Ur Mom

He closed his eyes and sighed, holding the bag in his fists tightly. I can’t let them find me. The boy closed his eyes tightly, letting tears stream down his face as he ran, pushing through the crowds. Please, please! Everything became a blur as his feet carried him away, the sounds becoming a violent mush in his ears as his inner voice screamed to get farther, to never stop. He couldn’t stop. He had to run. The boy ran faster, his body no longer his own as his deed carried him onward through the crowds, through the innocent bystanders, through the ones who would haunt him.

Suddenly everything came to a stop as he reached the center where the fountain was. People crowded around the fountain, letting children throw coins in, laughing, smiling. He winced as he squeezed the bag to his chest, his tears hot on his face. Why? I can’t do this! Why?! It couldn’t be helped. Nothing could be helped. He sat down at the fountain and just as he was about to open the bag, a little boy sat next to him and smiled.

“Hi!” The little boy grinned from ear to ear, looking at him, “What’s that?”

He blinked, looking at the child, finding his voice, “A secret.”

The little boy scooted closer, “What’s your name, secret keeper?” The little boy giggled, his legs kicking back and forth playfully.

“Leo. My name’s Leo.” He looked at the child and stood up, “Goodbye.”

The little boy frowned, “you’re leaving? Don’t go!”

Leo closed his eyes and opened the bag, whispering now as he heard screams around him, “I’m sorry.”

The little boy started to ask something again, but whatever he said was lost in the chaos. There was a flash, and then silence, except for an echo.

“Goodbye.”