Living Like A Lion-The Year

Chapter 56-Daddy Stay

56.Daddy Stay

I woke up the next day in a metal cage with my mother slowly pouring water into a glass bowl. “Mom? Why is Dad so mad? Why did he act as I wasn't his son? Mom? Do you still love me?” I cried as I moved closer and she quickly removed her hand from the cage.

“Don't talk. You're a lion; so speak and act like one,” she commanded terrified.

“Not until I know what is going on!” I roared as I knocked the bowl out of the cage.

“Fine. I will tell you. Your Dad is upset because he thinks we failed you. We can't afford to keep our son with us; so he has decided and forced everyone to treat you as a regular lion and not his mutilated son,” she cried as she backed up more, picking up the glass bowl as she did.

“And everyone is fine with this? How could Dad treat my family this way! All because I'm a mutilated kid! Why?” I cried as I pawed at the cage.

“He remembers very little before your disappearance. He is old and forgetful,” she chuckled, but then she became somber again. “He hurts more than the rest of us. There was so much he wanted to teach you, but he never got the chance. I believe it hurts him too much; so he is blocking you out however he can.” She looked at the ground. “It hurts like how it hurt me to lose your sister.”

“My sister? What happened to her?” I asked quickly.

“Four years ago when she turned eleven, the same thing happened to her that happened to you. She just disappeared and no one could find her,” my mother explained as she looked up at me. “She is fifteen now and if she is like you; then she could be far away by now.”

“Mom, touch me one last time. Please touch me. Love me. Please,” I pleaded and she moved closer. She stuck her hand in and rubbed me behind my ear. “Take care of Anna, Annie, and the other two. I wish I could have seen them.”

“I know, dear. I'm sorry you have to leave, but I'll find you soon,” she cried before she ran off.

Dr. Jason and my father came a hour later and picked up the cage. They started towards the truck, but Annie ran out yelling. “Daddy! Stay! Please stay!” she cried over and over as she hung onto the bars of the cage.

Anna rushed out and grabbed Annie. “Annie come!” Anna commanded as she pulled Annie towards the house.

“But Daddy! Momma! They are taking Daddy! Help Daddy, Momma! Help Daddy!” Annie cried repeatably.

“Good-bye Annie. I love you. Be strong, my little cub,” I purred sadly as they put the cage on the truck.

Annie escaped Anna's grip and raced after the truck as it bounced down the road. “Daddy! Don't leave me! Daddy! Please don't go!” she cried as the truck drove faster. She sank to her knees and yelled, “I'll find you, Daddy! I love you!”