Chris and Martin woke up together. The sunlight had spilled it rays on them. Martin rolled over to his other side and sat up over the edge of the bed and rubbed his eyes.

Chris was already sitting up, "What happened?"

Martin turned, "You were going to hang yourself last night."

Chris' eyes widened, "Oh, yeah..."

Martin whispered, "Not a word of this to Dad or even Mom. We don't want her to get into panic mode again."

Chris started to whine, "Did Mom and Dad see me not in bed?"

"No, they were still asleep. Come on, let's get dressed and get ahead."

"Martin?"

"Yeah, bro?"

"Had the cult been stopped?"

Martin lifted his head and looked at Chris. He didn't know for sure. He answered, "I don't know..."

Chris went to his dresser and took out a clean shirt. On his collar of his other shirt was blood from the hanging. He slipped on the white shirt and wished for the best.

Both brothers headed downstairs together. Everyone was already at the dining table, eating. Chris said, "Sorry, we overslept."

William smiled, "It's okay. You boys had a big day yesterday. You needed the rest."

Linda said, "When is there a purple bruise around your neck, Chris?"

Chris gasped inwardly. He smiled faintly, "This mark? It must have been when I was dunked under the water yesterday."

Martin was waving his hands on the other side of the table, telling Chris to shut up. Everyone was looking at Chris. Linda cried, "Who dunked you?!"

Chris blushed, "I... was fighting fire with water..."

"CHRISTOPHER KRATT!"

Chris cried out, "I almost drowned and last night i wanted to hang myself..."

William stood up, "What?"

Linda stood up and said, "You're not leaving this house anymore without us with you."

William said, "Linda... He's an adult. He can make choices for his own life."

Linda turned to her husband, "Yeah, choices that involve death."

Chris felt his heart break. He was told to go into his bedroom where he actually went. Linda came after and put a child-safe lock on the window, "That's for your safety, young man."

Chris sat on his bed, feeling imprisoned more. He lay down and faced away from the window. The sun had casted his rays unto the floor before him... As he was about to shut his eyes, an animal crossed the window to the tree outside. Chris shut his eyes and fell asleep...

Chris woke up to a dark bedroom. He looked out to the window to see the panels red as blood. Chris got up from his bed and went to the window and opened the panels... The land was a wasteland. Smoke from many places was shown. He saw the trees standing with no leaves as their covering. He saw no houses. Then, suddenly, he saw a jet fly super low past him. Chris touched the window and jerked back. His hand was bleeding. He turned to the mirror and found it scattered. He saw his face through the scattered pieces. He turned aside and found his door wide open and went out... It was too quiet... too quiet. He went down the stairs. He heard a rustling noise and turned around to see the stairs disappearing as dust, blowing in the bloody breeze. Chris felt his spirit bleeding out. He looked around him, in fear, wondering what had happened. He was in the midst of a dangerous wilderness. He finally gained the courage to cry out. As he turned, he saw a pair of bloodshot eyes staring at him in the sky. Chris couldn't help but run. The wilderness was all bloody red. He tried to run to safety, but there was nothing...

Chris woke up from his sleep. Everything was normal. The sun was still shining. His mirror was still fine. He stood up and went to the window and pulled the panels back and saw the neighbourhood, with children running about. He slipped on his boots and ran out his bedroom down the stairs.

Linda heard Chris stomping on down. She snapped, "What are you doing?"

Chris smiled, "It was a dream..." He lost his smile, "A strange one. Mother?"

"Go back to your bedroom!"

Chris went back upstairs, sadly. He wanted to find out what was happening. He snuck past his bedroom into Martin's room. Martin and Laura had their back to the door and were playing with Marlin. Chris said, "Martin?"

"Bro? Don't worry about Mom... She's just worried about you."

"Yeah? After finding out I tried to hang myself. Can I see your Dark Web account?"

Martin's face beamed, "No way! I deleted the account the minute I got the computer. I don't want our lives to have risks."

"But I had this strange, dangerous dream... It was so real," Said Chris. He sat on Martin's bed and quickly told him while Laura amused the child with her phone, with downloaded shows for the boy. Martin said, "What? That's strange."

"I didn't see anyone. Where's the gang?"

"They're searching for the Tortuga."

"Where's that waterstone?"

"I gave it to Aviva. She just texted me minutes ago, that they got the Tortuga."

"Then, they're not searching for it."

"Yeah, but we lost everything."

"Oh, yeah."

"Chris, listen to me. I hate to break this to you, but Zach told me that he has a crush on Aviva. Ever since he was forgiven by her, he liked her since."

Chris' heart shattered, another marriage in the Tortuga?! He can't handle it, "If Zach marries Aviva... Then, the Tortuga will shut down."

