Page 8 of Siccitas

He’ll tell me the entire story if, and when, he wants to. And if he never does, it will be one less horror that I have to deal with, knowing that this could have all been avoided had I just been brave enough to end this where it fucking started.

I glance out the window, content with my surroundings so far.

TheAntique Rose Caféis very welcoming.

The inside smells of fresh coffee, bacon, and eggs. The booths are large, and comfortable enough that I’m not shiftingtoomuch just to feel normal.

The décor is also charming.

A large, antique, brass bicycle sits just inside the entrance with a bouquet of fresh roses in the basket between the handles.

“You doing alright?”

I stop chewing, as I tear my eyes away from the bicycle and slowly look toward the sound of the voice.

Looking up, I see the young girl that’s been waiting on me, and I nod, my mouth still full of pancakes.

She smiles and nods. “Let me know if you need anything, okay?”

I nod again then turn my eyes back toward the window, watching the people bustling by outside.

How many of them are like me?

How many of them know there’s a monster lurking among them, hiding under the guise of being a loving father?

How long until it’s over?

Chapter Five

Isit back, completelycontent for once, as I grab the cup of coffee and finish what’s left of the now lukewarm brew in a single gulp.

I know for a fact that most people are good, the evil ones always get their comeuppance, and most of all, that Darby’s children will be safe.

What’s left of them, anyway,I muse as I smack my lips together and crane my neck, looking for my server.

When I spot her, I raise my hand briefly, and she nods as she starts to make her way over.

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