Page 2

Light shines in, and I squint as I reach for the fallen wall panel that acts as the door to my hideout.

“Violet…” I freeze; I know that voice… I blink a few more times, and I see him, Cain. It’s tough to keep my eyes open and focused, but it’s him. Lifting my hand, I place my pointer finger on my lips.

“Shhh… Shut the door,” my words are barely a whisper, and I nearly fall reaching for the wall panel.

“Violet, no.” He drops to his knees and takes my hands in his. “Come on, let's get you out of here.” The light touches my skin for just a moment before I scoot back against the interior walls in my cupboard.

“No, h-hide me.”

“No, Violet, you’ll die.” Are those tears? Is he crying? My chest feels heavy, and the colors swirl around Cain. Painting him as if he’s in his studio working on a canvas. Loud, heavy footsteps pull me back from the vision.

“Goodbye,” I whisper and reach once more for the panel when Cain grabs my arm and throws me out onto the floor, closing the wall back up before I can hide away again.

“I will not let you die!” His yell comes out in a whisper as he gathers me in his arms and pulls me to stand next to him, tucked into his side. Cain guides me towards the door, stopping when Uncle reaches the top step. The colors are spinning too thick; I can’t see his face as I take a step toward him, leaving Cain’s hold. My face stings, and I fall back. I didn’t hit the ground; Cain must have caught me. His smell surrounds me again. He started wearing deodorant recently; I love the scent. Did I pass out? Why does my face sting?

“What’s wrong with you!” Cain’s voice echoes in my little room. “She is the most precious thing in this world; you’re supposed to be taking care of her!” I look up, gathered in his arms; I’m close enough that the colors don’t obstruct my vision. Tears stream down Cain’s cheeks, his forehead wrinkles, and his upper lip lifts to the side as he juts out his chin in the direction of Uncle.

“Richard, don’t you dare touch my son!” Rory’s voice hits like a wall, stopping whatever it is Uncle was about to do to Cain.

Then Cain and Rory carry me to the clinic.

They say my mom is there…

“Violet!” Cal bursts through the door at a run, crashing into me with a big bear hug. “Mom wouldn’t let me come see you until you recovered. I was so sad; who would sing with me if you disappeared?”

“I’m sure you would have found someone.” I pat his back and gently guide him off me. He’s tugged on my catheter, and now I’m lightheaded. I know it’s not the needle, but I still don’t like it sticking out of my arm. He shakes his head, flashing his white teeth with his wide grin.

“Nuh-uh, no one sings like you.” He sits by my side and holds my hand. Cal has always been overly affectionate. Hugs, kisses, and hand-holding. And it’s with absolutely everyone he cares about. Cain and Prudence stand at the foot of my bed. Prudence’s brown hair is so knotted it’s several inches shorter. She smiles at me, though, her normal scowl replaced with softened features. Cain, on the other hand, looks mad. He stares down at me with a wrinkle between his brow, his eyes flicking from me to Cal’s hand that’s holding mine.

“And this is exactly why Mom said you couldn’t come.” He steps behind Cal and swats his hand away from mine. “She knew that you wouldn’t leave her alone.” Cal releases me for just a moment before taking my hand in his once again.

“Violet doesn’t want me to leave her alone! Right, Violet?” Cal catches my gaze, looking at me with wide eyes and a lagging lower lip. I laugh and shake my head; he makes an adorable puppy face.

“Not at all, I’m happy to see you. All of you.” I look around at everyone and smile. I wasn’t expecting anyone to come and visit me; I often feel like the odd duck out when I’m with them. Cain and Cal are brothers, and Prudence is so close to both. I’m too quiet to insert myself, so I’m often just kind of there.

“The doctor says I get to go home tomorrow. Would you like to come over and have lunch with me in the garden? We have 3 new lambs.” The question is for everyone, but I look to Cain. He’s the one that I want to see the most. He takes his sights off my hand and traps me in his glare.

“No, I found you because my mom adores you, so I couldn’t let you do something so stupid.” He leans forward, “I don’t want to see you.” I swallow, my breath hitches, and my heart sinks so heavy my shoulders follow. Do not cry. Do not cry. I pull my hand from Cal, wrap my arms around my middle, and sink back into the pillow. Maybe it is better to be alone than to try making friends. This hurts.

“Hey, don’t be a jerk!” Cal pushes Cain’s shoulder so hard that he takes a step back.

“It’s alright.” I choke out the words, trying, and probably failing, to hide my feelings. He goes to hug me, and I shrug further into the pillows. “Thanks for coming… I want to get some rest. You guys go have a good day.” I can’t bring myself to look at them; I know that if I do, I won’t be able to pretend they don’t see the tears building in my eyes. They’re so high now I can barely see. Please leave, please leave.

“I’ll see you tomorrow. I’d love to meet your lambs!” Cal gives me a tight squeeze and kisses my cheek before heading towards the door. Pru taps my foot, then she and Cain follow Cal.

“Why were you such an asshole? She’s in the fucking hospital; her mom’s in a coma.” I hear Prudence fail at whispering to Cain as they leave.

They shouldn’t be concerned with me. They don’t have to be my friend just because our mothers are. I don’t want to have friends just because they pity me… It’ll be better if I just stay away.

Besides, I get to go home tomorrow.

Right back to Uncle…

Violet, Age 14

Chapter 3

I stand in the back as the crowd dissipates. Everyone loved her, Aurora. She was kind, loving, and a great teacher. It’s not surprising that the entire town showed up today. Aurora spent her free time going from door to door, helping everyone with whatever it is they needed. The elderly came to rely on her to help them with their chores, she taught children how to sew, and if you were sick, she would show up with a pot of her ‘magic soup.’ Everyone came to rely on her. But I think Cain needed her the most. At least, he’s taking it differently than his brothers are.