INSEPARABLE | 18+

T H I R T E E N

Fifteen years back.
Rome, Italy.

-

"Stand straight!"

The rough command of Don Romano echoed in the basement. He raised his hand and the sounds of belts being lashed against skin rang again. The young boy didn't even hiss as the harsh leather made contact with his back. He kept his posture straight. His padre would disapprove if he didn't.

The beads of sweat rolling down his face didn't bother him, and neither did the blood on his back faze him.

This was a routine.

Get up early in the morning. Practice shooting. Kill people ordered by the Don or get punished for disobeying his orders.

"Enough," Romano ordered the guard. He bowed his head and left the room with the belt in his hands. The boy kept his head high. His hands were at his sides, clenched in tight fists. His gaze didn't waver even with his father came to stand right in front of him.

"Valerius." The Don's voice held distaste, as always.

Valerius was never able to satisfy his father. Being a fifteen-year-old, he had enough burden on his shoulders but every time it seemed to pile up even more. The constant training was tiring but he was the next heir.

This was his duty.

"Si, padre?" He answered, keeping his voice even.

Romano lowered his gaze to peer at him, "Why do you disobey me?"

"He had a family."

The Don rolled his eyes, "Then what?"

Valerius remained quiet. The man he was supposed to kill was an innocent. He had a wife and a child waiting at home for him. He just couldn't bring himself to murder a righteous person. He had used the gun five times only and with every sound of the trigger, he felt himself falling darker into a pit hole.

A harsh breath left his lips when his hair was grabbed harshly by his father.

"Stay the night locked in here," Romano tugged at it roughly, "Next time you will think twice before trying to act hero."

Valerius jolted backward as the Don moved away. He cast one vile look at him and then went towards the door. A loud noise rang in the empty basement as the door slammed shut. The sound of the lock didn't go unheard by Valerius.

He quietly made his way to the wall and sat down. A hiss escaped his mouth when his wounds touched the bricks.

He remained quiet.

No one would hear him anyway.

_

"Valerius!" A low voice called out to him gently. He heard it once and then twice before he slowly opened his eyes.

He was still in the basement.

"Valerius!"

He whipped his head to the side when he noticed his mother standing near the door. His eyes widened when he saw her. He was about to open his mouth but she placed her finger on her lips, indicating him to remain quiet. She slowly came closer to him and sat down on the ground, beside him.

"Mama," He said, "How did you come in here?"

No one was allowed to enter the basement without the permission of his father. He had the keys with him. But he knew one person who would put his life on the line for him.

"Dimitri helped me." She spoke in her calm voice, "Your father will be home any minute. I don't have much time." She rummaged through the bag she was carrying. His mother pulled out a small box with a water bottle and passed it to him. "Eat quickly."

Valerius grabbed it from her and eagerly munched down on the food. He hadn't even had his lunch and now it was past midnight. His father wanted to starve him but Valerius knew that his mother wouldn't let it happen. As he was eating, he felt her run her hand through his hair. She caressed it lovingly.

Valerius downed the water in one sip and passed the empty box and bottle back to his mother. He cleaned his mouth so his father wouldn't suspect anything.

"Are you full?" His mother asked him as she placed her hand gently on his arm. Valerius gave her a minuscule nod, a small smile on his lips - he was just happy to see her.

But it was as if something clicked in his brain, "Father —"

"He won't hurt you. Dimitri said that he would take care of the cameras and the guards. He won't even let anyone suspect that I came here." His mother reassured him.

Valerius shook his head instead, "I am not worried about myself."

His mother flashed him a knowing expression. Romano often took out his anger on her. Valerius tried his best to protect her but even at times, he failed. There were nights when he had to listen to his mother cry for mercy while being locked away in his room.

Little did she know, that he cried with her.

"I am used to it." She said with a sad smile.

Valerius felt as if he was stabbed. To see his mother in pain was hell for him. He wanted to kill his father. She didn't deserve an animal for a husband. Men were supposed to love, cherish and protect their women. Yet none of the men in his family thought so the same.

"I wish I could make it better." He placed his head on her shoulder.

His mother placed hers on the top of his, "You already do."

"I will make you proud, madre. One day I will."

I will not turn into my father, he promised her in his heart.

"I know you will, son." She whispered, "Just never let the darkness of this life engulf you. It ruins the most beautiful things. Spero che incontri qualcuno che porti luce nella tua vita, my Valerius."

(I hope you meet someone who brings light to your life)

"Spero, mama," Valerius murmured. "Spero."

(I hope, I hope)

-

Just a little insight about the childhood of Valerius. Are you enjoying the story so far?