The children.
The children are always more aware than anyone.
~•~•~•~
"Carissimo fratello? Why are you crying?"
"N-no reason."
"You're stuttering again..."
"No I'm n-not."
"Did... Did Theodore hurt you again...?"
"I d-don't want to hear h-his name."
"Do you need to talk about it?"
"N-never."
"Then I guess I'll just sit here with you."
"Th-thanks."
"No problem."
~•~•~•~
"Palla di neve..."
"Don't say it."
"How much?"
"Half the bottle."
"You're drunk."
"No I'm not. If I was I'd stop drinking."
"You said-"
"I know what I fucking said. There's a reason I don't make promises, C------o."
"You never call me that."
"Maybe I should. Its the name you were born with."
"You know how I feel about that."
"Yea. I do. But maybe your feelings don't matter."
"You don't mean th-"
"Of course I fucking don't."
"We should get you to your room."
"Probably."
"Let's go then."
"What are you gonna tell them? About the liquor?"
"I'll take the blame."
"He'll beat you-"
"No he won't. He only does that to you, remember?"
"Oh yea."
"Are you alright?"
"Little sleepy."
"Then go to sleep."
"Ok."
"Good night."
"Nite nite. Oh... And C------a?"
"Yes Alexi?"
"Thanks."
"You're welcome."
"I swear I'll get better."
"You always say that."
~•~•~•~
"Ander...? What are you doing...?"
"Fuck S--o! You weren't supposed to see thi-"
"Ander why is there a needle in your elbow?"
"Don't worry about it, go back upstai-"
"I'm already worrying Andy, what are you doing?"
"Nothing. Go back to your ro-"
"Quit trying to get me to go away."
"Quit interrupting me."
"Andy... What's this white stuff?"
"Go back to your room."
"Are you doing it again? Is this why Inky locked you out?"
"You aren't supposed to call him that. He's your fath-"
"I know. But he said calling him that feels weird for him."
"Just go back to your room. Please."
"You need help..."
"I know. Just please-"
"I'm not leaving you out here. It's raining. You'll catch cold."
"I'll be fine."
"I promise I'll help you."
"What did I tell you about making promises you can't keep?"
"I can keep this one."
"Are you sure?"
"Absolutely."
"Then be my guest."
"Ok. If you stay clean tomorrow I'll bring you some food and I'll hug you and praise you!"
"... I'll try."
"That's good."
"Thanks kid."
"No problem Ander."
~•~•~•~
Don't ignore them.
