Chapter 6

They say every life is important, but why do people find it fun to ruin other people's lives. Throughout history, many has died because of the suffering that people caused them. Why don't people learn from their mistakes?

Landon finally woke after being in a coma for almost a week. His father was happy to see his beautiful eyes again. Dr. Patel was truly relieved with the progress of his health. But, no matter how many times his father questioned him, he still chose to keep his mouth shut.

"Hey, buddy. How are you doing?" Officer Brickham greeted when he entered his room.

"Good morning, officer." Landon greeted back.

"It's nice to see you smiling again, kid. Are you feeling well?" Brickham asked.

"Yes, Officer. Thank you."

"Listen, buddy. We already talked to Dr. Patel about what happened to you. We know that you were pushed, alright? We just need to know by who. Did you see who pushed you?"

"No." Landon said, almost whispered.

"I know that you're afraid, son. They're bullying you, right? But, you don't have to be. Okay?"

"I'm sorry, Officer. But, I really didn't see."

"Alright, then. But, remember this, okay? When you're ready, you can talk to me."

Officer Brickham sighed heavily. As an officer of the law, that's the problem when it comes to the victims of bullying. They are too afraid to speak up because they know that no one can protect them all the time. Especially with kids. The law protects anyone under the age of eighteen years old.

He left the hospital with a heavy heart. As long as Landon is not ready to talk, there's nothing much that they could do. Now, giving justice is in the hands of the school. They need to do something about cases like bullying. However, as long as Landon is keeping his mouth shut, there is nothing much that anyone could do.

"Officer Brickham, were you able to talk to my son?" Larry Higgins just arrived at the hospital with some things for his son.

"Yes, but he really doesn't want to talk. I'm guessing his afraid. In cases like this, classmates are the most likely suspects. However, there's nothing much that we can do unless he gives us the names."

"I will talk to him. Thank you so much, Officer."

Allen Brickham knows the feeling of being bullied, for he was bullied once too. That was back in grade school when he was still wearing glasses and braces. It only stopped when he finally had enough and fought back. He know the feeling of wanting to scream for help, and feeling afraid that they would only hurt you more if you do.

He almost committed suicide himself because of the bullying he experienced. Fortunately, his family recognized the signs and did something to help him. Everything he went through inspired him to be better inside and out. Now, those who bullied him envy him for his looks. A lot of women wants to lay one on him and marry him.

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By four in the afternoon, Landon finally got discharged from the hospital. He missed his bedroom and his sketches. Because he doesn't have friends, he has a lot of time to draw. It's one of his many talents, and his most favorite one. He can express his inner thoughts through his sketches, and release them from his mind.

After his father helped him on his bed, the first thing he did is flip through the pages of his sketch pad. They don't have a lot of money, and for him to afford buying his art supply, he had to work with his father during the vacation season. After days of not being able to draw, Landon has a lot of ideas in mind.

Every images in his sketch book are dark, morbid, and graphic depiction of murder. At first glance, you would think that he wants to be a graphic designer. That maybe, in the future he wants to work on a comic company.

But, if you would look closely, Landon's sketches are about his schoolmate's death. He detailed everything, from their favorite clothes, to the way they will die. It is too gruesome for a fourteen-year-old boy like him.

What he didn't know is that somebody's watching him from outside his window. A man wearing a black hoodie and baseball cap. This man stare at him curiously; studying him, and learning everything about him. This man knows the sadness that Landon is going through, and he means to do something about it.

The darkness of the night hid the man's presence when he climbed down the tall tree. There's so much that needs to be done, and so little time to do it. Sunnyville needs to be taught a lesson one more time. And this time, the man means to give a lesson they will never forget.

"Hey, here's your dinner, son." Landon is still in casts, so his movements are still limited. His father happily do things for him in order to make him feel comfortable. Ever since his mother died, his father is the only person who truly cared for him, and loved him unconditionally.

"Thank you, dad. Thank you so much." He emotionally said to his father.

"Son, is there anything that you want to talk about? Anything at all?" Larry asked his son.

"Uh—nothing, dad. Just thank you for doing all this for me." He responded.

"You know that I love you so much, right? I will do everything for you, and I will not let anyone hurt you. So, if there is anything else that you want to talk about, don't be scared, okay?"

"I know, dad. But, I'm fine."

"Okay."

When Larry finally left his room, Landon's tears started falling. He wanted to tell his father the truth about what happened to him, but he was scared. Besides, he doesn't his father to get into trouble. There are so many things that the people of Sunnyville could to them, and he will not let his father get hurt. He will endure all the pain just to protect his father.