MALYSHKA

Chapter 19

LEONID'S P.O.V

I was sitting in the passenger seat, my hands covering my face as I rubbed my eyes. "I really hope Dami and his family are okay," I muttered, nervously biting my thumbnail.

Valik, who was driving, tried to reassure me. "Hey man, don't panic. He's going to be alright, Leo. Just stop thinking like that." I could see the worry etched on his face, and his palms were slick with sweat.

He slammed on the gas, and we sped down the road in silence. When we finally pulled up, our eyes landed on the house surrounded by police—it was Dami's place. I flung the door open and rushed out, only to find Dami's wife and son lying lifeless on the ground.

My heart felt like it stopped. Valik dashed inside, and even though the police tried to hold us back, they couldn't stop him. He covered his mouth in shock. I followed him in, and there was Dami, lifeless, shielding his twin baby girls. I felt my fists clench tightly.

as the reality of the scene crashed over me like a tidal wave. The air was thick with the metallic scent of blood, mingling with the acrid smell of smoke that lingered in the corners of the room. My mind raced, trying to process the horror before me, but all I could feel was a suffocating weight in my chest.

"Dami!" I shouted, my voice cracking as I stumbled forward, desperate to reach him. But the sight of his still form, sprawled protectively over his daughters, sent a jolt of despair through me. I could barely breathe, the panic rising like bile in my throat.

Valik stood frozen at the threshold, his eyes wide with disbelief. "No... no, no, no," he whispered, shaking his head as if willing the nightmare to dissolve. I could see the tears pooling in his eyes, reflecting the chaos around us.

The police officers, their faces grim, moved to secure the area, but I barely registered their presence. All I could focus on was Dami, my friend, my brother in arms, lying there in a way that felt so final. I wanted to scream, to shake him awake, to tell him it was all a mistake. But deep down, I knew it wasn't.

I knelt beside him, my hands trembling as I reached out to touch his shoulder, hoping against hope that he would stir. "Dami, please," I choked out, my voice barely a whisper. "Wake up. We need you."

But he remained still, the weight of the world pressing down on my shoulders. I glanced at the twin girls, their tiny bodies untouched, and a fresh wave of anguish washed over me. They were so innocent, so fragile. How could this happen?

Valik finally moved, stepping closer, his face pale and drawn. "We need to call someone," he said, his voice shaky. "We need to get help." But I could see the truth in his eyes; there was no help coming for Dami or his family.

I felt a surge of anger rise within me, a fierce protectiveness for the lives that had been so brutally snuffed out. "Who did this?" I demanded, my voice rising in intensity. "Who would do something so horrific?"

Valik shook his head, his expression a mix of sorrow and rage. "I don't know, Leo. But we'll find out. We have to."

...6 hours ago...

"Hey, Alexander, dinner's ready!" my wife shouted to our son while I hung out with the twins, having some fun. The aroma of her cooking wafted through the air, a tantalizing mix of spices and warmth that promised a delicious meal.

"Who's my little princesses?" I teased Polina by pinching her cheek, eliciting a giggle from her. Alina, not to be outdone, wrapped her tiny arms around me in a big hug, her laughter bubbling up like a sweet melody. Just then, my wife joined us, her hair slightly tousled from the day's activities, but her smile as radiant as ever.

"I TOLD YOU DINNER'S READY!" she exclaimed, her voice a mix of playful exasperation and genuine excitement. The kids, hearing the magic words, dashed to the table, their little feet pattering against the floor like a stampede of tiny elephants. I stood up, stretching a bit, and made my way over to my wife, leaning in to give her a quick kiss.

"Breathe, sweetheart," I said softly, noticing the way her eyes sparkled with a mix of love and the slight stress of managing our lively household.

"I'll breathe if you go eat the dinner I made, Dami," she chuckled, her laughter infectious. I could see the warmth in her eyes, the kind that made every chaotic moment worth it.

As I walked towards the dining room, I could hear the twins chattering excitedly about their day, their voices overlapping in a delightful symphony. Alexander, already seated, was busy setting the table, his long limbs awkwardly manoeuvring around the plates and utensils. I couldn't help but smile at how quickly he was growing up, transforming from a little boy into a young man right before my eyes.

"Did you wash your hands?" I called out to the twins, who were already climbing into their chairs, their faces lit up with anticipation.

"Yes, Daddy!" they chimed in unison, their voices high-pitched and full of enthusiasm.

"Okay, then! Let's dig in!" I said, taking my seat at the head of the table. My wife brought over a steaming pot of pasta, the rich tomato sauce glistening under the soft light of the dining room.

"Wow, this looks amazing!" I exclaimed, my mouth watering at the sight.

"Just wait until you taste it," she replied, her eyes twinkling with pride. 

The chaos erupted around me, the sound of my wife's name echoing in my mind like a haunting refrain. I could hardly process what had just happened. Ksenia had been so vibrant just moments ago, her laughter filling the room as we shared our meal. Now, she lay motionless, her life seeping away onto the polished wood floor, the crimson stain spreading like a dark omen.

"Polina! Alina! Stay close to me!" I urged, my voice trembling as I crouched down, shielding my daughters with my body. Their small frames shook with fear, and I could feel their tiny hearts racing against my side. I had to protect them; I had to keep them safe.

The sound of footsteps echoed from the hallway, heavy and deliberate. My instincts kicked in, and I glanced toward the door, my mind racing. Who was out there? Was it the same person who had shot Ksenia? I couldn't let them get to my girls. I had to act fast.

"Stay quiet," I whispered urgently, my eyes darting around the room for anything I could use as a weapon. The dining table was sturdy, and I quickly pushed it against the door, hoping it would buy us some time. The girls clung to each other, their wide eyes filled with confusion and terror.

"DAD!" Alexander's voice finally broke through the tension, but it was laced with panic. "There's someone out here! I think they're trying to get in!"

"Get back!" I shouted, my heart racing as I realized the danger was closer than I had anticipated. I needed to protect my family, but I was outnumbered and outgunned. I glanced at the kitchen, where I knew we kept a few knives. It wasn't much, but it was better than nothing.

"Polina, Alina, listen to me," I said, my voice steady despite the chaos. "I need you to stay right here and don't make a sound. I'm going to check what's happening, okay?"

They nodded, their eyes wide with fear, and I could see the tears brimming in Polina's eyes. I hated putting them through this, but I had no choice. I had to be brave for them.

I crept toward the kitchen, my heart pounding in my chest. I could hear the muffled sounds of someone trying to force their way in, the door creaking under the pressure. I grabbed a knife from the block, I heard more gun shots and I knew that I lost Alexander, tears fell, as I hurried to the twins, holding them both up, I want to save them, I want them to, BANG BANG BANG BANG BANG.............

_end of Flashback 

_Chapter 19 ENDED..