The Moon Series Extra (Background stories + alternate ending + fun facts)

Warren's past

Warren's past

The front door opens. Warren holds his breath, his body tenses. How will she act today? Is she in a good mood? These questions pop into his mind every evening. He hears a couple of swears. The door to the living room opens. He watches how his mother stumbles inside the room, almost unable to keep herself on her feet. He pushes his younger sister more behind his back. He has to protect her. No matter what. Their mother only glances at them, pays nearly no attention and mutters some incoherent words. She simply passes them by and heads straight to her bedroom. Warren heaves a sigh. They are safe.

"I-Is mommy fine?" His sister, Violet, asks while being unable to suppress the fear in her voice. She clings her hands tighter around his arm. It pains him deeply to hear it.

"Yeah, everything is alright now." He turns around, smiles and pats her softly on her head. She forces a weak smile upon her face.

"Why don't you go to bed? I'll clean everything and then I'll be there too."

"Ok, big brother." She goes into the bathroom to put on her pyjama.

He watches her for a moment and then heads to the kitchen. He cleans the plates, pots and pans. While he's working, his mind drifts away. Although he's only ten years old, he has to take care of his little sister by doing all the household chores. From the bottom of his heart, he wishes she wouldn't have to endure such hardships. He wants her to grow up in a good environment. In a warm and happy family. She doesn't deserve all this. She doesn't have to live in fear every day. He can't depend on his mother after all. After her job, she always goes to the inn to have a booze where she literally drinks until she can barely walk. Every day it's the same. Because of that habit, they barely have any money left for clothes or food. It's a miracle they can actually still live in this small house. In fact, Warren secretly does some jobs around the city. That's how he managed to let his sister go to school. At least one of them will get proper education.

Mom doesn't seem to care. She's gone as soon as she gets over her hangover and doesn't come back till the evening or even late at night. However, when she gets back home, Warren and Violet fear her. In her drunken condition, no one can tell what she'll do. Today, they were lucky. She didn't bother. Other times, she becomes violent. Warren shivers at the thought. He knows that isn't how a mother is supposed to act. Fortunately, she always stops before things get out of hand. Yet, this isn't how he wants to live. He can't wait until he's old enough to leave this place. He has considered running away with his sister, but he doesn't want to live on the streets with her. She's still a kid. What kind of life would that be? So instead, he'll take the hits and wait until he can gather enough money to buy his own place. Just a few more years and everything will be alright.

~

"Big brother, I'm going to bed." Violet chants with a big smile on her face.

"Ok, sweet dreams. You haven't forgotten to pack your schoolbag, right?"

"I packed everything. See you tomorrow." She throws her arms around him.

Warren hugs her back. He watches her go to bed and then switches his gaze to the clock. It's nine in the evening. There is a nagging feeling in his chest that he can't seem to shake off. Something is going to happen. Just like every evening, he takes care of the household chores. Hours pass before he hears the front door unlock. He glances at the clock. It's past midnight. She's home late. Well, later than usual, though it has happened before. However, once she enters the living room, he remarks that something is different. Her eyes are vacant. They are puffy. Has she been crying? Though there's somehow a spark in her eyes. A glitter which makes him terrified. A chill runs through his spine. She is drunk nonetheless.