The E.A. Barket Short Stories

Cage

I saw him caged in a flimsy crate. He was hunched down, head between his knees and I could see the blood that soaked through his shirt.

"Henry!" I sobbed, running to the cage. The guards that led me into the room, tried to grab ahold of me, but I slipped from there grip.

He slowly lifted his head, his green eyes piercing mine.

"Jasmine." He whispered. "What--what you doing here?"

I couldn't answer him. Because I knew he wouldn't like the answer.

He crawled over to the side of the create, wincing in pain.

"What happened?" He asked.

"I should be asking you the same thing." My voice is hoarse.

"I had to see you. To know that you alive. To protect you." I reached beyond the bars, cupping his bruised and bloodied cheek.

He took ahold of the bars, trying to get closer to me. "What, did you do Jasmine?"

I bite my quivering lip, tears running down my face. He took my hand that was on his cheek, turning his head to my palm he lightly kissed it.

"I love you Jasmine. Always have, always will."

"I did it to protect you Henry." I gasped, "I promised to him." I said pointing towards the guy in the fancy get up, standing in the corner.

"Times up, sweetheart." He said, walk towards me. He placed his hand on my shoulder, and Henry's hold on my hand only got tighter.

"You've said goodbye to her, Henry, you got your last wish." He took something out from his jacket pocket, and I knew what was coming next, it was the deal I made with him.

I felt the sharp sting of the needle puncture my skin, and it instantly made me dizzy. He took me by my upper arm, leading me away from Henry, and I could focus on is that I failed him.

"No! Let her go! I swear to god if you hurt her--!"

Then I blacked out.