Reader (countryhumans)

20: Punishment

After arriving home, reuniting the family, and all Ella was forced to attend a meeting. By the time they came back, it already night but it doesn't stopped the brothers to question their sibling. There are a lot of questions to asked and now is the time for that. They can't leave it until tomorrow, where anytime, their parents will come back. It will be strange to suddenly hear of another family in your house when you left. So they have no choice.

"Who are they?" Del asked quite serious, though honestly uncomfortable of his siblings actions lately. 

"..." Ella cannot speak.

'How can I say it? "I read about them in the book. In that book, they will be miserable and can't go back the way they did!" Just like that?

Or, I know them but not really.

Or, I just want to help?

Or... what?'

"Phil!" Called Del.

"Answer." Coldly demanded by the fellow in the corner besides the window, watching outside.

"uh... I just wanted to help...?"

'I mean it's my fault they ended up in that prison in the first place... so.'

"What obligations do you have to do so?" Martial clarifies.

"What?"

'Did I hear it right?'

Martial, "I said what I said. Now, talk."

Ella is speechless at first but understood yet again Martial. And she is annoyed with that. So, she choose to be truthful as she's having a hard day today. She wanted to rest so bad.

'Why didn't I realized that..'

Ella, "It's because it's my fault he ended up in that place in the first place. I previously investigated that person from a past encounter. Then, gave them some money but that money cost them to be send in that prison. So that's how I know that the person I accidentaly sent to prison has a family, and he is a breadwinner of his sibllings of three. I got no choice but to get his siblings in their home, Okay? They might die! Worse, Timor is in that prison nearly a month now. And all because of that stupid coins! Understood?"

After she end her explanation, the room went quiet. Del is looking at Ella but Ella is not comfortable at Del's stares, much more presence, is looking at Martial who is still watching outside. This cotinues for less than five minutes before Martial open his mouth.

"Go."

Ella is at dazed receiving the order. She's thankful they did not asked anymore questions and dumbfounded for the same reason. 

"Anything?" Martial continued.

Looking at it, Ella is sure that's that. It's unbelievable how they brush aside a lot of questions just like that. She don'e really know how Phil's brothers brain circuits works. 

She stood up, touch the door knob but before she opens it, she glace back again to cofirm Martial, no one reacted. They are still the same. Ella doesn't want to look at Del but for instictual reason, her eyes focuses on him for brief moment. Her eyes widen in syrangeness unnoticable to Del who she locked eyes on earlier. She turn her head back the door and open it. She went outside. She did not let go of the door knob of the closed door. She observe a little but no sounds came escaping the room. She gulps and run back to Philip's room. 

Arriving in the room, she open then closed it without forgetting to lock it. Her ears are occupied with her beating hard heart. She slides the door until she sat down. Her mind is starting to think a lot.