Page 6 of River Wild

“I-I d-don’t … w-want to p-play anymore.”

His hand grabbed my head, and he pushed my face into the pillow. “Be quiet. You’re spoiling the game.”

There wasn’t any air. I couldn’t breathe.

Mama, help me, please.

His hand released my head. I turned my face to the side and gulped in a breath.

“I don’t like that you made me do that.” He ran his hand over my hair, smoothing it down. “Will you be a good boy now?”

A tear rolled down my cheek. “Yes, sir.”

“You’re not going to shoot me, River. So, just put the fucking gun down.”

“I-I …”

The smell of beer …

Hot tears on my face …

Can’t breathe …

I’m scared …

Make it stop …

“Put the fucking gun down, you little shit!” he yells at me, taking a step closer.

“D-don’t c-come any c-closer!” I cry out. I hold the gun higher.

It’s hurting my arms.

But I can’t put it down.

If I put it down, he’ll … he’ll hurt me again.

He’ll hurt Mama.

I’m so scared.

I don’t know what to do.

“I-I d-don’t w-want to do g-games with you anymore! Please just leave me alone!”

“Just leave me alone!” he mimics. “Stop being a fucking crybaby. This is what boys do for their daddies. This is what I did for my daddy when I was your age, and I didn’t cry about it! Do you have any idea how hard my life is, boy? I’m out there, risking my life every fucking day, earning money to put clothes on your back and food in your ungrateful belly! Now, you do what your father tells you and put that gun down!”

I’m so scared …

Can’t breathe …

“That’s my good boy, River. Daddy loves you. Daddy loves you so much.”

“You’re not my dad!” I scream. “I hate you! I hate you! I hate you!”

I feel the gun slip in my hands. I grip it tighter.

Bang!