26

NIRVANA

“Honey, what are you doing?” Grandpa asked immediately. “Be careful. He might not be in control of himself anymore.”

“I don’t know, Grandpa. Maybe, to calm him down.” I stopped before Knight. All I saw were his dark, sharp claws shining in the daylight. God, it was real. I saw the claw marks on the wall. It was big and deep.

My heart was hammering in my chest, but if I could stop his pain, I would try my best before he could sink those sharp claws into my skin. My limbs were shaking. My teeth tattered as I put a hand on his rigid shoulder.

“Be careful, honey.”

“Knight.” I put a little pressure on his shoulder when he no longer heard me. “Knight, how can I help you?”

“It fucking hurts!” He began sobbing. “It fucking hurts. I can’t stop it. I’m so sorry if I hurt you.”

“Hey.” Trembling, I kneeled before him and placed both hands on his shoulders. “I guess I was shocked and maybe mad at you. I don’t understand any of this, but I didn’t mean what I said. I swear. How can I