From the confines of the cabinet, I clasped my hand over my mouth, witnessing the horrifying scene unfold before my eyes as my parents met a brutal end at the hands of merciless individuals. My mother had secreted me away in this hiding spot, covering me with clothes upon hearing an unexpected disturbance emanating from my father's study table. It was during this late hour when my mother was guiding me towards bed that the unthinkable occurred.
"Where is the child?" a man demanded, his gun pressed against my mother's trembling forehead. My eyes widened, my heart racing uncontrollably. "Please, spare my child," my mother pleaded, tears streaming down her face as she begged for mercy. But her cries fell on deaf ears. One of the men callously kicked my mother to the ground and pulled the trigger. I clung to my lower lip, biting down hard to stifle my screams, my entire body trembling with fear.
"What do we do if we can't find the kid? I know they're still close by," one of the men with a Scorpio tattoo on his arm questioned. "Search every corner. Our mission is to eliminate them all," he coldly ordered. I held my breath as I watched one of the men slowly approach the cabinet where I hid, terror washing over me. But then, a sudden exclamation interrupted their plans.
"Shit! We need to leave now. The police are on their way," one of the men urgently declared. They swiftly exited my room, leaving behind a chilling sense of foreboding. Even though they were gone, I knew deep down that I still wasn't safe. The police arrived, inspecting the lifeless bodies of my parents, but I remained concealed within the cabinet, shaking with fear, unable to move or make a sound.
"Detective Yu," one of the police officers addressed, "they were a family of three, but the child is missing. Do you think the criminals took the kid?"
Detective Yu furrowed his brow, his gaze fixed on the family photos of the victims. "It's a possibility," he replied thoughtfully. "Kidnappings for organ trafficking or human trafficking have become distressingly common lately. She was a beautiful child. I hope she's still safe."
The police officer nodded, a mixture of regret and sympathy evident in their expression as they gazed at the photo. "Such a tragic fate for this family," they murmured. With a heavy heart, Detective Yu and the officers decided to transport the deceased to the morgue.
Meanwhile, hidden inside the cabinet, I bore witness to the heart-wrenching events that unfolded. I couldn't comprehend that my parents were gone. Tears streamed down my face silently as I mourned their loss. Determination welled up within me, and I vowed to mark this day. I would seek revenge for my mom and dad.
Whispering my solemn promise, I finally emerged from the confines of the cabinet, ensuring that all the detectives and police had departed. I packed a bag, including some clothes and the money I had diligently saved, a habit my mom had instilled in me. At just twelve years old, I had managed to accumulate a significant sum hidden behind my bed.
I swiftly cut my long hair into a shorter style and donned a large hoodie, jeans, and a cap to conceal my identity. Taking one last longing look at the home that held bittersweet memories, I made the decision to leave, embarking on a journey towards justice and retribution.
Walking down the bustling street, my mind wandered with thoughts of the day ahead. Suddenly, a hand forcefully grabbed me from behind, sending a shock of fear through my body. Reacting instinctively, I delivered a swift kick to my assailant's knees, causing him to release his grip. "What's wrong with you, kid?" I demanded, still clutching my own knees for support. Determined to show bravery, I delivered another kick, ensuring my escape. As I ran, my heart pounded in my chest, reminding me of the dangerous journey that lay ahead, now that I was alone.
Spotting an open door, I swiftly slipped inside, holding my breath and straining to detect any signs of pursuit. Sweat formed on my forehead as I hid, gripping a trembling knife in my hands. I fought to remain silent as the sound of footsteps drew nearer. Preparing myself for a fight, I silently vowed to stay alive and avenge my parents.
Suddenly, a powerful force pulled me from behind, causing me to swing my knife in defense. However, the intruder swiftly covered my mouth, gesturing for silence. With one hand holding me still and the other peering cautiously out the door, my heart raced in my chest. Was this the end? Was I destined to meet the same fate as my parents?
Finally, the intruder released me, and I let go of the child I had been protecting. Drawing water from my bag, I noticed the young girl sweating profusely. Concerned, I asked her, "What happened? Why are men after you?" After ensuring the coast was clear, I pressed for answers, my gaze narrowing with suspicion.
Stammering, the girl replied, "I... I don't know." Confusion clouded her eyes as she struggled to comprehend the events unfolding around her. Realizing she was disoriented and in distress, I took charge, assuring her that she was safe now.
"This is my territory," I declared firmly. "If anyone tries to harm you here, they'll have a big problem. Now, tell me, why are they looking for you?"
Still shaken, she hesitated before finally admitting, "I... I don't know."
Concerned for her well-being, I noticed her heart racing and her vision becoming blurred. "Are you okay?" I asked, squinting to get a better look at her flushed face. Without warning, she suddenly fainted.
Reacting quickly, I carried her inside, gently placing her on the couch. Worried, I pressed my palm to her forehead, frowning at the heat radiating from her skin. I reached out to a friend for help, then sat in front of the couch, observing the young girl before me.
Aya, my friend, entered the room and was surprised to find a child sleeping in my home. "I didn't know you had a child," she remarked. I scoffed at the suggestion. "Don't joke around, Aya. I don't even know this kid."
Turning serious, I asked for her assistance in taking care of the child. Aya questioned why I hadn't taken her to the hospital, and I explained my belief that the girl was in danger. "I saw criminals pursuing her," I revealed. "Do you think she could be the missing child from the massacre?"
A pang of sympathy washed over me as I glanced at the innocent girl before us. "Poor kid," I murmured, hoping to protect her from the dark forces that sought to harm her.
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