Silver Lillies

chapter 8.

Chapter 8.

The trek along the riverside was mostly quiet, only broken when I complimented the grey view or hummed quietly to a non-existent song. It must've finally reached around mid-day because we stopped for a rest. I stood watching the rushing current while Dominic knelt on the bank and drank handfuls of water from the rushing river. "We're getting close." I point to the tall apartment buildings rising in the distance "Home is just before the city." His gaze followed my finger and he nodded.

"You have supplies?"

"Yup, if you even think of stealing anything or hurting my family, I'll cut off your fingers and feed 'em to the dogs." He looked shocked for a moment before bursting into laughter.

He stood straight and patted me on the head. I only now realized that he is about a foot taller than me.

"Don't worry, bright-eyes, I won't touch nothing." He shoved his hands into his jeans pockets and started walking again. I give his back a pissed off glare. He walked with a very noticeable limp, either from his ankle or knee. Why wasn't he limping while we ran? The thought was riddled with suspicion but I doubt he was faking, it was too persistent. Maybe it got worse overnight? Adrenaline? That's probably it. I jogged to catch up and we continued on our little journey home. It wasn't long before I saw the familiarities of the back paddocks. I feel a new spark of energy and add a little more bounce to my step as we parade across the dry grass. I climb in the back window, helping Dominic in. "Lily! I'm home!" My echoing voice was the only reply. "Lily?" My voice was less confident now. I slowly made my way down the hall while Dominic wandered off the explore one of the three bedrooms "Mum? Anyone home?" as I creep passed my mums' room a caught a whiff of something foul. Frowning, I edge towards the door. Curiosity and panic mixing together in my eyes. I wrap my fingers around the door knob and twist. The smell gushed out at the slightest crack in the door, bringing tears to my eyes. I let go of the handle to cover my nose and mouth. I take a deep breath, tasting the rotting odor on my tongue. Gathering my courage I push open the door, revealing the contents of the room in one panning sweep. The scene in front of me made my heart drop to my stomach.

Slouched against the edge of the queen sized bed, with double bullet wounds in her head, was my mother. I let out a scream of horror and backed away, unable to take my eyes off the fly infested room. My back hit the wall of the hallway and a slowly slid to the floor. Dominic appeared in the doorway, he looked from me, into the room, then back at me. Colours flashed from worry to disgust to confusion. I sit there, dazed for a few moments before I get a smack in the face from realization. "Lilly?!" I jump up suddenly and run into my bedroom, searching frantically. I call out for my sister repetitively before having to stop in the middle of the kitchen and catch my breath. Dominic stood in the doorway of the room, looking just as heartbroken as me. If it weren't for my own tears blurring my vision, I could've sworn I was tears welling at the edges of his eyes. Why is he sad? It's your mum who's dead, not his. He sighed like he was about to say something important. Only to be interrupted by the front door banging open, three scarecrows barged in, pointing guns at us. Dominic and I raised our hands slowly, feeling defeated.