"Gemma. Wake up Gem. It's time to go." The familiar voice speaks in my ear. I instantly pop awake and stand up off the cold hard sidewalk. "How much longer?" My frail seven year old voice speaks. My ten year old brother leans down to my height. "Just a little bit." He promises. He wraps his arms around me to comfort me before pulling me behind him. I grab my ratty blanket, set on holding onto my only possession. People pass right by us. I never let go of my brother's hand. If I let go, I'll be lost and on my own. After hours of aching feet, we finally reach our destination. It's taken two weeks of constant running, but now we are here. Jim breathes deeply before turning back towards me. "Gemma, stay right here. Do not move a muscle." He says, releasing my hand. My eyes widen as I see that he is going to leave me alone. "It's okay; I'll be back in a moment." With that, he rushes inside of the flat building that we'd arrived at. I grasp at the free moment and sit in front of the building. My tiny body vibrates from the cold, lack of nourishment, and nervousness. Terror floods my mind as I worry about being left alone. I whimper. A moment later, my silent sobbing is interrupted by a loud bang. My heart drops into my gut. Jim can't have been... No. He's smarter than that. No one would shoot a ten year old... Right? Right?!? The front door flies open and Jim steps out. I am instantly filled with relief. He looks less enthusiastic, though. It is then that I notice the gun in his hand. I breathe deeply and look up to him with questioning eyes. "Sometimes we have to do things we regret. It was necessary. Now we have a home." He states. A week ago, I would've been terrified by my brothers actions. But, today, I understand. He killed my parents. My brother killed him. Karma's a you know what. I nod in approval and enter into my new home, a newfound yearning for vengeance flowing through my heart.
