A Story in Five Parts, II.

Nightmares
for months.
Killing, cursing, crossing,
the speed of the shot.

Sunny day turned dark.
Flying buildings as I hurried
from class.
Lateness? Unacceptable.
Homework? Finished by
dinner, strictly at five.

The shot called out
screaming curses at me as
metal tore flesh.
I turned.
Eyes met eyes
as his soul slipped way.

My breath ripped my throat;
Call someone.
Can't be late.
Don't let him die.
Father would punish.
Run.
So I did.