What Exactly Happened: Part 12

This was probably one of the first times he saw Michael showing any emotions. He had always assumed that he wasn't very emotional, but clearly, things weren't so simple between the two brothers anymore. Not if this was the way he was reacting. And judging by how upset he was, it didn't seem like things were going to improve shortly either. The two of them simply remained there, staring at the door. It was clear that neither of them wanted to admit to what had happened. Neither of them wanted to admit that they had lost their chance to escape. That their life had once more become pointless. That this world – this world that had once meant so much to them – had once again brought them nothing but pain and suffering. That they had given up all hope. In reality, things weren't that bad. After all, they had a roof over their heads, food on the table, and a phone and internet connection. They were surviving just fine. There was nothing they needed to worry about. Things would work themselves out eventually. They just had to wait it out and deal with the inevitable.

Ryan sighed heavily to himself, placing one hand in the pocket of his jeans. Suddenly it occurred to him that they should probably go somewhere and spend some time getting cleaned up, but he wasn't feeling particularly hungry just yet. He glanced around, taking note of the mess surrounding them.

Then something caught his eye, something shiny on the wall just behind Michael. Something that had been partially hidden by the wall itself, but which had come into view now that he'd turned around, had moved and was no longer hidden. A small silver chain is attached to the wall directly behind Michael. It glinted dully in the afternoon sun, shining in the light streaming in from the open window.

Without another thought, Ryan grabbed hold of Michael's arm, dragging him roughly from his position against the front door and across the room, pulling him towards their bedroom.

"Ryan! What—"

"Just shut up, Michael," Ryan cut off his brother sharply. "Shut up! You're acting stupid. Just shut up. Shut the hell up! Don't make me hurt you!"

He pulled hard on Michael's arm once more, forcing the man to stop talking and fall silent. Once he did Ryan pushed him to sit down on the edge of their bed. Then, after grabbing the chain off the wall, Ryan kneeled in front of Michael. "Okay," he said softly, his tone calm despite the anger that simmered beneath his words. He placed his hands gently on Michael's knees and gazed deeply into his brother's eyes. "Are you listening to me?"

There was a long pause. Both brothers stared into each others' eyes, neither daring to speak. Finally, Michael nodded slightly, averting his gaze from Ryan's intense stare.

Ryan smiled slightly. "Good. Now listen to me carefully. Whatever this is, whatever these dreams mean, or visions of memories, or whatever it is that's making you feel like this is wrong, is wrong, and you need to stop it right now!"

Michael didn't answer. His silence told Ryan all that he needed to hear.

"You don't want these memories, do you? Because I promise you right here and now, we're gonna find a way out of this."

Another nod.

"And you will not be dragged into this madness. I refuse to allow it. You're going to stop reliving this horrible memory and move on. You're going to move on from it and never speak of it again because then this nightmare will end. I won't allow you to endure the pain of reliving something like this again.

To be continued...