(16 years ago)
Lightning flashed across the sky, thunder rumbling non-stop in the distance, promising a loud and heavy rain in the near future.
Arthur woke to the sound. He blinked, disoriented, then jumped slightly when another clap of thunder followed. He held himself back from shouting.
He turned toward his little brother, Julian, only eight, who was still sleeping soundly, hugging his pillow tightly.
Arthur sat up and pulled the blanket over Julian, the one his brother had kicked aside. The room was dark, the only light coming from the flashes outside the window.
He glanced at the wall clock. Almost eleven p.m., eerily close to his own age. He'd be eleven in just a few days.
He lay back down, pulling the shared blanket up to his chin. That's when he heard it: voices outside the bedroom. Shouting voices.
Arthur swallowed hard. It sounded like Mom and Dad. Arguing again. He closed his eyes and went back to sleep.
