Turning Back Time [Jeff The Killer : Homicidal Liu]

Rescued

It wasn't long before Liu let himself pass out. Who would want to be alive while their stomach is ripped open and exposed? Everytime he came back to consciousness, he felt weaker. He was convinced that if he fell asleep again, he wouldn't wake up.

Liu didn't think that was so bad though. Right now he wished he was dead. He wished Jeffrey had killed him. Really Liu would like to kill Jeffrey before he died, but he was in too much pain to even bother with the idea.

There was a loud noise from somewhere in the room. Would he have had the energy, he would have felt fear. He would have felt panic. He would have begun to struggle at this very moment! Yet, he couldn't. He was so very weak. So very tired.

When the door opened, figures emerged. Liu couldn't see who. He continued to keep his head down, four feet coming closer with every blink. It was like a stop-motion movie, every blink of his eye being a photo snapped.

There was the panicked voice of someone, but Liu couldn't distinguish it either. The words weren't even coherent to him. Was he even awake? Was he hallucinating? Dreaming?

A pressure around his hands and ankles was released. His body was about to slump to the ground before someone caught hold. There was more panicked screaming and some stern shouting. Liu giggled. It was a dream. This was all a dream.

His body kept moving, as if the people with him had some difficulty carrying him. His eyes fluttered shut, everything going dark. He let himself truly fall asleep, wishing, praying, hoping, that he would not wake up.

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"Is he going to be okay", said a worried female voice. The waver in her speech made it obvious she had been crying.

"He'll be fine. I know what I'm doing. Just don't expect him to be all happy and optimistic. This kids been through some stuff", came a genuine but serious voice.

Something touched Liu. His hand. It was warm. Soft. He turned his head, but kept his eyes closed. His mind was foggy. All he could think of was the pain he felt and the warm touch on his hand. He gave a gentle squeeze, someone bursting into a sob fit soon after.

"Liu, I'm so sorry", came the choked voice.

"W-what", he asked.

"He doesn't have amnesia does he", asked Hazel.

"I don't think he does. Just give him time to readjust. No telling how long his brother left him there."

Hazel remained by Liu's side, holding his hand, occasionally feeling his gentle squeeze. She attempted to control her cries, but tears still streamed down her face. Minutes became hours, and Liu still wasn't responsive. He was still convinced that he was dreaming.

"Hazel, come here. It's late. You need to go home. I'll drive you out", came Jack's voice from behind her.

She shook her head, resting it next to Liu's. Still she was holding his head, whispering into his ear, hoping he'd speak again. Jack placed a hand in her shoulder. She was about to smack it away, thinking he'd force her to leave, but he had said something else.

"What would you like to drink?"

She stopped whispering in his ear, but still kept her face close to his.

"Just some water please", she sniffed.

Jack obliged, handing her a glass of water. She took a sip and set it on the coffee table, returning her attention to Liu. Jack watched her continue her incoherent mumbling before returning to his room again.

"What has your life been", she whispered to Liu.

"Hell I imagine. To have your brother do such cruel things..."

She traced the scars on his face, careful around the newly etched smile.

"I'll be here for you Liu. We can find your brother. We can rid of him."

Along with her sadness, Hazel felt anger towards his brother. Jack had shared what he knew, how Liu had searched for his brother only to be abused. How Jack kept him here for months so he couldn't be found. There was also a disturbing part Jack mentioned, but still, Hazel saw the face of an angel. An angel with a burdened past.

Liu's eyes fluttered, catching Hazel's attention. Hope bloomed in her, looking at him with the expectation of speech. A small smile spread across his lips before he fell into a coughing fit. Hazel gripped his hand, using her other hand to smooth his hair.

"Take it easy. Relax okay. It's okay."

When she said the words, she felt she was speaking more to herself.

Liu calmed from his fit, looking peaceful in his sleepy state. Carefully he faced Hazel, attempting another smile.

"What a lovely dream", he spoke in a raspy tone.

Hazel wanted to cry again. She wanted to pour her heart out. Instead she kept quiet, putting on a plastered smile. She drew him into a hug, careful not to disturb his healing wounds. He sniffled under her, tears now falling from his eyes. She soothed him, gently finger brushing his hair and humming choked melodies.

"It'll all be over soon."