Blue eyes

Chapter 27: Cherish

This chapter is short but I had to get it out there before I get to the other chapters.

You knock on the door. It was night time and the only thing illuminating the streets was the occasional car passing by and a flickering streetlight. The alleyway was mostly empty, boxes and other junk had been thrown out here. The sound of excited footsteps could be heard through the door then the clinking of the knob being unlocked.

"Mom! Dad's home!" The door swung open. The child's smile fell as you were not the person he was expecting. "Your not dad."

"Who is it?" The mom asks from further in the apartment, she heard her son's unease at the end.

"Some strange lady." The boy responds.

"I....I'm here on behalf of your father." You say rummaging through your pocket. "This is him correct?" You open it to show the family photo. He grabs it from you.

"Mom!" He calls her. She arrives at the door.

She recognizes the leather object. "Why do you have my husband's wallet? He's been gone for days. Where is he?" She asks.

"I..uhm." You bow suddenly, feeling the urge to vomit if you continued looking at both of their eyes. "He won't be coming back, ma'am."

"What do you mean?" She places a hand over her son's shoulder seeing his discomfort.

Your words get stuck in your throat and slowly you raised your head to meet her gaze. "He was abducted by the recent rat attack. He-" your lip began to tremble. "I'm sorry this is all I could retrieve of him." That was all you said before looking back down. You could only see her hand trembling, as she held the wallet to her chest. Although small and not fully aware of the world around him, the child knew what you were implying.

Her son started to cry and he suddenly clung to you. "Where is my dad?" He shook you. "Please! where is he? I want my father back!" He sobbed against your clothes, still shaking you like you'd spill an answer. You only shook your head, pulling him off you, and shortly left. The grief of the two could be heard even down the street as you continued walking. Wailing, the pain shook you to the core. The man didn't have to be related to you or even know you, it was horrific what happened to him and what you had to do to end his misery. It was a miserable feeling that was clouding around you. One that hasn't left since the incident.

You stepped up the stair railings nearby to the rooftop. You stood on the very ledge of the roof, peering down at the streets below. Occasional late workers going back home, or a random teen on a skateboard passing by in the alley. The sky looked like it could rain any second, leaving the night air stale and dry and the smog of the city made them look grayer than they should. Small wisps of white would come from your mouth as you exhale deeply. 'It's been getting colder at night recently.'  You get out your phone and dialed the number you have memorized since a young age. It rings a few times before the person picks up. The reason for calling was also not to ask a question, just to find assurance. You don't say anything as you wish to hear the voice first.

"(Y/n)? Hi, what's the late call for?"

"Do I need a reason to call my mother?"

"Good point." she chuckles.

"....It's good to hear your voice......Mom."

"What's that tone sweetheart, are you ok?"

"Yeah.....just missed you is all."

".......I miss you too." She took a brief pause. "Something happened, what is it?" she could hear the tired tone in your voice.

"On a recent mission, a civilian was a victim and became a failed experiment.....I could do nothing for the man only end his suffering." She continued listening, a hum here and there telling you she was paying attention. "I saw how quickly a life can leave one's eyes while the others around them can only grieve. Why? Is there nothing I could have done to save the man? He had family waiting for him and I-"