Kael made his way home slowly, his body in agony from the happenings of the day. The bruises on his arms and face were a stinging memory of the bullies at school. His backpack felt heavier than usual, as though it carried the weight of his whole life.
He pushed open the front door and stepped inside. First the home was silent; then he heard it screaming. His parents were fighting once more.
Go get your kid! His father's voice echoed. That bastard is nothing more than a letdown.
She screamed back, He is not *my* son! I wish I had killed him at birth; that brat is *your* child.
Heart sinking, Kael stood frozen in the hall. Trying to hold back the tears, he gripped his fists. Though he wanted to flee, he was unable. Instead, he moved toward the living room, where his parents were fighting.
Im here, Kael murmured almost too softly.
His father turned to him, his face red with anger. Oh, look! Our *billionaire* has come home! he sneered. Can I grab your hands, Your Highness?
Kaels mother walked off not even glancing at him. His father approached closer, his eyes bristling with hatred.
Do you know what you are? His father snarled. You are worthless. I wish I never looked your mother upon. You are the root of our destroyed life.
Kaels heartbeat quickened in his chest. He tightened his fists so much his nails pierced his hands. Though he wanted to fight back and scream, he couldn't.
Laughing, his father said, "Oh, see him! " Will you want to hit me, huh? Go ahead, you little coward!
With his head bowed, Kael turned and headed for the kitchen. His fathers chuckle trailed him.
Run away, you worthless brat! That's correct.
Kael was trembling his hands in the kitchen. His thoughts were racing as he gazed at the counter knife.
He pondered, "Why do they despise me so much? What did I ever do to them?
All of a sudden, something inside him cracked. He grabbed the knife and rushed back toward the living area.
His father turned and gasped in horror. What the...
Kael stabbed the knife into his father's throat. Blood gushed all over as his father fell to the floor, choking for breath.
Kael screamed, stabbing him repeatedly. It's your fault! YOUR FAULT! You wrecked my life!
Screaming, his mother dashed toward the room. No! Stop!
With wild eyes, Kael turned to her. You too! You are as terrible.
Before she could respond, he stabbed her. She dropped to the ground, her final words resonating throughout the space.
You let others down
Kael stood there breathing deeply, the blade still in his palm. The building was quiet except for the sound of his own heartbeat; blood smeared the floor.
*What did I do? * he wondered, looking at the bodies. *Oh God, what did I do?
With tears streaming down his face, he dropped the knife and bolted out of the house.
His head a fog, Kael sped through the streets. He couldn't stop considering his actions.
*Mom, Dad, I'm really sorry. But you made me like this; your fault!
Memories flooded his brain: his mother whipping him for eating a cream puff, his father breaking his phone and hammering him.
You're worthless, you will never come to anything.
Weeping, Kael tripped and descended to his knees.
*What should I do now? he wondered. *I can't go back. I can't continue like this. *
Looking up, he saw ahead the railway tracks. A train was on the way
*Perhaps this is the only way out.
Rising Kael went towards the track. He stepped onto the tracks, heart pounding.
*I have no alternative; I cannot do this.
He closed his eyes, expecting the train to strike him.
But at the final instant, he panicked.
No! I can't!
Just as the train sped past, he leapt off the tracks and the wind blew his face.
Kael fell to the ground sobbing.
*I'm a monster. I am a killer. I am not worthy of life.
*Perhaps maybe there still is hope.
(Chapter 2 Fin)