Berceuse for The Suffering (Complete)

27. {Escape}

Martin frowned as he watched his daughter disregard Antonio. He called out her name but she didn't respond. She instead tore through the elevator door and jumped down. Martin ran after her but stopped when he reached the elevator door, almost falling over the shaft. Looking down he yelled, "Lyli, what's wrong?"

But the only sound that responded was a loud thud that reverberated through the walls.

"You're a fool," came an angry yelp from behind Martin.

The old man swung his head and was faced with the grotesque image of Antonio. Instantly, his blood pressure rose and he threw the now-standing man another punch in the face. However, the darkness disrupted his aim and his fist collided with the air, missing Antonio's face by an inch. Martin stumbled as the force of his punch that collided with nothing forced him forward. As he fell to his knees, Antonio gave him a kick in the stomach. Antonio groaned. "I'm sorry, Martin. But can't let her take him."

Clutching his stomach, Marrin looked at Antonio with pain riddled expression. "What are you..." He wasn't given a chance to voice his question as Antonio kicked his jaw. Martin squirmed anear-splittingtting cry escape his mouth. "I'm sorry Martin. I'm sorry," Antonio repeated as he continued to kick the man in the face. Soon, Martin's face was covered in blood. Antonio ceased his assault when he noticed that Martin had lost consciousness. He never intended to harm anyone that night, except for Lyli maybe, if she persisted to attack his son.

After another murmur of I'm sorry escaped his lips, Antonio made his way toward the other elevator. He pressed the button and awaited its arrival. When the familiar beeping sound permeated through the hall and the elevator door opened, he stepped inside and pressed a button. He had no idea which floor his son was on, but he'd check each one if needed.

Soon Antonio stepped out of the elevator and into a dark, dank hallway. The air was thick with the smell of mold and mildew, and he could barely see his own hand in front of his face. He called out, "Billy, where are you?" but received no reply.

He stood there for a moment, listening to the silence. Then he heard a growl, low and menacing. "Shit," he muttered under his breath.

Antonio knew that he needed to find a place to hide, and fast. He stumbled down the hallway, his hands out in front of him, feeling his way along the wall. He could hear Lyli's growls getting louder and closer, and he knew that he was running out of time.

He came to a door and pushed it open, slipping inside and closing it quietly behind him. He stood there for a moment, catching his breath and listening to the sound of Lyli's growls outside. He looked around the room, trying to get his bearings.

It was a small storage closet, filled with boxes and old equipment. There was barely enough room for him to stand up straight, but he didn't care. He was just grateful to have found a hiding place.

He could hear Lyli scratching at the door, trying to get in. He knew that she could probably smell him, but he was hoping that the darkness and the smell of the old equipment would be enough to mask his scent.

He heard the door creak open and held his breath, waiting for Lyli to come in. But she didn't. He could hear her snuffling around outside, but she didn't seem to be interested in the closet.

Antonio let out a sigh of relief, but he didn't dare move. He knew that he was still in danger, and he needed to wait until he was sure that Lyli was gone.

He stood there for what felt like hours, listening to the sound of Lyli's growls and the creaking of the door. He was starting to feel cramped and uncomfortable, but he didn't dare move.

Finally, he heard the sound of footsteps in the hallway. He waited until they had faded away before he cautiously pushed open the closet door and peered out.