"Why?"

"Because when the couples get together, a family starts. And if a family starts, it comes that the couple has to move on to take care of the family."

"Bro? You're not saying -"

"Martin... I love for Zach to be happy... But... I risked my life out there. I wished I died instead of Willy..."

"Chris! Shut up... I got a son here. He can hear you."

"But I was the sickly baby."

"I know, but look at you today. Strong and handsome, trust me, you will get a girl."

"Martin, stop..."

"Christopher Kratt! Where are you?"

Chris turned to the door, "That's mom... I got to go."

That evening, Zach came into Chris' bedroom. Chris was turning several pages in a book, making Zach chuckle, "You're not reading if you just turn that quick."

Chris looked up, "These are all the doctors' files that were filed. They're everything about my health."

"Where did you get those?"

"I asked Dad to get them. He didn't look too thrilled, but he got them."

Zach sat on the bed. He put his hand into his pocket and took out a small box, "Chris... Martin told me that he told you about... my crush."

Chris was still looking at the papers, "Sure."

"I can't quite point out my feelings to Aviva. But I got this ring... I really want her to be happy and forget about my mistakes."

Chris stopped turning the pages. Zach quickly said, "I know you're depressed, Chris..."

"Zach... I can't believe it."

"I know. I want you to be happy, but I can help you in any way."

"Help me?" Chris looked at Zach and took out a paper, "Explain this..."

Zach was confused. He took the paper and read it. Chris went to his mirror and looked at himself and started to bawl. Zach read the paper and ended the sentences, "To the fear of his severe sickness from birth. It was be contagious. He must not get married at any age..."

Chris picked up the folder and took the paper, "I don't understand it. Go ahead and love her. Take care of her. She's a dear friend to me. I'm trusting you, Zach."

"Chris?"

Chris was panting hard, "Why am I still alive? Why am I still alive as a special child to my parents and they never told me?! They lied about everything!"

Zach said, "Chris..."

Chris left the bedroom and went down to his father, "Dad, explain these!"

William sighed, "Chris... Too much information can harm you."

"I don't care... Tell me everything!"

William sighed again and took out of the open lockbox a folder. He pulled out a couple papers and hand them to Chris, "This will explain everything..."

Chris read the papers and gasped... "Martin isn't my biological brother..."

William answered, "You're my son, Chris. You and Martin are two different boys from your mother. Your mother was married to a man... A drunken man. One evening, he came in and started to blast at your mother and raped her, though he was married to her. Martin was an accident through alcohol. But your mother used him as a protection for his father not to touch her. After Martin was born, his father didn't care for him and left your mother."

Chris said, "Does Martin know about this?"

"Sadly, no. But now that I'm telling you, I'll tell him, later."

"What happened?"

"After Martin was released from the hospital with his mother, your mother had to get a job. That's when we met. She was lovely young lady then and I didn't know she had a son until our first date. And she explained what happened and I engaged her that week. I got a job, we got married, and I took care of Martin. Once the ex-husband came back, I filed some papers for court to adopt Martin and to make sure Howard never sees him again and to le... Howard..."

"Dad?"

"Howard was the thief... He stole Wilma."

Chris' eyes widened, "What?"

"After Martin became my adopted son, four years later, after so many court cases, I finally became your brother's father. Linda came up to me and told me that she was very sick. So I brought her to hospital and the doctors scanned her for some disease. But found out in the tests, that she was prequant with you.

"She told me after she got the results that she was prequant. I wasn't expecting a child because Howard and I were in a disagreement and if he found out that I made his ex-wife prequant, I would lose that child, by death or by kidnap."

"When did Mom find out that she had me AND Wilma?"

"That was the first ultrasound. You were alone then... Wilma came after. The doctors couldn't explain it, but from that first ultrasound, the doctors found you very sick. I was scared, of course, and with Martin young then, he really wanted a little sibling.

"A couple months later, we found out that you were a boy. And Wilma still wasn't identified until later. The doctors thought that your mother's sickness and mediciations entered into you without knowing you were there then."

"So that's how I got sick?"

"Basically, the doctors told us that as you grew, your health was declining. I didn't tell you this, but you were only six months in your mother's woab. You were taken out so your declined health wouldn't pass into your sister. Your mother spent days at the house, worried about you. She knew that her eldest son would have a great dad, and she wanted you to have a great dad also.

"One day, you were known to die. I gave Martin over to Michael Sr. because I didn't him to be so excited and be hurt when you won't wake up anymore. We spent three days in the hospital, wanting you to pass on with us there in our arms. Your mother fed you with as much as you can handle, you were forming into a perfect baby, but you were very sick. Every hour the nurses would come in and test you.

