I never fight fair. [1/2]

"What?"

"Say the rest when you get back," Earl repeated.

"..."

The Simmons father let go of my Ma as he picked up Alana from Bless. My sister had a complicated look on her face. It was in those moments that Earl showed himself to be a man.

Not the kind of man who was boastful or overbearing. 

But the kind of man that everyone could count on. He was the rock that everyone knew would know what to do. And with his guidance, the household could weather any storm.

As someone who knew the unspoken words between men, Earl's silence told me more than words ever could. Instead of reassuring me, he simply told me to come back.

It was simple, it was concise, but the weight and trust in it was more than heavy. In plain words, it meant one thing.

'Come back. This is an order. No matter what the odds. And bring my daughters with you.'

"I understand," I replied curtly.