Death Will Always Win

struck down dead

It wasn't until evening hit that Madeline decided to check the park. She found Conner sitting on one of the swings, no longer crying but the tear stains were still visible on his cheeks. She came forward slowly toward him and bit back a small cry. The bruise she had covered up the day before was now visible thanks to a mix of his crying and hand wiping his eyes. She also found it was joined by a blackened eye that had swelled up rather large. She held back her own tears, biting back each one as she approached. Don't cry. Have to be strong. Have to be strong for him.

"Conner?" she asked as she came up to him. "Are you OK?" The boy shook his head and tightened his grip on the swing chains.

"I can't do it anymore Mad." he spoke, sniffling as the tears threatened to return. "I can't take it anymore. I just want it over. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry." He spoke.

"No reason to be sorry Conner. It's not-" he cut her off by leaping to her, arms suddenly wrapping about her in a hug as he buried his head against her.

"No! I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I...I..." He worked to form words but the tears resumed and they degraded into the sobs. Madeline gently pet the back of his head before she whispered down to him.

"Don't worry. We're not going home." she assured him in a gentle voice. "We're going to the cops. We should've done it a long time ago. We'll be OK." His crying didn't seem to halt but he did manage to nod his head. Slowly, she pulled away and took him by his hand. Conner followed his sister's lead and let her lead him back to the street. The police station wasn't far, at least, and Madeline knew they would protect them. She felt so stupid. Why hadn't she done this before? Why had she waited so long? Maybe it was because of Conner. If she went to the police, then Conner might feel Uncle Lewis's wrath before she could save him. But, now, he was here. Bruised and scared, but safe. They'd be OK. If they could hold out a bit longer...

The screeching of tires hit her ears first. Madeline turned to see the twin bulbs of headlights barreling toward them. She didn't have time to scream. She barely had time to register what was happening before the on-coming car bounced over the sidewalk and slammed itself into the brother and sister.

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