Page 2 of Crave

Sliding off the swing seat, I back away and put the pole between us. I don’t want him mad at me.

Mikhail glances up at his brother, then softens his features. “Why do you want to know? Who hurt you? It looks like you can barely see out of your eye.”

I forgot about that. I’m so used to one or both being swollen, I don’t notice as much.

“Papa said I was stealing, but I wasn’t.” My arms cross over my threadbare coat, tucking the edges together.

Nikolai bends over and whispers something in his brother’s ear.

Mikhail nods and looks back at me. “Is your father Akim?”

My chin bobs, but I don't answer. If I don’t say it out loud, I won’t get in trouble.

Mikhail sighs, and pushes his hands against his thighs to stand. “Tell you what kid, if you want help, you be here next time we come through, and you can show me where you live. Khorosho?”

“Okay.” I watch their heads go close, and they talk too quietly for me to hear.

It’s only as they start to leave I remember I didn’t answer their question.

Papa always said it’s rude to ignore him when he asks me something.

“Alexei!” I yell.

Nikolai turns back. “What’s that?”

“My name! It’s Alexei!”

I should be used to it. One of the teachers at school told us that scar tissue is tougher.

All of the scars Papa gives me should make me invincible.

But I can’t see out of my eye again, and my tongue is fat in my mouth from when I bit it.

He hits too hard when I’m not watching.

I watch the alley for any movement. They should be here today.

It’s almost time for me to leave. Hanging out on this swing waiting for them makes my toes tingle.

The fear of missing the boys makes my feet seem like a tiny problem. If they don’t show up, I’ll have to go home.

I don’t want to anymore.

Long shadows stretch from the old brick building. When they reach the sandbox, I’ll leave.

Just a few more minutes.

Footsteps echo from the alcove.

Maybe it’s them?

My chin juts out, hoping they’ll be able to see the fresh bruises when they pass.

“Hey, Alexei! We haven’t seen you in days.” Nikolai is the first to see me.

He smiles and moves closer. But his mouth drops into a frown. “Mikhail, look.” He gestures at me.

Like I’m a thing.

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