Your Trail of Blood in the Snow

Chapter 10 (Larry)

I contemplated a little after I told Lucas that I would not leave. He was rubbing his wrists as if he was the one who was tied up, and I saw Lucas turning his eyes and began to contemplate the fire.

"Tell me, Larry, what do you think of me?" he asked, as if trying to search my mind for a truth I didn't have.

I was silent for a moment and then said:

"You're the bat that saved my life." I brought my ears back. "The bat that has given me another chance to live, another chance to see my family, to see Monti... I don't think that bat is a monster...."

I watched as he lifted his ears, startled, and he turned his face towards me, smiling and shedding a few tears.

"Thank you," he said. I think he doubted what I said; I could see it in his eyes. He continued speaking, "Sometimes, when we lose everything we love, we feel alone and overwhelmed by pain, and when those feelings end up merging, becoming one, then and only then we become true monsters."

I think he was right, and I had no words to contradict what he said... I just couldn't.

It was already very late at night, for I could see through the skylight the half moon was just above us. I could see it through the transparent glass, and it was a ghostly sight, as if a patchwork of fine cloth was falling on Lucas and me without being perceived.

I listened to Lucas' past. He was happy, but someone took from him the most precious thing he had, the only thing he had... To a certain extent I understood.

I can't imagine what Montimer would do if he lost everything he had... I don't think he could bear it. Monti once told me something that was hard for him to leave in the past: he told me that he killed someone who left his brother Oliver badly hurt and that's why they both almost died at the hands of wolves. It was hard. Seeing the expression of sincere regret filled me with pride, but it made me a little afraid about his emotional fragility. How will he be right now? I think Monti is capable of anything; I think not only of exterminating a colony but as many as necessary to appease his anger... at least I think so, although I find it hard to accept it. To see him so docile, so kind, so... loving. I hope that this remains only in my imagination and does not escape reality.

I got out of bed with some difficulty, not letting Lucas help me. He turned away a little sadly.

"Lu... can you come closer?" I asked calmly.

He did. He approached a little shyly.

"I'm, I'm s—"

I gave him a good punch in the face without letting him finish the sentence; I already knew what he was going to say anyway. I also wanted to put all my strength in my fist but I restrained myself, unconsciously. Lucas fell on his butt. I was very angry, but I couldn't hold back a chuckle; it was funny to see him like that.

"I think I deserve it," he said, rubbing his right cheek.

I approached him and held out my hand. I almost fell down when he took it, pulling himself up.

"Forgive me for what I did," he said. I didn't know if he was referring to the colony that lived in that house or because he tied my hands and feet. I didn't want to ask him either.

"I told you I wanted you to meet someone."

Lucas smiled.

"Montimer? I think if he knows me he could kill me."

"Why do you think that? He's a nice bat, kind, charismatic, and he accepts anyone... he wouldn't be able to hurt you, even more when he knows that you saved me. Without hesitation he will be your friend."