little sister. Merely six years old and fourteen years younger than him, it was his duty to protect her.

He thought of her laying in bed, coughing, infused with sickness. Every time he saw her eyelids start to close, he prayed that it wouldn't be the last time she would take a breath.

He was now standing in front of a small apartment building. He rushed inside and ran up the stairs to the third floor. He unlocked the apartment door and ran in.

"Ellie! I'm back.'' Alec said.

He didn't hear a response.

"Ellie! Ellie!'' He ran into his sister's room.

Ellie's big, round eyes looked up at him, wearily. "Yes, Al?''

Alec's heart beat fast but with relief.

"Oh, nothing. I'll get you food right away.''

"I don't feel so well.'' Ellie coughed.

"You probably just need food.''

Ellie tilted her head in doubt, but nodded slowly.

He rushed out of the room and cut her a piece of bread and poured her a glass of milk.

"Alright, maybe we should go to the movies, eh?'' Alec's British accent rang through the apartment as he walked into Ellie's room.

He looked down at Ellie. Her eyes were closed now. He set down the plate and glass and listened for her breathing.

The world was quiet. Too quiet.

His heart filled with lead and he watched his sister. She wasn't breathing.

He fell to the floor and sobbed.

This was the moment he feared.

Now the only thing he heard was the taunting screams of loneliness piercing his heart.