the noise that came after it was unmistakable. It was a broken-hearted scream. “DAMIAN! DAMI NO!” yelled the only brother left standing. I was frozen in place as I heard the man crying for his brother. I was suddenly glad I couldn’t see much in the dark lighting. I don’t think I could’ve stomached it if I saw the pain on the living brother’s face or the blood on the chest of the other. In my time in the army and as a nurse I had seen people die, but this was different. This was cold-blooded, pointless, and sick. The evil man standing in the alley had just shot his own nephew! Whatever hate I had for these boys was suddenly gone. “Ged up,” said the uncle emotionlessly to the boy who had fallen to his knees. “You got dis job on ya own now. Yous two wasn’t workin’ good as a team. Now finish da guy already, ’fore I decide ta pop you too.” With that the large man shoved the gun into the smaller man’s hand and walked away. I couldn’t be there anymore. I still heard the slight sobs coming from the brother, and I couldn’t handle the sound. No matter how much I wanted to comfort the boy, he was still trying to kill Brutus, and now he had a gun to use. I slipped out of the alleyway not noticing the tears running down my face. I must have been more mindless than I thought because I ran into Carlos. I looked around to see Brutus, but I had just noticed he wasn’t there. “W-where is Brutus?” I asked with a shaky voice. “What are you talking about? I thought he was with you!” responded Carlos. Whatever heat I had left in my body suddenly left as a shiver went down my spine. My boy was gone, and he was in more danger than ever. Brutus I felt bad that I left Maggie and Carlos. I knew that they were just trying to help, but I had a shift in the morning. Plus, I had promised Mr. Richards, Mrs. Wayne, and Ms. West from my apartment building that I would walk their dogs beforehand. Besides, I really doubted there was actually anything wrong. I loved my friends, but they could be protective which caused them to overreact sometimes. When I realized that Maggie was nowhere in sight and Carlos was distracted from arguing with some man, I decided I might as well head home. Page 88
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