The Springtrap Saga Book Four: Darkness in the Stars

Chapter Nine

     He's slumped against the wall, looking at the garbage checkering the house. Morsels of food cling to some of the wrappers. Various colored splotches stain his suit, especially on his mouth and face, from when he was careless with his eating. Furniture is strewn across the floor from when rage consumed him the day he shattered the mirrors. The empty wine bottle is still perched on the counter. Jagged letters are scribbled over the walls.

     He hasn't moved for... he isn't sure how many days. Every time the thought of standing drifts across his weary mind, sorrow bogs down his limbs and welds him to the spot. He just doesn't have the energy or willpower to get up. What's he going to do anyway? Glare at his splintered reflection? Trash the house some more? Eat and drink until he can't think straight? Cry until he can't see?

     A sigh bleeds him of all his strength. He rotates his head upward so his listless eyes may bore into the ceiling. I hope the kids are okay, wherever they are. Even if they hate me, all that matters is they're safe. I just wish I could see them one last time.

     A couple quiet, defeated sobs escape his voice box, but their strength has dwindled. Before, the sobs would send sporadic jolts through his entire body until nausea brewed in his stomach. Now, he doesn't even have the strength to cry.

     He doesn't have the strength to do anything but grieve. At this point, he doesn't even have the strength to do that anymore. All joy has been scraped out of him, reducing him to a husk riddled with agony. A parent without their child is nothing.

     The world flickers and dims before him. A sigh depletes his voice box. Something unspools inside him. His eyelids slowly drift closed, gently sweeping him into permanent darkness. I love you, kids...