Torture In Silence (Kellic)

Death of a Loved One

{Kellin}

"So...you're homeless," Officer Jaime began, "I don't know who I should contact. I guess just sit here for a moment while I go chat with the chief to see what we can do for you."

It started to pour big puddles of rain, one after another, the water splashing harshly against the roof of the building.

I was sitting in a random room all by myself waiting for Jaime to come back and check on me. It almost felt like I was in trouble. I hope he doesn't blab about me jumping in a dumpster. What do you expect a kid to do that has no place to go?

The door opened and in came Jaime and a man wearing a full uniform with tons of badges.

"Hello, Kellin. Nice to meet you. I'm the chief. Officer Jaime told me about your illegal dumpster diving."

"Thanks for ratting me out, Preciado," I said sarcastically, glaring at him.

"He also told me that the only reason you were doing that was because you're homeless and you have no family. How long have you been on the streets?"

"Not too long," I told the chief. "Hey, I got this gnarly cut on my knee trying to escape the dumpster before Jaime found me. If he wouldn't have startled me, I wouldn't have gotten this damn scrape. But...he knew what to do on the spot and I'm really happy he helped me," I explained.

I saw a slight smile tug at Jaime's lips.

"Looks like that bandage already needs a changing," the chief said. "Jaime, do your thing." Before he walked out of the room, he turned to Jaime. "Make sure he doesn't do anything wrong."

"What? I have to watch him all night here? Is he gonna stay at the station or something?" Jaime asked with panic in his voice.

"You're a smart man, Preciado. You'll figure it out."

"This sucks!" Jaime blurted. "I'm on child duty? Perfect." He rolled his eyes. "I wasn't trained in this field..."

I knelt my head down. "You know," I turned to him, "you don't have to watch me. I can take care of myself," I lied. I didn't want to be a burden on him. "If you don't want to stay here, you don't have to. Go home."

"No, it's okay. I don't mind. Besides, now I can act like an annoying, overprotective older brother." He glanced at the clock. "It's getting late. There's a blanket right there if you want to cover up with it. It's cozy."

I rotated my head over and looked at the blanket. It sure did look cozy. "I don't need it. I'll be fine."

About 10 minutes later, Jaime was out on the couch. I didn't even notice he had his eyes closed. He looked so peaceful. I, myself, was getting a bit tired and cold. I stood up and wrapped the blanket around my body, slithering myself next to Jaime. I didn't want to wake him up. He looked exhausted in the first place. I stared at him for a second, hoping not to wake him. I quietly and gently pressed my body to his, leaning my head on his chest and covering us with the blanket. I took his arm and slunk it over my body to ensure the blanket won't fall off.

Suddenly, I felt Jaime's hand gently run through my hair. I rested my eyes, realizing that I felt safe next to him. I lightly grasped his shirt, listening to his heart beat slowly out of his chest. A quick tear leaked out of my eye. I don't know why that happened.

Jaime whispered, "I hope you find a home, Kellin. You're a good kid and you deserve to have someone there for you through thick and thin."

I looked at him. "What if I don't?"