He approached a dilapidated old manor house. Bits of the walls crumbled to the touch. ‘In here!’ Beckoned a cry. A floorboard creaked and wobbled, causing Jack to almost fall into a hole. ‘Is someone there?’ That voice. Jack instantly recognized it and his heart fell into his stomach.
Jack peeked into the hole in the floor, and his eyes met those of Kenny’s, his schoolyard bully. But something was different about those eyes. The evil was gone, and in its place was the desperation of a terrified human.
Jack understood that look. He knew what it felt like to feel helpless and afraid. With one huge tug, Kenny emerged from underground and crawled onto the floor above. The two sat panting, covered in dirt and scratches. They tiptoed out of the decrepit house, fearful that any sudden movement might break another floorboard.
After some silence, Kenny admitted, ‘I was a gonner in there. Nobody goes to the bad side of the woods, and God knows what would have happened. Why…why’d you do it? Jack looked at the soot-covered boy and shrugged his shoulders. ‘I’ll walk you home.’ Jack insisted.
The two approached a house that was more like a rundown shack. The front door hung off its hinges. ‘C’mon,’ insisted Kenny. A putrid odor hung in Jack’s nostrils. The floor was littered with garbage, and a baby sat crying in front of a beaten up TV.
The only adult in view was the surly man on the couch, beer bottle in hand, whom Jack assumed to be the father. The man swayed back and forth as he tried to stand up. ‘Where have YOU been? You best get to your room before you wish you was dead!’ He launched a beer bottle in Kenny’s direction, but his aim was off, and it smashed against the wall. With a twisted smile, he turned to face Jack. “What are YOU lookin’ at boy? You want some trouble?’
As Jack bolted out the door, it all made sense. This was Kenny’s everyday life. He never knew another way.
Mr. Wilson left his spot at the window and faced little Billy. “So…” Billy interrupted. “Was that little boy really you? Are you Jack?”
