Te Odio

1~Castaway

All your screaming whispers
Slip right through my fingers

“I’ll get you, Clifford! I’ll fucking get you!”

Ashton screamed and woke up once again from a reoccurring nightmare, startling Michael, who had been staying with him since they started a few days ago. Michael immediately reacted, sitting up and pulling the older boy onto his lap, holding him close.

“Michael- He hurt you- He had you in a room- It was dark- It was cold- You were bleeding- Bruised-” Ashton sobbed.

Michael knew the routine. This was the fourth time Ashton had had the nightmare. He explained it as Luke having Michael tied up in a room to be his punching bag. Despite the repetitive situation, it didn’t stop Michael from kissing the top of Ashton’s head.

“It’s alright Ashy. They’ll catch him. He won’t get to you. Or me. Or anyone else. We’ll all be alright.” Michael whispered.

Ashton continues to sob, the words not fully sinking in. He didn’t want to lose anyone he cared about. He couldn’t. He’d do anything to stop it from happening.

Before long, Ashton’s sobbed had died down to nothing, his soft breathing being the only sound you could hear in the room. Michael noticed it was because Ashton had cried himself to sleep. Michael kissed him on the head once more before lying him back down slowly and gently. Making sure he didn’t stir, Michael quietly got up and headed towards the bathroom. He tried to stay calm for Ashton but in truth, he was scared out of his mind. He had been the one who proved he was guilty and sent him to jail. He just hoped he wasn’t headed this way. Even though it scared him half to death, as long as he didn’t go after Ashton, he’d be okay.

Michael headed back Ashton’s room slowly and climbed back into bed.

“I love you,” Michael whispered to Ashton. “Nothing will ever hurt you as long as I’m here.”