The Fear Within

Officer Petty, a tough and hardened police officer walked inside the hospital premises with determined steps. A double murder had taken place and the sole witness, Sam, a 12-year old boy was admitted to the hospital for trauma. Sam was in deep shock having witnessed his grandfather and mother being killed in cold blood. His Aunt Sarah, an elderly and kind-hearted woman was seated on a stool next to his bed and trying to feed him fruit pieces without any result. He didn't have any appetite left in him. He was too traumatized by the events of the last couple of days.

He heard the footsteps and slowly let his eyes roll towards the door. He saw with a glazed look Officer Petty walk in with Doctor Gerald by his side.

The officer's stern look morphed into a gentle smile as he looked down at the boy.

"Hey buddy," Petty called out cheerfully. "How are you doing today?"

Sam looked away, his lips sealed.

Officer Petty leaned over and gently patted his hand. "Sam, I know what you're going through." He said softly. "But if you don't help us, we won't be able to catch the guy who killed your family members."

Tears flowed down Sam's cheeks, his eyes shut. And then his body shook with spasm.

"Please officer." Doctor Gerald hurried forward. "Give him a day or two more. He is still in a shock."

Officer Petty shook his head and walked out followed by the doctor.

"I am worried doctor," the officer said as they walked down the corridor. "The killer is out on the loose and Sam is the sole witness. He may strike again unless we get an ID on him."

"I understand officer but we can't simply rush Sam." The doctor reasoned.

The officer nodded his head in acceptance. "I'll have a couple of my men posted outside Sam's room in case..."

That night as had been the case over the previous two nights, Sam had trouble sleeping. His face bore a tormented look as sounds of a whipping filtered across in his ears followed by gunshots. He got up with a jerk and sat on the bed with a scream, his body shaking in fear and sweats all over his forehead.

Sam had no idea when his profound fear of firearms began. He remembered though how his grandfather would practice shooting in the backyard despite his repeated pleas not to. He had tried covering his ears to ward off the sounds of gunshots while his best friend, Tommy cheered on.

"Grandpa, please can I hold it once," Tommy pleaded earnestly eyeing the gun hungrily.

"No way, Tommy." Sam's grandfather replied. "Firearms are not meant for kids."

"And so is target practicing in the neighbourhood Mr. Lewis," a booming voice called out.

Tommy and Mr. Lewis looked up to find Officer Petty leaning over the railings, his police vehicle parked behind him on the street.

"Officer, as long as no one's complaining," Mr. Lewis said, raising his arms in defense.

The officer looked over at Sam who still had his hands glued to his ears.

"Hey, Sam."

Sam slowly opened his eyes and unblocked his ears. He looked fearfully at the officer and then at his grandfather.

Mr. Lewis walked over to him. "Here, trying holding it for a minute," he suggested. "It will take away all your fears of firearms."

"Grandpa, let me first." Tommy pleaded again.

His face lit up suddenly as Mr. Lewis extended the gun in his direction. Tommy gingerly took it and felt it lovingly like a kid will feel a puppy. There was a glint in his eyes. He looked excitedly at Sam who still had fear written on his face. "Hey Sam, try it. Nothing to be afraid of it."