Chapter 106

I tried to get him to stop, but he was crazed, he just kept hitting him, over and over. I saw the blood in the snow, and even as big as Buddy was, I knew he wasn’t strong enough to withstand the brute strength of my father’s anger for long. I ran to his house and pounded on the door, screaming for Buddy’s father to come help. His older brothers were home for the holiday, and they all came running, along with his mother and sisters. By the time we got back to the barn, Buddy was lying unconscious in the snow, my father standing over him with the bloody reigns panting like a bear. Buddy’s father and brother #1 laid into my father, beating him with their fists as Buddy’s mother, sisters and #2 went to Buddy’s aid.

Buddy’s back and arms were shredded like raw meat. The snow beneath him was soaked red, and I felt the grip of terror as I looked at him. I thought he was dead, and I knew it was my fault. Buddy had been my friend more than he had been my lover, and I had caused this to happen.