At The Break of Dawn

Chapter 1

I still remember that dreadful night, the shrieks and the gunshots echoing across the hall. The smell of  fresh blood, the broken utensils, the smell of burnt hair. It feels like yesterday, when me, Aether, Mom and Dad were singing old traditional songs, and dancing giddily. The joyful peals of my little sister, Aether and the gentle but melodic voice of my Mom were my favourite sounds, the only sounds that made me smile, but little did I know that that was the last time I will be hearing them. Suddenly, I heard a loud bang, and the the next thing I knew, Three unknown people are standing inside our home. One of them was wearing a black vest and a mask  , and was carrying a gun. " You think we'll let go of you so easily?" He said, " What are they talking about , Jhon?" My Mother asked my Dad. " Mary, take the kids and leave." My dad ordered." NOW!"  

My mom rushed to fetch the car keys, But one of the men shot her before she could even take a step. My eyes widened with rage and shock, witnessing what had just happened. Aether , too young to understand anything, ran to Mom's lifeless body and tried waking her up. She screamed and cried and punched the men with her tiny and fragile hands. They picked her up and took her with them." Let her go, please"I begged them, and tried to fight them, but I was too  weak against them. My Dad , witnessing all that had just happened, begged the  masked man with mercy, " Please, leave my daughters alone, Take me instead." " I do not work with frauds, you will pay for what you have done with your life." " I don't know what you're talking about." At this , the man stabbed my Dad and turned his gaze to me. Horrified , I ran away from my house, crying and confused. I had nowhere to go to, but i was scared that they might do the same to me. I went to my friend's house, Aaron.

                                                                                Aaron was like a part of me. We had know each other since elementary school. He was a very shy natured person , like me. I remember our first meeting, in the park during recess, when i asked him if he would like to play with me, he nodded. Since then we had become inseparable . I knocked at his door , and as soon as  he opened up, I barged in, Panting and sweating and covered in blood. " What happened?" He asked, concerned and shaken. Unable to say anything, I broke down.  

After crying for some time, I told him about what happened , how the mysterious men took my sister and how my parents were murdered in front of my eyes. He offered me that i could stay as long as I needed, But I refused. I was afraid that they might come back, so I made a plan to leave the village the very next day. But that would mean separation from the only person who understood me. He tried to talk me out of it, but there was no turning back. I made a plan to leave the very next morning. 

" Well, if you are leaving early, you might want to get some sleep." Aaron said . " Ill try." I said, faking a smile.