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For those confused this is a good summary of what I meant. I'm not saying they should blame Samson, but it's like what they were doing to Javier is the equivalent of blaming Samson.
"Son, please... you're going to give me the details," my grandpa Antone ordered. His voice was not as rough and demanding, but still, the command was clear.
Thankful I was sitting down, I rest back listening, remaining silent because still the pieces did not fit right. I mean Javier could not possibly be saying what I was assuming.
His – Javier – Adam's apple bobbed and he nods. "I was maybe six or close to seven?" grandpa nods. "We were all living together, my parents, Jules – my older sister – Devin, Taylor and I."
"I was sick... I remember that part clearly, and I think we were a happy family I mean, we were," again Javier seeks approval from Antone.
He's silent and staring at his hands, head bowed. "Then one day," he lifts his head. Javier's tone changes. "You know when I remembered something was wrong?"
"I was at your house," his eyes finally fly my direction, "Your dad was telling Samantha not to touch the boxes underneath the kitchen counter. Your parents were smarter though... because I can remember coming back two days later and you had those impossible child safety clips keeping it closed."
I know what he's referencing. We still had them for Amy and Simon. Since we had little kids coming and going, family with younger children, my parents just left them on our lower cabinets.
"Jules was... she was perfect... fun. She was a tomboy, she'd like to climb trees with me, run around and get dirty, have mud fights, and she wouldn't – she'd start them," again sorrow builds in Javier's voice and I have to blink. I don't think I've ever heard him speak of the sister that the Elders killed.
"If I hadn't gotten sick, it would have been my choice," he says tears brimming over and falling down his face. "It would have been me and not her."
"You – Javier – son, whatever happened you were not responsible," Antone insists. Javier nods; then sniffs and wipes his face but his eyes they say another thing. I've seen them before... in fact someone close to me has lived with that expression on his face, guilt in his eyes for years.
