Protection

CHAPTER 1:

    Running was all they could do. No matter where they tried to hide, there was no escape. It was an endless cycle. All Matthew and Alfred could do was dream of escaping their hellish reality. Whatever innocence they have left, they hold on to.

   

    For years and years, Matthew and Alfred have lived in their abusive household. Their father walked out on their mother once he knew she was pregnant. However, right after Matthew was born, their mother passed away. It was then Alfred's responsibility to take care of his baby brother. Even as an infant, the abusive relationship between the family members was strong. Now, Alfred wasn't capable of taking care of all of Matthew's needs. Of course he couldn't. He was only two. A toddler himself. But even that wasn't enough. If Matthew cried, Alfred was punished. It was usually that he was starved for the next two days and was repeatedly kicked in his side. Over time, Alfred quickly grew up.

    It didn't matter that there was a two year difference between the boys. Matthew being seven, and Alfred being nine. Alfred would always try to be the hero and protect the younger brother. Whenever he would go shopping, he'd bring along Matthew for protection. However,  whenever he wasn't allowed to go, nightmarish things would follow. Things that Alfred doesn't know about. He wouldn't dare speak of them to another soul while being in that household.

     One day while running he, Matthew tripped and knocked down a police officer that was patrolling the streets. "Oh my goodness. Are you alright?! I am so sorry officer! Please forgive me." Matthew pled as he began to pick up the spilled groceries. "Oh no lad, it's quite alright." The officer replied, helping the boy pick up the groceries. "Th-Thank you, but I" must be on my way." The young boy stuttered out, and quickly ran away. Noting the child's suspicious behavior, the officer spoke into and walkie-talkie. "This is Officer Kirkland reporting. I believe I've found a code yellow. A code yellow." and he began to secretly follow the young child back to his household.

    "WHERE WERE YOU, YOU LITTLE SHIT?!" Screamed the boy's guardian. "I-I accidentally tripped. I'm very sorry." Matthew wimpered out. "Someone could have seen you! And guess where that would lead me! In jail you fucking dumb-shit." Realizing his guardian's anger, Matthew backed up as far as he could until he got to the wall. His guardian grabbed Matthew by the arm and dragged him to the bedroom where those unspeakable actions occurred.

        Matthew was screaming and doing everything that he could in resistance of his guardian. Officer Kirkland was listening as he was talking to his squad, telling them the address. Not long after the hellish incident did his guardian start to beat him. "YOU STUPID LITTLE FUCK! YOU WILL OBEY MY EVERY COMMAND WITHOUT RESISTANCE! DO YOU HEAR ME?!" He screamed. As soon as those words came out of his mouth, Alfred walked in. Only then did he click together in his mind about what happened during his trip to pay the bills. Once he did, the only words Alfred could only stare at his brother with wide eyes. The only question on his mind was, "Why wouldn't Matthew tell me?"