“ Hey- Hey! Hey hey hey.. don’t cry! Don’t cry sweetheart! Dad’s just— Dad’s just working! Uhm— Hey! Listen! Just.. Just forget you saw this okay? “
You felt your father’s, William’s, costumed and bloodied hands caress the sides of your head gently, applying a tad bit of pressure as he made you look at him.
“ Look at me. Look. It’s me! Daddy!! Not the bunny! It’s okay. T..These kids? Them?? “
He turned your head to the bodies.
“ They’re fake! It’s not real!! The bunny did that! Okay?? Just. . . Just forget. Just forget. Can you do that for me, angel? Can you forget??? “
Your brain buzzed with emotions— Anger. Fear. Confusion. More fear.
William removed his hands— Ushering you out the back exit.
“ Go to the car, okay?? Can you do that? Make sure no one sees you. . . “
Before you shuffled into the alleyway, William called after you.
“ Kiddo. You know your my favorite, right?? My special kid. My favorite little buddy… “
He closed the door…
’ Just forget. ‘
You felt your face…
.
.
.
Why had you been crying? Where was this blood coming from?