On His Knees

Prologue

I stared at the boy in front of me. I couldn’t take my gaze off his eyes. It was as if it’s some kind of jewel. It’s shining bright as if it’s some kind of jewel. He sat still on the couch, staring back at me as well. The bandage on his face couldn’t hide the darkening bruise and the fresh cuts on his skin. I couldn’t remember how long it had been since I last saw a kid my age. My family wasn’t normal. My father told me we’re involved in dangerous stuff—stuff I would learn when I grow up. I had two older brothers but we rarely see each other. Dad said they’re busy with dangerous stuff. I didn’t know what kind of danger it was.

I lived my life in luxury. We had a big house in the middle of nowhere, men who worked for us, luxury cars and lots of money. Although I had everything in the world, I longed for a friend. Dad told me it’s unsafe to go out of the house. I was home-schooled, unlike my two brothers who I rarely see. They go to school like normal people.

But this was the first time I saw another kid. Uncle Dom was one of dad’s closest friend and he’d often come and visit us. I knew he had no kids but suddenly he came to our house to introduce a son. Uncle introduced us and right now I sat in front of him, not moving and just staring as if he was an animal in a zoo. I was fascinated with him. I wondered why uncle took a long time to bring his son here and introduce him to us. Was he secluded like me too?

“Are you…alright?” I finally asked after minutes of staring at the Caden. He didn’t move when I spoke. His eyes just widened in confusion. “Does it hurt?”

He realized what I was talking about. Touching his beaten-up face, he shook his head. I stood up from the couch and carefully walked toward him. I wanted to have a friend for so long that I was ecstatic that I could finally have it. Someone who I could play with while I stay in this big, lonely house. “I’m Livio,” I said, telling him my name. My teacher taught me it’s the first thing to say if I wanted to be acquainted with someone. “Your name is Caden, right?” Once again, he didn’t move. He kept staring at me with those jewel-like eyes. “Our dads are still talking. Do you want to play?”

He lowered his head. “Father said not to move,” he said in such a quiet voice that I barely heard it.

“It’s not like we’ll leave,” I said, smiling brightly at him. “We can play here! I have lots of games!”

He flinched when raised my voice. I backed away, worried that I scared him. He looked like he’s a scared puppy and I felt bad. “S-sorry.”

“Father said…not to move,” he repeated, trembling. “He’ll…get angry.”

I furrowed my brows in pity. Was he scared of uncle Dom? I’m not surprised. He’s big and muscular and very intimidating. Even I’m scared of him sometimes. Although he’s kind to me and usually brings me gifts every time he comes over, I know he’s in the same business as my father. “Okay,” I said in resignation. I sauntered out of the living room, gathered my picture books in my room and went back to Caden. He didn’t move an inch from where he’s sitting. I sat next to him and showed him my books. “We can read this,” I said, careful not to raise my voice.

His eyes sparkled upon seeing what I was holding. “What’s…that?”

“Books,” I answered. “You don’t have books?” Caden shook his head. That’s weird. Does he not go to school like me? My interest increased drastically thinking Caden and I was so much alike. I opened one particular book about a donkey who found a magic pebble that could grant any wish. “I really like this book.” His gaze was focused on it and I smiled. He liked it. “Do you want to read it?” I asked.

Caden lifted his head to look at me. “I can’t…read,” he said, his voice still low and quiet. It was as if he’s scared of talking loud.

“Oh.” He scowled when he saw my disappointment. Nevertheless, I scooted close to him. I put the book on our laps and opened it on page one. “I can read it to you,” I said, grinning.

He blinked. “Why?”

“Because you’re my friend,” I replied without thinking. “And I want to share this book with you.”

Caden lowered his head, a smile appearing on his face. “Okay.”