"The last evening there, we had to leave. Your mother was more concerned about you than Wilma or even Martin. We had to get Martin and bring him home. The doctors told us that with your health so low, you were going to die soon."

Chris was sitting on a chair, looking at his boots. He was so quiet and scared... He was that special to his parents?

"I came to the hospital the next morning before going to work and looked over to see you. You had this department that helps your body grow outside your mother, and we had this hands area, so we can hold your hand... I held your hand, son. I told you, though you wouldn't understand then, I say that I loved you. I wanted to take care of you. Martin was happy to have a brother. I didn't want to lose you. I don't want it was, 'cause after work that day, I got a call from the doctors, telling me that you were healing."

Chris looked up in shock.

"The doctors were surprised about it. I drove home as fast as I could, to tell your mother and got Martin from daycare. We got to the hospital and you were already in a cradle with no department. Linda picked you up and handled you for the first time. We did handle earlier, but that department was in the way of it. She held your body and wept over you. She loved you, son... And she promised that she would never let anything happen to you."

"So Mom was very worried about me?"

"Yes. I am very upset about your attempt last night, and you scared your mother. She has every right to be angry at you. With Martin as my adopted son, I have the right to be angry at him and lay a hand on him. With you as my blood son, I can do anything."

Chris looked at his hands. His hands handled the papers that made his brother's father leave his wife. He started to cry softly, "I wish I knew about this... That explains why Martin and I are so different."

William answered, "I got to go and tell Martin about it. You get some dinner and go to sleep."

Chris stood up and left the office. William went upstairs and he heard a door shut. Chris' eyes filled with tears, not of hope, but of fear. He went into the kitchen, where his mother was washing the dishes. He didn't want to eat, he just wanted to throw up. He left the kitchen and went to his room and shut the door and locking it. He went to his bed and fell on the pillows and bawled...

Morning came. Chris lay awake and tired. He had no sleep that night. He just wanted to be left alone. His blankets and pillows were soaked with his tears, his clothes were soaked with his sweat. His eyes were black and blue from the lack of sleep and the tears.

His door was being knocked on, as he shifted over to his side, "Chris. Are you in there?"

Chris didn't answer. His voice was gone because of him screaming into his pillows all night. He heard the doorknob being messed with. He was too weak to get up. Then, he heard the lock being unlocked.

"Chris?"

Chris lay on his side from the door and stayed quiet. He shifted so whoever it was wouldn't think he died or something.

"Bro..."

It was Martin. Chris sat up and looked at Martin. Then, the tears flowed again. Martin sat on the bed and hugged his brother tightly. Chris wept over his brother's clothes. He couldn't say anything. All he could just do is scream in his tears.

"Martin? What's going on?"

Martin answered, "Chris isn't doing too well, Mom... I think he just needs time alone."

Chris moved away from Martin and held the lump in his throat. He heard his door being shut. Chris covered his face with his hands and started to cry again.

"CK?" A voice called, an hour later.

"GO AWAY!" He cried when he had the courage to.

"Chris... Martin told me what happened... I'm so sorry..."

"I said... GO AWAY! I don't anyone in my life anymore..."

The door opened. Chris saw Aviva coming to him through the mirror. He said, "I said go away."

"Chris... You've been crying for hours. Your eyes proved to be sore from crying."

Chris said, "I'm fine, okay?"

Aviva quickly covered Chris' eyes. Chris felt the coolness. He knew it was a wet cloth. He lay back as Aviva quickly cleaned his sore eyes. As she pulled the cloth away, Chris saw everything clearly.

"Aviva..."

Aviva smiled, "Are you okay?"

Chris sat up and hugged up to her, "A little."

Aviva rubbed Chris' back as Chris quietly dozed off to sleep. He didn't feel his sleeply numb body move as Aviva slowly and quietly lay him on his pillows. He didn't feel a blanket being tossed on him. He didn't hear his door bring shut.

Chris woke up five hours later. His stomach growled in pain. Chris rolled to his back and looked around. He remembered what happened and how it all happened. He lay back on his side, ignoring his stomach's pain and looked at his door. He jerked up to see someone looking at him. In a split second, the head popped out and the door was shut. Chris never seen the face before. He was too tired to get up and check on it. So he rested his head on his pillow and fell asleep again.

"DINNER TIME!"

Chris woke up and shook in his rest. He looked at the clock as it read 6:15 p.m. He was too sore and too tired to get up. He shut his eyes as his bedroom slowly got dark. As his eyes were closing, he noticed a thin line of light was growing bigger at his door.

"Chris? Bro?"

