My Brother's Keeper

I did not even notice when Mom, Dad, and Danny left. By the time I snapped out of it, I heard the car engine starting outside. I rushed over and slipped into the vehicle. In the back seat, Danny was still sniffling.

"What if Mr. Osborn's being mean to her? What if he hits her..." His voice broke.

Mom and Dad went rigid.

"That won't happen! I've talked to him. He wouldn't do that to Sienna!" Mom spoke almost reflexively, but even as she said it, her body would not stop shaking.

Dad said nothing, but he pressed harder on the gas.

I wanted to tell them Mr. Osborn had not hit me. He had actually helped me learn magic...

Oh. Wait. That was wrong.

I could fly because I was dead.

A tangled mess of emotions swallowed me whole. I looked down, sadness settling over me.

Now that I was dead, did that mean I would never eat Mom's cooking again? Would I never play with Danny again? Would I never get to cuddle with Dad again?

It hurt so much.

The car sped through the streets until it stopped in front of Mr. Osborn's shop. However, when they arrived, Danny seemed scared. He clutched the hem of his shirt, biting his lip. "Mom, will Sienna be mad at me? If I hadn't lied, Mr. Osborn wouldn't have taken her."

Tears filled his eyes. My chest ached at the sight. I wanted to tell him I was not mad, but I could not even crouch down anymore. My hand just passed through his body. I moved my hand over his head as if I could still comfort him.

Mom did not answer. She twisted her hands together, staring hard at the shop door.

Dad stepped forward and knocked.

After a moment, Mr. Osborn opened the door while reeking of alcohol. When he saw who was standing there, his face went pale.

"Why... Why are you here?" He sobered up instantly. His whole body trembled as he stammered.

He looked at Mom, guilt flickering in his eyes. "Didn't you say you'd come get her in two days?"

Seeing his reaction, Mom and Dad exchanged a glance and stepped closer. "Where's our daughter?"

Mr. Osborn swallowed hard and forced a nervous laugh. "I've sent her to my place. My wife's watching her. Don't worry, she's fine. Nothing happened..."

"Sienna!" A bloodcurdling scream suddenly erupted from the storage room.

Danny had snuck in while Mr. Osborn was distracted.

At the sound, Mom's and Dad's eyes went wide. They shoved Mr. Osborn aside and rushed inside.

When they saw what was in front of them, they froze.