Page 28 of Fragile Lives

Before, I was collected and controlled, but now, all bets are off. I see red. Quite literally—I have tunnel vision with him as my target. He’s not leaving this place alive.

I launch at him. Shifting my body halfway through, I duck and meet his stomach with my shoulder, tackling him to the ground. He’s easily fifty pounds heavier, but he doesn’t stand a chance.

The first hit to his face results in a broken nose. I feel it shifting under my knuckles. The second hit covers my fist in blood.

I rear back to deliver a third one, but someone pulls me back. Large arms wrap around my shoulders and squeeze tight.

“Stop,” the voice says, but I see red and black only. I don’t acknowledge the person and try to break free so I can finish my task. “I said stop, Archie!”

I don’t give a shit. None. I’m on a mission.

“Stephan, stop.”

I freeze.

Her voice is like a cold bucket. My name on her lips is a soothing balm over the internal wounds I’m hiding from everyone.

I stop struggling to break free and let Kenneth pull me back. When I’m standing, I let him know with a subtle nod of my head that I’m in control again.

“You fucker! You broke my nose!” the guy on the floor yells, clutching his face in his hands. “I’m pressing charges! You all saw that, right?” He looks around, and when a few patrons hesitantly nod, he points his finger at me and adds quieter, only for me to hear, “You’re fucking done, faggot.”

“O-o-oh!” Leila suddenly yells and drops to Kenneth for support.

My heart freezes.

“My shoulder. What have you done?” She starts rubbing her awkwardly positioned shoulder.

“I—” the guy on the floor mumbles. “I—”

“My shoulder!” she cries out and hides her face in Kenneth’s chest.

My blood rushes through my body, getting ready for a fight.

She’s hurt.

She’s in pain.

He must pay. I go to lunge at him, but I’m stopped by a sudden grip on my shoulder. Kenneth’s fingers squeeze into my flesh while he gives a small shake of his head.

“It hurts so bad!” she cries into his chest, and I attempt to take deep breaths and calm myself down. I don’t know why he doesn’t let me go after him.

“So bad!” Another loud cry as her face stays hidden in his chest.

Her shoulders are shaking. She’s crying.

I go to lunge again.

“For fuck’s sake. Stop,” Kenneth mumbles, stopping me.

I give him a quizzical look but stop, keeping an eye on her the whole time.

Everyone around watches the situation unfold. The guy’s friends look lost, not knowing how to behave as he’s sitting on the floor with a bloody, broken nose.

“I’m pressing charges. You broke my nose, fucker, and you will pay for it,” he finally throws at me.

I give him a death stare, daring him to bring it on.

“Oh, ithu-u-urts!” Leila cries out again, and I tilt my head at her perfect timing.