What's Wrong With Us?

Trigger Warning: The following chapter contains graphic depictions of domestic violence, substance abuse, and homicide. It may be triggering for individuals who have experienced similar traumas. Reader discretion is advised.

FLASHBACK

"Love, we're all worried about you. Me and the kids." Loxley heard their mom, Siera's muffled voice from downstairs in the kitchen. Ox, along with their little brother Igor, both 12 and 5 years old respectively, listened as their mother's gentle voice echoed with deep concern in their bedroom.

"You deserve help. Vi ne mozhete rostijno topiti svoï pechali v alkoholi ta narkotikakh(you can't keep drowning your problems in alcohol and drugs.)"

The tension in the air became palpable as Ox's father, Artem, erupted into a fit of rage. "Mind your own business, woman! Ty dumaiesh, shcho znaiete kryshe, tilʹky tomu, shcho vy ne topite svoї pliї.(You think you know better just because you don't drown your own problems like I do)" Their dad snapped, his voice rising and his words slurred, heavy with defiance.

Ox abandoned their homework and slipped out of the room, leaving their brother to peek from behind the railings. They found their mom shaking and sobbing, while their dad paced back and forth, clutching a bottle of vodka.

"Love, please..." Seira pleaded, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "The kids want their dad back... I want my man back— the man I fell in love with, the man I happily married at the altar."

"The man you fell in love with?" Artem scoffed, his laughter bitter and filled with scorn. "He's long gone, Seira." He spat, his voice laced with venom. Ox watched their mom step back, trying so hard not to cry, her heart sinking at the harshness of their father's words.

"No-no-no, we still need you here with us, fully present." She whispered, tears welling in her eyes. "You're still there. I know you are."

But Artem's expression remained cold and furious. "You think you can save me?" he sneered. "You think your little love can fix everything? Well, you're fucking wrong!" His eyes bloodshot as he stared at his wife, a half-empty bottle of vodka trembling in his hand.

"Meni ne potribno, shchob ty mene zachyshchav, Seira(i don't need you, Seira)," he spat. "Hell! I don't need anyone!"

"Please, Artem, my love. For us, for Loxley and Igor. They need you, they need their father..." Seira's voice was soft, though trembling with emotion. She stepped closer, reaching out despite her shaking hands, longing to touch her husband, even if he was no longer the man she said "I do" to.

In that heartbeat, the palpable tension in the kitchen peaked. "I said I don't need you!" Ox heard their dad shout, before the sound of a kitchen knife being grabbed made them rush back to the room where little Igor was.

But before they could reach it, they heard their mother yell, "Stop it, Art! Just stop!" But Artem, in his drug-fueled rage, couldn't hear her. With a surge of anger, he shoved Seira aside, causing her head to hit the floor as she collapsed. When Ox heard the loud thud, they immediately grabbed Igor and hid under their bed, covering both of his ears as tears stung their eyes. They didn't want him to hear the heartbreaking sounds echoing in what was once they called home.

Seira quickly stood up, fighting the agonizing pain, determined to go to her sons and protect them from the man she once called her husband.

But then, in a moment of hiding, Ox heard the sounds that would haunt them for the rest of their days. Artem's temper flared uncontrollably as he swiftly captured Seira and began stabbing her with the knife he took from the kitchen earlier, until she could no longer make a sound—the screaming that Ox heard.