Main Character: Jessica

Sibling: Josh

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Jessica: Why?

Josh stared at her, but no words came.

Josh: Why...? (he whispered to himself.)

Jessica: We're siblings, for goodness' sake! Why are you doing this to me? Don't leave me... please.

Tears streamed down her pale cheeks as she reached for him.

Josh: I'm not leaving you, Jessie. I'll come back... I promise.

Jessica: No, you won't!

Her scream echoed through the room.

You won't because you don't want anything to do with this family's mess. You won't because you're tired of being Dad's bloody canvas.

Her voice cracked.

And now I'm the one who's going to be left behind.

I'm the one who's going to take every blow...

Every punch...

Take me with you, Josh.

Please.

Josh's jaw tightened as he fought back tears.

Josh: I can't, Jessie.

We don't know what's waiting out there. The world isn't a bed of roses. Men die every day. Women are violated every day.

I'm not risking your life... not for this.

Jessica let out a bitter laugh.

Jessica: All for this?

Wow...

You know what?

Go.

Just leave me.

I'll take your share of Dad's fists.

Go.

Just go, Josh.

You said forever...

But it's starting to sound a lot like never.

I hope you get to experience the best life has to offer.

...

And I hope I never see you again.

She turned away.

Away from her favorite person.

Away from her protector.

Her shield.

Her best friend...

Her brother.

---

The wail of approaching sirens filled the night.

They drew closer to the house—

a place once called home.

A home once filled with laughter.

Now, its walls wore a different color.

Blood.

Tears.

Silence.

Years passed, and Jessica never stopped praying that one day Josh would come back for her.

He did.

Her prayer was answered.

Only...

Not the way she had imagined.

Now she rested safely in his arms.

Untouchable.

Weightless.

Peaceful.

Far beyond the reach of pain.

Far into the good night.