Everything was quiet. No one dared to speak. They all stayed in place like they were glued to the floor. Some of them were even holding their breathes so they don't bring attention to themsleves. Its like they were playing a game: you make a sound, you loose. It wasn't a problem for them. They've been doing this their whole lives. They all wanted to fight him. Stop playing by his rules. But they were afraid. Not for their own lives, but for lives of others in the room. Especially the youngest. He had hurt her so much already they would risk anything to protect her. They weren't afraid of dying. He is yelling but they don't listen. They know wha he is saying. They heard it before. Ever since their mother died. He leaves after he punches his second youngest son. His siblings want to help but he doesn't let them. He never needed help and he doesn't now either. His nose is broken, but this isn't anything new. In this house it would be a suprise if you don't have a new bruise showing on your arms or legs or face every single day. They all stay silent for a little longer. No one wants to seem weak in front of other(even tho they all were). Another minute passes when the youngest runs to her room and loudly shuts the door. Beat. Sobs can be heard. They all freeze all over again. They can tell she is trying to hide them. Mix of emotions can be seen on each brother: shock, sadness, anger, pain. Except the last one. His face stays emotionless. He was numb. Only because this isn't new to him. He hears her cry. Lately more often then when they were children. They all want to comfort her but they don't know how. No one said anything yet. Sobs are louder now. Its like someone stabbed her. They all feel her pain. Each has a wish to protect her from whats hurting her but they can't. She stops crying after a while. They feel relief. She must have fallen asleep. Something they wish they could do. But each one of them have demons that chase them at night. Different but also same. All five have a demon with the same face. It haunts them during the day so they don't want to see him at night too. Beat. They all go their own way murmuring somethin as where excatly they are going. Some go to their bedrooms, some to their current/ex girlfriends and some to the local bar to get drunk and maybe pick up some chick for a one night stand. Only the youngest brother, year older than his sister, stays standing. And he stays their for couple of minutes(although it feels like hours) not knowing what to do. He was alone. But then again he always was. If he paid attention he could hear gunshots and police sirens, something that was common where he lives. But he was lost in thoughts. Eventually he leaves to his bedroom. And once again, everything is quiet.