Rotham Manor

Clinging

Friend. That was the word Leo used to label me. I am now simply not just a son and brother, but a friend as well. The word felt right on my lips as I formed each sound.

I asked my siblings if they wanted to be my friends after I explained the term verbatim to Leo's definition. They agreed heartedly and I was immensely grateful for but it didn't feel the same as Leo and I. Recently, Leo had been coming less often, arrive and leave earlier, and always muttering that he was glad my family and I weren't dead.

Dead was another mysterious word to me. Even though Leo vaguely described it, I sensed negativity was associated with it. Apparently, that word had a greater impact on Leo than it did on me as he became more agitated. Finally, I ordered Helga to make a remedy that usually was reserved for Soren when he couldn't sleep at night for Leo. Shortly after one of his ravings, he fell asleep. I sighed in relief to see my friend at ease.

Countless days had passed since I last saw Leo. I wouldn't dare to believe he forgot his promise so I believed the alternative; some barrier was created to impede Leo's visits. I continue to look at the stars especially the Leo one in hopes he will come. No activities could fulfill that desire to be with Leo. My parents, siblings, and the others knew well and stationed themselves in the garden on a daily basis now to see if Leo had come.

One day, Susanna rushed into the dining room where the rest of us were eating supper. She was breathless and redder than I have ever saw her be.

"Leo's back!" she declared.

I dropped my silverware and rushed outside to see him. I paused as I noticed a figure covered in what Leo called a raincoat but it wasn't him.

"So this where that disobedient son of mine hides away. I never would have thought someone else could enter here," the figure said.

"Who are you?" I demanded.

"Goodness, you're still the same just as I had left you in my girlhood," the figure remarked removing the hood.

"You have not answered me!" I reminded her.

"Silas, calm down. I want to see the others again," she said walking past me.

I didn't protest and followed her closely. She entered the house as if she lived in it, unlike Leo's first time coming here. She had a brazen smile when she saw something that caught her fancies such as a chair or a person. Finally, she stopped and faced me once again.

"Leo won't be returning here."

"What do you mean?"

"He just won't."

She then headed back to the garden and was about to walk into the wall before she turned around, staring me right in the eye.

"On behalf of Leo, I will help you expand on your vocabulary. The last word you need to know in Leo's world is death."

She took out a pail full of liquid and kicked it. Greasy clear substance stained the white walkway and seeped into the grass. Then she produced an object and with a click, a small flame appeared. She lowered the instrument to the ground, never once stop looking at me. The garden erupted in flames just like those that Helga cook the food with in the hearth. With one last look at me, she dove into the wall before the place she stood burned.

My chest was heaving as I went to find my family and the others. The flames already consumed a great portion of my clothes but I didn't mind. I saw Sally, Susanna, and Soren huddled in a corner on the third floor when I got up there.

"Silly! You came!" Sally cried.

"Brother is here! No need to cry! You haven't scraped your shins, have you?" I said using my body to cover my siblings.

"I don't want Soren to get hurt!" Susanna wailed.

My breath hitched as I glanced over at Soren.

No! Soren!

My brother was spotted black in numerous places. Sally and Susanna also had burns spreading on their limbs. I swatted at the flames as they danced on my sisters. Suddenly I felt excruciating pain on my back. The fire was crawling on my back and feeding off my bodily fluids. When I focused back on my siblings again, my lap felt cold despite the intense heat.

"Sil-Sil, wa-wa-wh-an-n-t tt-o-o-o pp-ay dd-o-l-sss?" Susanna stammered.

"Yes, I want to play dolls. Let's play, Susana," I replied.

A moment later, my chest, arms, and lap felt cold while my back was scorched away.

So this is what Leo called dead. It feels painful. Leo, I'm still clinging to your promise for a visit. If you do come even if this is the last time, the promise is fulfilled. Leo, you promised.