#66

The light fliters down from a sky of radient blue. Angel is eleven and school’s over. There’s no one at home, not yet, so now it’s time to play. Angel always loved the outdoors, the green freshness and life all around. The forest always radiated harmony and love. Unlike people. People could be so cruel.

Today was one of the last days before summer. Camping and swimming and sleepovers surely were on their way. It was exciting. No more tedious homework, now he could read what he wanted. No more classes, now he had all the time in the world to spend with his schoolmates and with the outdoors. Such a fresh and exciting end of the day. Only five days left.

What was he going to do? Just wait? Not like this, one can only burst with anticipation of summer. You have to do something. Even if it’s only romping through the back yard.

There was a dog there too. A stray. His name was King. He was a monster of a dog too…easily double Angel’s size. People had hurt him. You could tell. He always flinched if you moved your arm up quickly. ‘Just like me,’ Angel thought. ‘Maybe that’s why you’re not afraid. Because you know I’m just like you.’ Angel jumped near the dog and gave him a big hug around the neck. King didn’t seem too thrilled with the prospect but allowed it to happen all the same. He could have easily moved away or even bitten if he wanted but he didn’t. King knew that the hugs were special to the boy as the attention and caring were to him. So he allowed it.

Petting the dog and smiling, Angel looks up to see Tim walking up to him. When did he get home? He shouldn’t be home yet. It’s only 3:30. Then he sees the spark in Tim’s eyes and he realizes.

The back of the hand takes him accross the mouth and sends him on his back a foot away. King, realizing his plight, quickly dashes off into the woods leaving the trouble behind. ‘Get up boy. Time to hit the reset button.’

He gets up, flinching, knowing as he hears the words ‘Reset’ and feels the second fist taking him. Down he goes again. This time he doesn’t even feel the pain. All that’s on his mind is the blue of the sky. The steel blue of the sky enveloping the world and all that is.