Papa was quiet in a way that kind of scared me.
I was organizing my toys by size when I heard a car pull up outside. It registered, but I didn’t stop what I was doing, because there were always cars showing up for Papa. My mother yelled for Avia to come inside.
A loud bang startled me.
In an instant, my heart was racing. And when it happened again seconds later, I was immediately shaking and terrified.
“Avianna!” My mother screamed for my sister, rushing to the door.
I think my father was yelling too… Maybe someone else? But I couldn’t hear.
My ears were ringing.
My sister came scrambling into the house, being pulled by my mother, practically tripping over her feet. Mami was speaking to me, but I could barely hear.
Her eyes were wide as she grabbed me by the shoulders, shaking me. The only thing I could make out was fear on her face. And one word.
“Esconder.”
Hide.
I looked outside and saw Raul and Esteban, my father’s friends… They were lying on the ground.
“Don’t look, Angelito,” Mami’s voice started to come in clearer.
Everything was happening fast. Too fast. It was making me dizzy, and my heart was beating too hard. It scared me.
I thought I was going to get sick.
“Acacia!” My father screamed, but I couldn’t see him. “Get the kids—”
“Go and hide, and don’t come out unless you hear me say it’s okay. Do you understand??” My mother commanded, her voice cracking, though she was speaking quietly.
Frantic, but calm. I could see her shaking.
Tears were tumbling down my cheeks as I whimpered, “Mami… no…”
“Avia, do as I say!” She said to my sister. “Take care of your brother. Whatever you do… Do not let him out of your sight!”
My father was yelling, but I couldn’t understand what he was saying. I was too scared.
Pop!Another loud bang.
“Mami, what’s happening??” Avianna shrieked, squeezing my hand.
“Hide! Now! I love—”
My mother’s words cut out when my father swung into the room, clutching his side…. Bright red leaking out of him.
His hand was slick with deep red and it wouldn’t stop coming.
“Papa!” Avianna wailed, running to him.
She let go of my hand… I felt it, slipping out of mine.
My mother shot me one last look of horror, pressing her hands to my father’s side.
Blood… So much blood.
