Going Feral

“What’s wrong? What happened?” My wife, Crystal Warburton, asked while gently stroking Andrew’s arm.

“Our… Our baby… He…”

Andrew choked on his tears, his words trailing off.

Crystal’s eyes looked restless.

“What happened to our baby?”

With emotions gripping her, Crystal could not hide the tremor in her voice.

She reached her hand over her belly nervously.

A mocking sneer fleeted across my eyes.

At this point, I would be an idiot if I couldn’t connect the dots.

No wonder Crystal demanded to move into the apartment building last month. According to her, the neighborhood had a better school district for Ethan.

She also mentioned she’d be assigned overseas by the company soon and wouldn’t be back for a year or so.

As it turned out, she was going away to bear her child with another man.

Out of the blue, Ethan bolted toward her.

“Mom, do you know this man?

“He’s so mean. He told the dog to bite me.”

While talking, Ethan extended his arm to pull Crystal away.

However, she shook him off before he could even get a grip.

“Get the hell away from me!

“You’re so wicked for your age. Your father did a terrible job raising you!”

Crystal whipped her hand up and struck Ethan hard across the face.

“Thud!”

Knocked off his feet, Ethan slammed to the floor.

“Ethan!”

I ran over and lifted him from the ground.

“It hurts, Dad.

“Why did Mom hit me?”

Ethan was in excruciating pain, his tears rolling down his cheeks.

Crystal pulled a stoic look, her eyes full of disgust. “You got what you deserved.”

My limbs trembled in rage.

Before I could say anything, my eyes darted to Ethan’s ashen face.

He panted heavily, and his hand clutched his chest.

My heart sank.

“Quick! Ethan’s having a heart attack! Get in the car and take him to the hospital!” I picked Ethan up and yelled at Crystal.

Taken aback, Crystal approached us.

However, Andrew grabbed her arm.

“Babe.”

Crystal stopped, her gaze falling on Andrew. She said worriedly, “Are you hurt anywhere, Andrew? Do you need me to take you to the emergency room?”

“I’m okay, but our baby is badly hurt.”

Andrew pointed at Bella, who was convulsing.

Reality sank in for Crystal.

“This is the baby you’re talking about?”

“Duh!”

Andrew nodded and looked at me viciously. “It’s all your fault!

“You’re going to apologize to my baby girl right now, or pay me a million dollars.”

Ignoring him, I turned to Crystal. “Give me the car keys. I’m taking Ethan to the hospital.”

Crystal stood still, her eyes reflecting conflict.

“Silas, I think you should just do what Andrew said. Either say you’re sorry or give him a million.”

Disbelief washed over me.

Ethan’s life was hanging by a thread, and all she could think about was her side piece’s dog.

With my blood boiling, my breathing turned ragged.

“Give me the keys!” I shouted and shoved Andrew out of the way before putting the knife to Crystal’s throat.

She shuddered and shakily fished out the car keys.

I took the keys as Andrew whimpered in agony, “Argh… My stomach hurts…”

Snapping my head, I looked over.

Andrew lay on the ground, his face discolored and his hands clutching his belly.

The blood stain across his abdomen threw me off.

I didn’t even touch him.

“Andrew!”

Panicking, Crystal sprinted toward Andrew.

I looked away and carried Ethan to the car without a moment too soon.

“Wait, Silas! Take Andrew to the hospital with you!”

Crystal smacked the car window desperately, her voice a picture of anxiety.

Not even giving her the time of day, I floored the gas pedal.