More Independent writing for World Literature....

Henry worried about his mother, a sweet woman with short sandy hair streaked with grey, and a plump face with big blue eyes, darker than his own.  She had tried to stop the men from taking her boys, crying and screaming, fearing she’d never see them again.  He remembered her face, full of terror.  He shuddered, shaking it away, tears once again welling in his eyes. He focused on the soft repetitive motion of Gerald’s fingers running through his hair, which made him relax slightly.  Now his mind started wandering to Katy, sweet little Katy.  She was his 6 year old sister.  He had been her personal protector since the day she was born.  The thing that burdened his mind most was who would protect her now?  He was her protector!  He let her dow….   Henry’s thoughts were interrupted by Gerald’s soft voice.  “I’m concerned about these wounds getting infected,” Gerald said.  “Maybe I can try and treat them.”  Henry scoffed.  “I really don’t see how you could chap,” he said in a rather amused tone.  “I mean considering the crucial fact that it’s as dark as a cave in here, and you’ve nothing to treat me with.”  “Oh there you go again!” Gerald spat.  “You’re always the Pessimist!  You know if they’re not treated they’ll get infected, and I am not going to sit here like a miserable oaf and watch you die!”  Gerald’s voice was alarmingly loud, scaring Henry a bit.  He had never meant to hurt Gerald; he was merely trying to state an obvious fact.  He realized that all Gerald wanted was to feel helpful to his brother, and at the moment, Henry was denying him that privilege.  His brother had to be the most loyal and honorable man he’d ever known.  He willingly let go of his obstinate attitude.  “Alright Gerald, I’m sorry, do whatever you see fit.”