**
SPLATTER!!
A gush of warm liquid sprayed across her face, thick, iron-scented and warm.
She blinked.
Her cheeks, lips, even her tongue tasted it.
Blood.
Her father's blood.
Her mouth opened, but no sound came. Her eyes shook so wide they seemed ready to burst from their sockets.
Her tiny fingers trembled, stained in red. Her knees buckled beneath her.
"No…" she whispered. A whimper as if she wasn't ready to admit the reality in front of her.
"No!!"
Her chest burned. Her ribs rattled with every panicked breath. Her heart thumped like it wanted out, like it didn't want to be part of this anymore.
She looked down.
His eyes were still open, some of the blood spilling out his mouth, and all he could do was grunt.
"I'm sorry, babey. This is where our family shatters! I'll be waiting for you on the other side. Survive!!"
"Mom… no!!" she screamed. "Don't do it! Don't—"
SPLATTER!!
More blood. Everywhere. This time on her hands.
**
She shot up in bed.
