Page 114 of Cain

He never did.

He just liked torturing his ten-year-old younger brother.

Mother held me, comforting me as she always did. But she was powerless to protect her son. He and Father made sure of that. They broke her, drained her will to live, and drove her to madness with the pills they forced on her—all to prove their lies that she was insane.

“Shhh, don’t be afraid, honey. I won’t let him harm you,” she soothed me, cradling me in her arms.

I could barely listen to her. My temples throbbed, and my heart was beating like crazy. It also hurt me. “He’s after me again,” I panted.

“You are safe with me.”

Then, a loud knock on the door made both of us jump in surprise. “Are you hiding behind your mommy’s skirts again, you little bastard?”

I was trembling—trembling and crying.

“You’re safe with me,” she whispered, stroking my head.

I didn’t talk; I merely nodded. I believed her. I always did.

Another knock, louder this time, thudded against the door. “Open the fucking door, you bitch!” he roared, knocking on it relentlessly.

“Mom?” I whispered anxiously. I knew he would eventually get inside. I knew he would catch me and drag me to the basement to chain me up. Again.

I raised my gaze and looked at her. Her eyes were closed, and she was mumbling something. It sounded like a prayer.

She was never really crazy. In fact, I think she knew that her end was close. She just didn’t know how close.

Because if she had known, she would have protected me.

“I know you’re in there!” he yelled again.

My heart was pounding louder. “Mom?” I repeated.

“I’m gonna kill you today, you little rat!”

Mom was quiet. Focused on her prayers.

“Mom?” I whispered, my voice barely leaving my lips.

The door nearly opened.

“Quick, hide in my closet!”

Without a second thought, I ran into her closet, curled up to myself, and hid behind her dresses. She knelt and stroked my face tenderly.

“Do you trust me?”

I nodded. “I trust you, Mom.”

“I’ll lock you in. Don’t be afraid. You’ll be safe.”

I nodded again. I trusted her the way a kid trusts his mother. Completely, blindly, with everything I had.

“He won’t find you. I won’t let him.” A tear escaped her grey, big eyes. “Remember the cube, Cain. Let it teach you.”

She stood up and locked the door. The sound of the key turning made my heart race even more. The sound that always terrified me. But tonight, I was safe. She made sure of that.

The room’s door smashed open, and she gasped in terror.