The metallic smell of blood burns your snot-covered nose. There’s so much of it. So much that it stains the carpets your mom was just scolding you for getting nail polish on. Now she lies lifeless on the ground, her limbs twisted at unnatural angles.

The big man takes a step closer to you, pointing a pistol at your head. You squeeze your eyes shut as the shot rings through the air, bracing yourself for the impact that never comes.

When you open your eyes, another man is standing in front of you, nudging the now-dead big man’s dead body out of the way with his boot. He has a gun in his hand as well, though he puts it away as he takes a step closer. He killed the big man. He saved you. Why?

He crouches in front of your trembling form, his eyes firm with just a touch of gentleness.

“I truly am sorry about your parents, little one. Seems they couldn’t keep up with their big words and promises.”

He says with a slight laugh, though it fades when he realizes you’re not laughing.

“What if I gave you the opportunity to get revenge on the people who did this? Would you like that?”

He asks, his voice softening. You glance back at your parents as your fear and sadness are replaced with pure anger. Your fists clench as you realize yes, you would like that. You nod, glaring at the big man’s lifeless body. The man in front of you chuckles, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a dagger, big enough to fit in your tiny hands.

“I’ll take you into my care. I’ll teach you the necessary things, and together, we will get revenge.”

He declares, holding the dagger in front of you. You hesitantly reach out and grab it, careful to avoid the sharp blade. You’ve single-handedly sealed your future by taking the blade, eliminating any chance of a normal childhood, and replacing it with a life of violence. But you don’t care at the moment. You have never been so angry, so desperate for justice, nor so determined to get it.