The Pursuit of Nihilism

3. Remembrance

“DID YOU NOT HEAR ME TALKING TO YOU LEON ELROD!” His auntie Mace said it in a rude tone.

Mace was now walking towards Leon with her fists clenching. Leon knew about the outcome but didn’t care, he was hurt. Mace then slapped him and started beating him with her heel. Leon knew nothing was about to stop her from beating him until he begged. He was hurting, his insides were bursting with pain and torture. Leon then started to see his family walk toward him. He was now scared, this had never happened to him, and no one ever disturbed his beating. His heart dropped when he saw his family members grabbing belts and usable whooping weapons. Leon now was scared, more than his mom abusement, more than his dad abusement. Leon started to crawl to escape having no hope but instead fear. But. His adrenaline could only take him so far. His dad John then steps on his bruised back. “STOP PLEASE DAD IT HURTS!” he screamed from the top of his lungs. Leon knew this was the day it couldn't go on any longer. He knew this time he had to depart from his almost demon-like parents. Everyone started to laugh in amusement, No one helped. he was alone in a house full of pain. “Knock knock” Everyone stopped in confusion, someone was knocking on the door. Leon felt hope, he now started to crawl only to be picked up by his father in a hurtful manner. “STOP PUT ME DOWN!” Leon said loudly.

John then ran to a room of torment just for Leon. John was now repeatedly bashing his face in. “WHAT THE HELL DID I TELL YOU? IF ONLY YOU KEPT THAT LITTLE f*****g MOUTH CLOSE!” John said while almost mauling his son's head in with his bare fist. Leon couldn't speak, his mouth inside was covered with sores and gurgled up blood. Leon knew any more of this family, any more of this pain, any more of this would result in his death, he was aware now. Leon was hurt. He knew for a fact he couldn't move unless he forced himself. This was his only chance Leon thought. This was his only chance to seek help. Leon then started to look around with his puffed-up eyes for a usable small weapon-like object close to him. He spotted nothing but a pen beside the dresser close to him. He knew a pen would hardly do anything, but he was sure it would hurt him a little for the time being. Leon then grabbed the pen while his dad started to close the door and stabbed him with the pen in his hand. John screamed in a cowardly manner. Leon then ran past his family hoping to reach the person who could save him. He now saw a police officer, he couldn't be happier. When Leon ran outside he stumbled and hit his head, hard enough to almost give himself a concussion, but he still rose. The officer now had his hand on his firearm after seeing Leon's face. “Help me officer please, my family has been beating me for years, I'm hurt pleas-” Leon then passed out. Leon woke up in the hospital, but this time it was only him, no one was there with him. An officer he hadn't recognized walked in and sat on a chair beside his bed. “How are you, Leon? I’m glad a neighbor made a noise complaint, or else I don't think you would've been saved Leon.” the officer said in a kind, pitiful tone. “I'm doing fine, it still hurts to breathe and move but I think I'll make it.” he then started to cry, Leon was still just a kid. It wasn't the pain that made him cry, it was knowing everything around him was now changing. “Sorry to hear that Leon. But I sadly have some other news for you. One, you're not going to be in the custody of the Elrod family anymore. Two, we've locked up every single one of the suspects for your abuse. They were contemplating ending your life, Leon. Do you have any idea why your parents would go to such lengths to be incredibly evil to their son?” the doctor said civilly. “I don't know Mr. I- I just thought it was my fault, I thought if it was because I was born. I'm scared I don't want to feel like this anymore. I don't know what to do.”

“Don't worry Leon everything gets better eventually. My name is Terrence. Mr. Terrence. It was a pleasure meeting with you Leon. We can't risk giving you custody to one of your family members that aren't arrested, since we don't know if-” The officer stopped talking hopefully not to make matters worse. “I don't know what I'll d-”

Someone bursted into the room. It was someone he hadn't recognized but somehow felt familiar to him. “Who are you?” The officer said in a standard tone. “My name is Victor Elrod. I am sorry for the disturbance and terror those people has caused you. But i want to take custody of Leon if that was possible.” Victor said in a light-hearted tone. “And how should we trust your word? How should we trust you aren't some sick abuser like your brother?” The officer was now mad. “Because,” Victor said. He then started to signal someone to come in, everyone was met with the face of a teenager who came off as Leon's older brother. “This is Owen Elrod. Leon's older brother. “What? You expect us to believe such an obvious lie?” the officer said. “It is not because,” Victor hesitated but still decided to say it. “Leon's parents aren't Silica and John. Silica Elrod and John Elrod don't exist in our family.” Victor said in a serious tone. The officer then rose from his chair and started to walk towards Victor. The officer was now in Victor's face. “HUH? WHAT THE HELL YOU SICK BASTAR-” Another officer busted in the room like he just got through running a marathon. “Officer Terrence. Important news just came in from the office. John Elrod and Silica Elrod are not in the family name.” the officer said. “What the hell is going on?” the officer was now confused. “Leon went missing 7 years ago, his birthdate. We've been looking for him till this day. We found out where he was from a simple news article. We couldn't believe our eyes. We finally found our child.” Victor said joyfully. “We can not let you have custody of him if he doesn't agree, or if you can't provide authentic information.” Officer Terrence said. “Victor agreed and walked towards Leon, Victor was angry, he saw his lost son's face bruised, beat, and arms nearly broken. Victor then got on his knees and asked Leon If he wanted to join the family. Leon was cautious, but he felt a strange attachment to him that made everything feel good and strange. “Are you my father?” Leon said in a soft tone. “I am, Leon. I've been your father for your life up till now and forever. I wish you could've met your mother, she would've loved to see and hold you Leon.” Victor said in a polite tone. Leon knew what that meant. She was dead. “I- I wanna be your son, I wanna be loved, I hate pain, please take care of me” Leon started crying like a baby. “I promise that won't ever happen, Leon. Welcome to your new family.