CHAPTER 4: MY RAGE (1)

After a long moment, we go back to the orphanage, looking at the streets with great curiosity. It's not often that we can wander without any worry, just like normal children, full of innocence. At time like this, we forget everything, free from all of our concerns.

"Look, look! This mister has a top hat! That's sooo odd!"

Svetlana is looking around, very excited and criticizing everything she sees.

"Hey, stop running around!" says Viktor, exhausted by the stamina of Svetlana.

All of sudden, the little girl lets a little smile on her lips, before heading innocently to a a fruit and vegetable stand. As she grins at the greengrocer, she grabs an apple before he can see her and starts running without looking back.

"Oy, OY KIDDO!!"

Panicked, Viktor takes my hand, while I grab an apple in turn, the greengrocer being distracted.

"Run Viktor! " I shout, running away as we attract the attention of passerbyes.

The greengrocer, red with anger, tries to catch up with us, but remembering his stand, he reluctanly lets us go. After a few minutes, we reach Svetlana, who seems entertained by the situation. On the other hand, Viktor has trouble to catch his breath.

"Well done, Svetlana"; I say while giving her a thumbs up.

As I bite the apple, Svetlana do the same, and Viktor leans against the wall behind him with an accusing look. I just ignore him, enjoying the taste of the fruit. I chew in silence, without thinking about anything. What a blessing! This is kind of sweet, not too sour, just perfect! As my eyes sparkle, a twelve-year old boy suddenly appears out of nowhere sweating and panting like crazy.

"Here... you are... you... thieves" he says with great effort, trying to give us a death stare. However, from our point of view, his attempt just seems comical and silly.

"What do you want little boy?" I ask, rather annoyed that someone dares to interrupt this moment of pure delight. "Did you run all the way just to talk to us? Wow, I guess it would be an honour to rescue you from the loneliness. But right now, could you kindly fuck off?"

The boy seems surprised and offended, before looking down on me.

"Did a six-year old kid or so just called me 'little boy'? BAHAHAAH! Don't make me laugh! You are only a bunch of dirty orphans, stealing because even back at your orphanage, nobody wants you! Honestly you disgust me. You are worst than the Eldian! At some point, you will die in the sewers, anyway..."

Okay, now I'm gonna kill him. Well, maybe just hurting him a little, punching his testicl...

"You know, even as a bunch of dirty orphans like you said, I am pretty sure that we have a better education than you"; explains calmly Viktor with a smile. "I sure find it funny, that even with living parents, you are waaaaaay more dumb than the dirtiest and disliked orphan. I mean, you followed us here, only to say this kind of bullshit? Ahahaha! But this is not your fault, don't worry. You just have no friends, and your parents neither have time to waste on you. What a poor child..."

Red with anger, his eyes filled with bloodshot, the kid opens and closes his mouth, like a fish, which is pretty funny. And yet, Viktor is not done.

"Also, your words are so disgraceful! Do you even know how to read? Oh, my bad. There is no need to read if you can't speak. You are a dog. That's all. You bark, you growl, and you bite. What an helpless creature! Oh, Kali, Svetlana. Do you two think that we should euthanize it? He seems to suffer a lot, the poor dog."

Why do you ask me that, you asshole?! And also, since when do you speak like this?! Even Svetlana is in shock!

"Let's just get out of here guys"; I sigh, leaving the kid standing there, frozen in place.

***

Reaching the orphanage, perfectly silent as Viktor is smiling menacingly, we notice 'Mom' standing at the entrance of the building, waiting apparently for us. Oh boy, look at her wide smile. Something is not right, I know it...

"Oh my, you are right on time. The three of you, It's about time your life turned. A kind man has chosen to be your father. I am sure you will like him. This is sad for me, letting go of those I consider my own children, but your happiness is mine too. Also, you will be leaving the orphanage in two hours, so make sure that you say your goodbyes to your other friends"; 'Mom' says with a weak smile, and with a sad look.

You are a good actress I must say, 'Mom', but you can't fool anyone right now. However, we have to play her game, as we do not know what lies ahead. Smile, Kali. Smile and play dumb.

"Wow! Seriously! Hum! Don't worry 'Mom'! I... I am sad that we have to leave... But, I am glad that we will have a new family!" I exclaim innocently, cursing inside.

Ahhhh... If only I could punch this hypocrite...

