confrontations.— [abel + prop (justice building one-shot)]

"What the hell is wrong with you, Abel!?"

I wasn't surprised that Prop came to say goodbye. I was surprised how angry he was as he limped into the room. His face was a little red with anger, almost matching his hair. His knuckles were white, showing how tightly he was gripping his crutches. I volunteered, saving his life, and he was angry at me? I knew Prop was a sinner, Wrath deep within his heart, I just had no clue how deep it ran. But what I did know was I made the right choice.

"What's wrong with me? I think you should be asking yourself that, Prop. I volunteered for you! You should be thanking me."

I had no idea what his problem was. He was on crutches already, he wouldn't fully be able to train. Plus, if his leg was slow to mend he'd already be at a disadvantage even in the Bloodbath. It would be cruel to let him go in, why couldn't he see that? Did he want to die? Did he want to suffer? I really would never understand my cousin

"And what if you die instead, what then?"

"If I die, then I get to go to Heaven, simple. If I die, my parents and siblings move on. If you die on the other hand? I love you, but let's be honest about your sins. And let's be honest about how much your family relies on you on the farm. I make no money for my family. Think about how hard it will be to make ends meet without you. Think about your little siblings losing two brothers in a year. Think about someone other than yourself."

He reached out towards me and I expected a punch, closing my eyes. Maybe I needed him to knock some sense in me. I wouldn't be surprised if Cain or dad whacked me once they got in here too. After all, they'd come say goodbye, right? I know Dad has work, but the other Peacekeepers would cover him for just a few minutes. They had to. But Prop didn't hit me, he hugged me. And I hugged back.

"I should probably go soon, huh?"

"Yeah, I'll see you soon, promise."

"You better come back, kid."

[ table by kiah ]