Chapter 13 The Line is Drawn (1/2)

Phillip had to admit, this was nothing like what he had expected. It was no wonder his son had refused to say anything more. The fear in his eyes was justified. While Phillip had not been around to watch his son drain the rabbits of their blood, Phillip knew it must had been horrifying for him. But if it was blood that Rassa needed then...

Clearly, he'd had closer sources than the rabbits. It was through this logic that Phillip concluded that Rassa had consciously held himself back, to an even greater degree than Phillip had originally thought. It was a surprise even to Phillip the inner strength that his son had managed to muster. Rassa had no desire to hurt those around him, that much was clear. And this was the major reason that Phillip covered the mass grave of rabbits once more, then packed it down and spread leaves, branches and whatever else he could find over it. He might eat blood now, but Rassa was still his son, and until he was given a reason not to, Phillip would protect him.

Unfortunately, Phillip knew the other villagers might not see things the same way. Even Anna, who Phillip knew was far more open-minded than the others, might hesitate to call Rassa anything but a monster. Phillip then moved back towards the village.

It was only part way back that he saw a lone figure sitting on the small field between the orchard and the forest. Phillip didn't hesitate.

As he approached, Phillip realised that his son had taken off his top and jacket and washed them. both, letting them dry under the moonlight. His life lines were on full display, and Phillip noticed they had shifted ever so slightly in one corner to form the shape of a rabbit. Phillip turned away. Even if he knew what is symbolised, he still felt it was rude to intrude on that part of his son's life.

”You know then...what I did,” Rassa said into the air before him. He hadn't turned to look at his father, but Phillip had realised upon seeing the rabbits that his son had become quite the hunter. After a moment of surprise, Phillip sat down next to his son.

”I do,” Phillip replied.

”I had no choice,” Rassa stated. His voice seemed detatched.

”That was your other choice, wasn't it?” asked Phillip.

Rassa hesitated, then nodded, ”I'm a monster”.

Phillip sighed, ”A lot of people will say that, yes. The question is whether or not you'll believe it”.

”But I am a monster,” Rassa replied, ”I...it hurt less and less every time. What happens if one day, I feel nothing?”

”What is a monster to you, Rassa?” asked Phillip, ”How do you know a monster from any other being?”

Rassa turned to his father, ”How?”