Can You See Me Now?

Not So Perfect Family

    Hello. My name is Silas Harlow, one of the most successful serial killers my town has ever seen. However, I wasn't always evil, I wasn't always the monster people see me as. I was an angel; I was the kid who had the kindest soul in this town. Guess you could say, I was the light in the darkness in this gloomy place. You know that saying, "Everything happens for a reason." that everyone says? Well, in my story, you'll find out that my serial killer journey happened for a reason. Well, until we meet again, this is Silas Harlow signing off... for now. One last thing, I will advise to skip my story if abuse triggers you. Now, enjoy my traumatic beginning. 

    The Harlow family has always seemed normal. Outside the walls of their beautiful house, they'd appear as the friendliest family you could ever be around with. However, everyone has secrets. What appears on the outside, doesn't always necessarily appear on the inside too. Silas Harlow has been the only child of Gregory and Tori Harlow. He's always been loved, whether it was out in the public or in the warmth of their small home. Only problem is, nothing lasts forever. This warm feeling of love that Silas grew up with, faded when his siblings came into the family. At first, Silas loved it. He didn't have many friends so he felt like having siblings would cure his loneliness. It did. But for a temporary amount of time, unfortunately. Fast forward many years, Silas turned 15. His twin brothers, Kody and Jameson, were about 10 years old. The parents of the 3 children turned their heavenly home into what felt like a living hell. Gregory and Tori's mental health were at stake. Argument after argument, Silas would cover his young brothers' ears, in hope they wouldn't realize what was happening in their family. Argument after argument turned into fight after fight. The sounds of glass bottles thrashing loudly on the walls in the kitchen. Silas has had enough. He couldn't take any more of this, he was mentally drained trying to get his brothers into thinking everything was fine when clearly, this lovely feeling was dying out like a flame on a candle. 

    Quietly walking out of his bedroom, Silas slowly made his way to the kitchen. One, two, bottle thrown at a wall. One, two, screaming. One, two, loud bangs. He noticed the pattern occurring in his parents' fight. Every 3 seconds, some sort of strike was made. Silas finally walked into the kitchen, watching for a second as the two adults were fighting. "What the hell is wrong with you two? I mean, seriously, you think the twins want to hear this?" He blurted out, not really thinking what he said through. "I'm exhausted trying to make them think this family is normal. Covering their ears every night, singing them little lullabies each night, since neither of you can give a damn about how this is ruining them." Silas continued, watching as his father was creeping closer. Gregory sighed, thinking of what to possibly say. He had a stain on his shirt, holding on to the scent of alcohol. Is that what this is? Has he had one too many drinks? "Go to your room. We're having an adult conversation," Gregory quickly glanced over at his wife, standing in complete fear. He glared back at Silas to continue. "If only you stayed on the fence until you were out of here. These arguments, Silas, are none of your business. Go do your homework or something." Silas made eye contact with his mother, Tori, seeing a glass shard in her shoulder with blood dripping down. He stared deeply into his father's eyes. "You're a monster. Some sort of monster coming straight from hell. I used to look up to you. Where has the loving man I grew up with gone to?"

    Gregory didn't like what he heard. He reached his arm out, grabbing Silas by his neck to bring him closer. "A monster straight from hell, you say. Well, I surely thought I raised you to have proper manner to your parents, Silas. Where did my well-mannered boy run off to? When will he be back?" He looked at the direction Silas' eyes were towards. He turned his head, seeing Tori still standing in fear. Gregory made the grasp around Silas' neck tighter, watching him struggle to get out of the grip. "Stop looking at her. She's the least of your worries, young man." Just before Gregory could strike him, he heard a voice behind him. "Don't hurt my son." Tori walked closer, breaking Gregory's grip on Silas. "Go to bed, Silas. It's long past 12. Your father and I will handle this. Love you." She smiled at Silas, hoping she could comfort him with the small gesture. Silas held a soft smile on his face, although he wasn't actually happy or comforted. "I love you too, mom." He watched a tear fall down her face, hearing the blood splashing onto the floor from her open wounds.