"Yeah, Kali is right!" Svetlana follows my lead. "But... But... that makes me wanna cry too..."

"Do not worry 'Mom'. I will make sure that all of us are happy in the future." admits Viktor, rather coldly.

'Mom' stays silent a long moment, before smiling at us.

"Let's go then. Let's go meeting your new father."

*

Well, how do I say it? Our new 'father'... is pretty plain? His height seems average, he has short brown hair, green eyes and an akward smile. Other than that, he has some freckles, and casual clothes. This is not... what I imagined.

"Ah! Hm... well... nice to meet you?"

He has such an hesitant voice. I wonder how this guy can even manage not to faint...

"My name is Ludwig... Ludwig Elfendriez... Over time, I am sure that we will be able to develop bonds between us... As a family..."

So this guy is the one that will bcome the 'father' of a total of 7 kids? At least, try to give it some credibility...

(sigh)

"I am sure Ludwig will take good care of you"; 'Mom cuts him off. "All these years, I did what I could to let you feel maternal love, so of course I will miss all of you... But... at least, you found a new family... finally. I will never forget you..."

Faking her tears, 'Mom' starts hugging me out of nowhere, taking me aback. She crushes me with her strenght, this damn gorilla! That way, 'Mom' whispers in my ear:

"Well, Kali. What did I say to you? Now, I wonder how you will get throught it this time."

As she lets me go, I lock eyes with her without any emotion. Laugh all you want, 'Mom'. Honestly, you were quite bitch.

***

Cold. This is the only word I can think of in this situation. From the moment he brought us inside of a wide car, Ludwig lost all ability to speak. All of sudden, his eyes turned cold, and he has gone completely silent. With the change of mood, the kids started to freak out.

And here I am. In a car with an unfriendly stranger and a bunch of scared kids. Surley not the best day in my life. I am on watch until Ludgiw makes a move, as nothing good can happen at this point. I curse 'Mom'. I curse Ludwig. I curse this life.

"Pst, Kali..." mutters Viktor, slighty worried. "What do you think will happen to us? Will we... die?"

Everyone stops breathing at his words. Even the youngest ones.

"I have no fucking idea. But I will fight no matter what. I don't think they want to kill us though. Not right away. If so, we wouldn't be here. Let's just wait. Wait and pray."

Viktor and Svetlana nodd at me, swallowing their salive, deeply concerned.

"No matter what your scheme is... Bring it on." I whisper to myself.

***

Looking at the night sky, studded with stars, I realize that we spent a lot of time in the car. I have no idea of where we currently are, but as I see no buildings in the distance, only trees and some hills, we must be outside of the city.

(thump thump)

"What are you fucking waiting for? Hurry up and get inside!" shouts Ludwig, bringing me back to reality. I shouldn't let my guard down. Who knows what await us inside of the giant facility in front of us. Righ before heading inside, I see in the corner of my eye shadows across the many windows. I have a very bad feeling...

(thump thump)

"Oy, kiddo! What are you doing!"

Once inside, Ludwig pushes violently a young girl, making her fall down. Watching her, she seems to be about 7 years old, not more. Ludwig, in the other hand, is shaking a little, apparently tense and nervous. This guy... is feeling guilty.

(thump thump)

"STOP IT PLEASE" Viktor steps in between the two of them, with a brief look at me. Its action is no surprise to me, but Ludwig opens his eyes really wide.

"Hey... Stay out of this!"

Disregarding his command, Viktor is slowly approaching the frightened man, with determination and confidence in his eyes. At every step, the whole body of Ludwig tightens, rolling of the eyes. He finally arrives in front of him, standing still without a word.

(thump thump)

"Viktor..." I mutter, with a dry throat.

(thump thump)

After that, everything else was so fast that I didn't understand on the spot.

"BANG!"

A gunshot blares. My heart stops instantly. The blood fly off all over the floor and the walls, with a mix of brain and some pieces of skin. The smell of gunpowder. A complete silence. Right now, I don't understand. What happened? There is no way that... Right? The smell of urine makes me look at the other kids. A puddle of fluid appeared at their feet. But... why is nobody talking? Only Ludwig is breathing loudly, snot leaking off his nose while crying. Why is everyone having such a pale face? Looking at the ground, I see the body of Viktor. Lifeless. A part of his head is gone. Ah... Ahahaha...

Even my rage is gone. But my despair is immeasurable...