2: The Trauma

I arrvied back at the camp out of breath and sweating. I was carrying a big load and almost dropped like a sack of potatoes when I stopped. The men guarding the camo let me in and brought the supplies they needed to the storehouse, leaving a good amount of food for me and my sister. She was 13 now. I tried to get her help. It seemed to be working...somewhat. She still would barley talk to anyone but me, even then, she didn't talk all that much, but rather showed how she felt through actions.

"Is M doing ok?" I asked the person who tried to help her.

"Malisa's doing a bit better. She still won't talk a lot though," The doctor said.

"Alright. I'm going to pick her up and bring her home," I replied.

"Okay. Feel free to bring her back anytime, ok, Jack?" The doctor asked.

I nodded and went inside the building that was technically the hospital.

I saw Malisa and went over to her. She stood up when she saw me and wrapped her arms around my waist.

"Hey...i'm back. Ready to go home?" I asked, patting her head.

She nodded silently and began to follow me home.

"So, did you have a good day?" I asked.

I got silence, which wasn't new.

"I'm sorry I keep leaving you here...I have things to do if we want to stay," I eventually said.

"I-it's okay." Malisa replied.

I smiled and pat her head. She looked up at me and smiled. We arrived at our little home (being an apartment. Everything had been cleaned out long before we had gotten there and we finally got furniture in.)

She shivered from the outside cold and slightly laughed. I shook my head and smiled before taking off my coat and bag.

"Do you want to try and talk about...then?" I hesitantly asked, "You don't have to."

"...Yeah..."

I sat down on the couch and held my arms out. Malisa hugged me and I sat her next to me, "Are there any certain questions or do you just want me to talk?" I asked.

"Talk."

I hesitated.

"I ran because I wanted to live. I ran because he trusted me with protecting you. They're gone now and...I'm forced with a burden to protect you. Though I'm fine that you're my burden I...-

"Don't know what to do at times? I feel the same way too...I-I wish this was just a bad dream and I was still 6, waking up in Mom and dad's bed after having a long nightmare. But I know this is the harsh truth. No one fully learns how to accept it and just...accept the easy lie," Malisa said. Tears began to form at the corners of her eyes but she wiped them off, "W-what?"

I smiled, "That's the first time you've talked for that long," I said.

Marisa's face reddened and she looked away, "Doesn't my voice sound weird?"

"No. It doesn't. Not at all," I replied, hugging her.

"I'm scared...I don't want...you to...get hurt..." Marisa said.

"I won't. Trust me," I replied.

"I'm going to my room," Marisa hugged me back before standing up and leaving.

I smiled before heading into the bathroom, "I'm going to take a shower real quick!" I yelled.

I turned the water on after shutting the door. I took my shoes and socks off, letting my bare feet touch the cold tile. A shiver ran up my spine and goosebumps showed on my arms. I pulled my shirt over my head and let it fall to the floor before my pants came off next. The cold air hit like the wind outside and I shivered again. I wanted the heat of the spring back.

I stripped down fully and got in the shower, taking a deep breath, letting the cold water hit my bare body.

---

7 YEARS AGO

The police station was empty from as far as I knew. My heart felt like it was going to explode from the fear I had. Something was going to jump out, I knew it.

My sister was clinging to me, restricting some movement. She had gone silent a while ago and wasn't crying anymore.

We entered the room with the label above it reading: SECURITY.

The door was wide open, what looked like a keycard had unlocked it. Inside, we saw a few cameras of the place, a keycard on the desk. I shut the door and sat down in one of the chairs, holding my sister close to me as I finally broke.