I BORROW HIS PAIN

3

CHAPTER 3: TYRANNY and CRUELTY

Hadson roamed aimlessly two years after Reagan Owen Academy sent him a rejection letter. He didn’t care whether Major Leomord was home or not; he wandered wherever he pleased, free to roam the streets and forests as if the world were his personal playground.

Commodore began his mischievous habits by disturbing his neighbors' mornings, unleashing his destructive energy by punching holes in their houses. Like the ringing of a bell, his name echoed through every alley and corner. Everyone knew when Commodore was around—it was impossible to ignore the chaos he caused.

“Commodore, come home,” his mother, Lenora, begged in desperation, chasing after him. “When in the blazes did this all begin? How did my son become so lost and miserable?”

But Commodore sneered, defiance flashing in his eyes. “Miserable? Ha! I am not miserable, Mother—I’ve escaped a miserable life. I’m free—free from risking my life on meaningless rules. I’m not going home, and you can’t make me.”

In the dense foliage of the forest stood an old family friend, Mr. Keyton. Moving closer to Lenora, he spoke in a stern, censorious voice:
“What’s going on here, Lenora? What are you letting him do?”

Lenora cast her eyes downward, giving no answer. Mr. Keyton shook his head in sorrow.

“Commodore, you’ve complicated everything for everybody. Look at Hearst—he’s the same age as you, yet respectful and responsible as could be.”

Under his breath, Commodore chuckled. The mask covering his face hid his grin.

“Hearst, eh? And yet here you are, lecturing me. Meanwhile, Mr. Dark Nero—now there's someone worthwhile. He’s leagues ahead of you—an excellent professor who could teach at Reagan Owen Academy. He’s far more valuable than you, Sir Keyton.”

His sarcastic laughter echoed throughout the woods, bouncing off the trees.

“You’re just a boy, Commodore—a foolish, reckless boy!” Mr. Keyton’s face flushed with frustration.

“And that’s exactly why you shouldn’t compare anyone, Sir Keyton. Or someone might compare you—with all your wisdom and dignity—to a bald-headed fool.”

Keyton’s hand snapped up, but before he could strike, Commodore darted away.

“Your son is the most unbelievable child I’ve ever encountered!” Mr. Keyton shouted at Lenora, who could only watch as her son disappeared into the trees.

Lenora sighed and slumped into her chair, eyes cast down. “Life is inevitable, Mr. Keyton,” she said with resignation. “Whatever he becomes, he’ll always be my son. Even if he burns the whole village down searching for happiness, he’ll still be my son.”

______________

“He’s not selfish,” said Don Derwent Spike, passing by on horseback, accompanied by soldiers. “He’s just restless. He’s homeless and lost—wandering through the streets, sleeping in trees, or squatting in the market—all for something he’ll never find.”

____________

Lenora said no more as she entered her car. She had come to bring her son home, but knowing she had no hold on him weighed heavily on her heart.

“I feel so helpless,” she murmured, letting out a bitter sigh.

SOME DAYS LATER, Commodore found his way to Major Leomord’s home by the lakeside, where his grandfather sat fishing. Major Leomord didn’t bother to turn his head or speak a word. Commodore sat beside him and stared at the rippling waves.