Luka: Shattered Past

17th April 2010

Dear Diary,
                    I probably shouldn't be writing this down, but I feel bad. I stole some money from dad while he was knocked out on those tablets. Mom had to leave town for a few days for work purposes so dad was supposed to look after us. He didn't go out to buy food and Juleka was very hungry so I took some money, escaped with her and bought her some candy as it was all I could afford. For once, I cried in front of Juleka, she shouldn't have to go through this...

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Luka never liked mathematics. He was trying to answer the questions being asked on the piece of paper right in front of him. But the numbers and complicated formulas were just too much for him. It's no use. He could've asked his father, but he would most likely lash out again, he didn't want to put Juleka in harm's way again after what happened a week prior.

His sister was writing poetry for her French class. The two children were composed. The apartment was tranquil.

Luka thought this to be strange. "Stay here Jules, I'll be right back." He left before his sister could ask what was going on.

The TV was left on, and his dad seemed to be fast asleep. He carefully walked over, avoiding all the newly broken pieces of glass from alcohol bottles on the carpet. On the side table was a pill container full of those weird tablets. When he was younger he accidentally had one thinking it was candy. He ended up really sick. Ever since then he always reminds Juleka not to take it and avoid it at all costs.

He looked up and observed his father, the man appeared very pale, his body very limp. Luka got slightly worried, but was distracted when he spotted his father's wallet.

Luka heavily disliked the idea of stealing. However, in that moment he recalled Juleka saying how she was hungry. Luka knew he shouldn't, however he quickly suppressed his guilty conscious, took some money out of the wallet along with the keys to the apartment and hurried back to Juleka.

"Jules, put your shoes on. I'm taking you out!" Her older brother exclaimed surprisingly.

"Luka, what do you mean? Where did you get that money from?" Juleka quizzed.

"Don't worry, we have to hurry before dad wakes up. Get ready!"

The sibling duo then quietly sneaked out the front door. Soon they were met with the sounds of cars and city life. Both of them felt nervous, but nonetheless Luka was determined. He remembered a shop they always walked past on their way to school full of food and snacks. He grabbed his sister's hand and made way.

On the way, various people walked past, but all looked at the children strangely. Luka and Juleka were highly confused, unaware of the state they were in from being trapped in that filthy apartment.

They finally entered the shop. "Pick whatever you like Jules." He said with his trademark smile.

"Ok!" His sister said with pure excitement. She hasn't had good quality candy in a long time. After she picked a huge chocolate bar and a packet of chips, she gave it to the cashier. Who also gave them a weird look.

"That'll be €8.40 please." The cashier suspiciously chimed. Luka politely paid for the snacks and said thank you as they left the shop.

Afterwards they sat on a park bench. Juleka was enjoying her snacks.

"Luka, are you sure you don't want any? Please have some!" She pleaded.

The older brother shook his head no. "Don't worry about me Jules, I bought it for you. You enjoy it."

She wasn't going to take that answer. "Lu, look at you. You're really skinny. You don't eat much anymore. As it's my food, I decide who has it. Please have some!" She pouted.

Luka chuckled but then what she said sank in. She was right. He is really skinny. Some boys at school whisper about it when they get changed for gym class. He couldn't say no to her. Besides, he was hungry.

"Ok, you got me. Could I have some chocolate?"

The children ate peacefully on the bench together, looking over the beauty of the park.

Luka looked over at his little sister, then his heart broke. She was in a bad state. Hair hasn't been washed. Clothes were slightly dirty. And while she still had her childlike innocence. She was just as tired as him.

He felt tears roll down his face yet again. Juleka noticed this and immediately hugged him. Asking him what's wrong. They held each other as the sun was setting over the horizon of the park.

Their relationship growing stronger by day.