"Please, Alex you don't have to go." Arty pleads helplessly while tugging on my sweater. "No, Arty I do. I have to go for dad's sake." I kneel down and gently pat the top of his head, which leaves his hair in a static disarray. "It's only for the summer I'll be back before you know it." I comfort him as I stand back up.
I situate each of my bags "Tetris style" in the back of the car before hopping into shotgun. My mom doesn't say a word as she sets the vehicle into reverse and descends the driveway. It was clear how heavy the circumstances were for her, and she was beginning to collapse under the weight. Arty waves profusely as if he is a man lost at sea trying to be found.
Then his face lights up and he dashes inside the house. My mom stops the car to wait for him. He returns moments later with his hands tucked behind his back trying to conceal something from us. I step out of the car. Arty orders me to close my eyes and hold out my hands. Fulfilling his commands I feel soft fabric against the tips of my fingers. "Now open," he directs blatantly. I look down to see I'm holding "Mr. Snuggles" (Arty's stuffed bear he's had since he was three years old).
"Mr. Snuggles will watch over you and keep you safe since I'm not there to protect you." Arty declares and bows like a loyal servant. I don't know how to respond, so I simply nod my head in acknowledgment and pull him into a tight embrace. "Watch after mom for me, okay?" I ask in a hushed voice. "You can count on me!" He announced with his hands fixed to his hips. He shrinks back into the hug and whispers. "I love you, Alex."
"I love you too, Arty."
YOU ARE READING
Experiment 1.0
Science FictionAs a mysterious epidemic sweeps the nation, leaving hundreds hospitalized-one of whom is Alex and Arthur Bishop's father-Alex receives a letter from Y.I.E.L.D.( a scientific association that specializes in studying and providing cures to recent outb...
