A Boy's Redemption

I never wanted this to happen. But I couldn’t control it. My hands were moving but my head wasn’t right. I couldn’t control it. The scream was filled with fear. I kept telling myself to control it. But I just couldn’t. The bodies laid there like puddles in the rain. I didn’t want this to happen. But some part of me wanted it to. When the police arrived, they saw me hiding in the corner weeping, with a blood covered knife my hands and glass on the floor. They saw my ripped shirt and old, worn down pants splatter with blood. They didn’t suspect anything. But I didn’t know if I was to blame. A crashing sound broke the thick atmosphere. One of the policemen ran outside and the other came up to me. He grabbed the knife from my hands and gave me his jacket. I couldn’t handle what was going on. My eyes were ready to tear up. It wasn’t easy to hold it in. The scaredy cat policeman came back. He was puffed out and tried to talk to the other policeman.

“…burgerer … broke in…murmur… instain…” the policeman said. But what does it mean? A burger broke in? That can’t be right. Can’t this man speak English?

The scaredy cat took out a fancy phone and began talking into it. The braver one spoke to me.

“What’s your name?” he said softly.

“A… Adrian. Adrian Sanchez.” I said with the irremovable lump in my throat.

“Hi Adrian, I’m officer Kent. I’m sorry this happened to you. Can you tell me what happened.”

“Well, I don’t know. It was dark and there was a crashing noise and screaming. I went downstairs and …”

“And?” said the policeman.

“… I …I”

I couldn’t hold it in. My emotions exploded out of my body.

The policeman consoled me with a hug.

“It’ll be alright. How old are you Adrian?”

I managed to control myself to answer him.

I responded “Eight.”

“...

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...but I was a bit distracted from the blood and broken skin on his face. I don’t remember exactly what he said but I know that the gist of it was that Abuelo could help me control myself and use my body for the better. I knew this was a turning point in my life. My sins will soon repent and redeem themselves. Abuelo took off his cap and put it on my head. It was soft but I couldn’t believe the sight in front of me. It was Abuelo’s eyes. They were strong and sharp. White as pearls and contrasted his dark, battered skin.

“I’m sorry Abuelo. I know my body is big so I can protect everyone I love.”

“I know you did.”

Back then, I didn’t know what that meant. And I still don’t. But thanks to him, I became a good person. No more blackouts and no more violence. I could scream to the heavens and thank him until I grew old and it still wouldn’t be enough. And I can always start.