Seventy Six

AALIYAH

The ride back home is quiet, I rest my head on the bosom of Hunter, my face is gloomy and Hunter lets me be, allowing me to open up at my own pace.

The face of Shelly and her voice, the shock she experienced, her papa’s blood on her and her young. Tears sting my eyes, the trauma haunting me.

Fair enough, my papa was beheaded, but I never get to see him or taste his blood not have his blood spattered on my baby's face. I imagine the pain she must be going through and I weep aloud.

“Aaliyah, you can't cry all day, you didn't do wrong.” He pats my shoulder.

"No one is without blemish, I could have overruled it, at least on her behalf...”

"Not everything is in black and white, there are rules you can't tweak...”

"Then maybe Hector’s head should be underneath the earth and Hudson’s and yours!” I sit up, freeing my head from his bosom.

"We were ignorant and stupid, we're not the traitors, that's what makes us different .”

"And you all killed and crumbled a peaceful pack, you all we