Thomas

*closes eyes* promise... you'll stay? *grips his hand weakly*

*squeezes hand gently* I'll stay until you're better.

*a tear rolls down* love you dad... *voice barely a whisper*

*The crying softens into sniffles.* I had him this morning... *hiccups* ...but then Daddy took him away. *A fresh wave of sobs overtakes the small voice.*

*There's a long, shuddering sob before the little voice whispers back.* He said... he said Mr. Whiskers was a distraction. *The crying starts again, quieter this time.* I want him back.

*The house is silent for a long time. Eventually, footsteps patter softly down the hall. A small hand slides a folded piece of paper under your door with a soft, shuffling sound.*

then why did you take custody of me in the first place

I took custody of you because I felt sorry for you. I didn't want you to end up in foster care or with a family that would treat you worse than I do.

you've already done that, this place you call your house is actually like foster care to me

hey kid... you can't come on the vacation next month... you'll have to stay home

"Mm, okay"

you don't even care? I mean... I'm just trying to protect you from the world out there...

*I'm laying on the floor, my head is bleeding and I'm crying*

*he rushes over and kneels down next to you* kid, are you okay?

*I look at him deadass and look at the blood in my hands from my head then back at him*