Days Are Numbered

10. Punishment

Dhakirah had looked closer and found the eye to be free of any damage; rather, the blade had landed just below his eye socket, somehow causing fragile blood tissues to burst under his sclera, resulting in a large and visible blood stain on his eye. Dhakirah told him it would fade away after some time. Noah, who had never had such an experience, remained terrified of losing sight. The blade tore his skin open in places, and even a small movement hurt just as much as the initial impact, if not worse. From the look of the fresh cut, the healing process had already begun, with fluid appearing on the surface.

Dhakirah helped him dry the blood while the others hurried to make dinner, trying to avoid Avgustin's temper.

As they gathered to eat, Noah could barely take a bite of the food; his eyes were bloodshot and watery, giving him a beaten-up appearance. Dhakirah occasionally gave him small glances. He knew for a fact that Noah deserved what he got, but deep down, he felt bad for him. Maybe Noah was innocent, very innocent, somewhere deep in his conscience, if he had any.

Rafael stared at Noah, who looked somewhat traumatized and shaky. "That's a pretty one, I didn't see it coming," he smirked, while Browne tried to hold back a snicker.

Browne waved his spoon, "It's just a scratch," he added before returning to his meal.

Dhakirah dropped his spoon furiously. "That's enough; let him be," he scolded firmly, causing both boys to roll their eyes.

Noah sat up at once, still in shock, and retreated to the stairs like a wounded puppy. Rafael rolled his eyes again, while Browne silently pitied him. The last time Avgustin had been so brutal was towards Rafael, who had tried to stab him. That didn't go well for him; he was lucky to have lived through the punishment.

******

Noah violently jerked awake from his nightmares, hands flying to his cheek to confirm what he thought was an illusion or a mere dream, but it was indeed a recap of the incident. Noah lay back on the bed, wide awake and unwilling to sleep, staring at the blank wall, waiting for the alarm in deafening silence.

After dwelling in silence and darkness for what felt like an eternity, faint sun rays leaked through the window. The sun was rising on the horizon. The boys were stirred awake by the alarm, and Noah followed as they went ahead with their routine. Brushing his teeth felt like the worst experience ever, and right then, more than ever, he missed his home.

Dhakirah walked in on Noah, slipping on a standard plain black t-shirt that was the uniform for all. As he put on the shirt, he moaned in pain. His tattoo was on display, and Dhakirah couldn't help but wonder why a rich kid with diplomatic parents would engage in such an act. However, he decided to leave it for another time. Maybe Noah Merridew had deeper secrets than he thought.

Noah's eye was red, and the blood stain made it bloodshot; the swelling did no good to smooth out his shaggy look. The area was pinkish-purple and looked bad enough to make anyone, except Noah, wince just by looking at it.

Dhakirah approached Noah, obtaining nothing but a stare that wandered all around the room except at him. "Did the bugs bite?" he asked.

He earned a weak glare from Noah, who looked like a psychiatric hospital patient. Then he proceeded, "I'd advise you to do what he tells you quickly and work with time, even if he doesn't give you one. Answer him, loudly, boldly, and wisely. He isn't your mum or your dad that can be messed with. To prove my point, he almost took your sight with a knife. He is similar to Mr. Yaroslav, his father." He paused, as did Noah. "Beware, and I think it is time for you to go and see him. Don't get into any more trouble; it's better for us all," Dhakirah said with a final sigh. Noah did not respond but took mental notes on the points made.