Chris groaned in his rest and turned over. Martin touched his brother and said, "Chris, you haven't eaten for two days now. Mom's worried about you again. Come on, it's dinner time."

"I'm not hungry," Moaned the blankets.

Martin sat on the bed and said, "Chris... Please."

"I'm not hungry," He moaned again.

Martin sighed as he stood up and left his brother's room and shut the door after him. Minutes later, Chris was blinded by his own light. He pulled the blankets over him.

"Son, come on. Get up."

Chris said, "I'm not hungry!"

"You haven't eaten. You've been in this room all day and never left it once... Not even to use the bathroom... Son, I'm worried."

Chris ignored his father until his blankets were thrown off him. Chris frowned as the light hurt his eyes. His eyes were a lot better from the rest he had. He saw his father in his worksuit looking at him, "Come on, son."

"Dad... I'm not hungry..."

"Fine. Stay in here and starve yourself. You're not getting anything after the dishes are done. You're now acting like a brat."

Chris didn't answer as his father shammed the door. Chris took the blankets and covered himself again. He really wanted to starve. He lay in bed, concerned about his own future.

Minutes later, he turned to the clock and it read 7 p.m. His stomach had no strength to growl, but to pound his insides apart. He shut his eyes and started to doze to sleep once again... But his door opening made him frown as he opened his eyes... He gasped lightly, it was Aviva. He had to listen to her...

"CK? Where aren't you eating?"

Chris angled himself with his pillows, "I'm not hungry."

"Chris, stop. You haven't eaten since two days ago. You didn't even have breakfast yesterday when all this happened."

"Listen, if I'm not hungry, I'm not eating."

"Stop saying 'I'm not hungry'. It's just an excuse. You've been sleeping all day and never left the room once. Not even to use the bathroom. That's a problem."

"Why don't you stop worrying about me, who's a mischievous brat, and worry about your boyfriend? Zach's been trying to engage you but you care too much about me, which is not right."

Aviva gasped, "What?"

"I said Zach has been wanting to engage you."

"No... You think that someone can have a good life and just leave you?"

"Sure. I'm fine with it. I've lived in the forest for thirteen years of my life."

"This is not a forest. Chris, you're pale. You haven't seen the sun or even breathed any fresh air. I'm worried about you."

"Stop worrying about me. If I'm hungry I'll get something myself."

Aviva stood up and went to the door, "Fine... I guess we're not friends anymore. Because friends care for each other. And you don't want to be cared for. This is the last you will see me."

Chris watched her leave his bedroom. The door was shammed, making him shake in his bed. He fixed himself and went back to sleep.

It was midnight, when something woke Chris to his senses. Chris sat up to see a shadow in his bedroom. It was no ordinary shadow, "Dad?"

There was no answer. Chris was too weak to sit up. He fell back unto his pillows and stared at the human shaped shadow. Chris groaned in pain as the shadow began to creep forward. Chris shifted into his blankets, "Dad... Just go."

"I wish I was your Dad."

Chris was confused. His body froze... He couldn't feel any muscles in his body. He couldn't even shake. As the shadow came into view, the moon light pouring through the panels, lighted the man's face. Chris couldn't scream. His stomach screamed for him, making him whice in pain.

The man sat on Chris' bed, "Oh, son. Is not your family taking care of you?"

"I don't want to be cared... Who are you?"

"Well, William never told you about me. I am Martin's father."

"Howard," he whispered.

"Oh, so you do know me?"

"Get out of here..."

"No, William stole my son... And now it's time that I steal his."

Chris couldn't but try to scream. But the man shut Chris' throat with his strong, "I tried to kill that mother of yours. She cheated on me. But my son was in her. I loved that boy until that man came into his life."

Chris felt his air pipe being shut off, "Stop... I can't breathe..."

"I thought that noisy girl was you. But she wasn't. I paid her over to another man who agreed to do all the kidnapping for me. Now I got you."

Chris was crying now. In the light, he saw a knife being lifted into the air. Chris was crying so hard. He could only imagine his corpses on this bed and his mother's tears. He had to try. He took a deep breath as the knife sliced into Chris' shoulder. Chris screamed for help... The man rammed his knife out of Chris into the window. He wrapped his arm around Chris' body and brought him to the window. The knife touched Chris' throat as the lights went on. William cried, "HOWARD!"

"Well, well, well. Isn't it the man who stole my son?!"

Chris was crying as the blade tickled his throat.

William cried, "Let Chris go! He's my son!"

"Well, if you haven't stole my wife AND my son, maybe this little guy here wouldn't have arrived in MY marriage."

Linda was crying for the sake of her son's life. William took courage and said, "I married your wife AFTER I had her divorce you. Now she's my wife and I adopted your son by the law, because you were found to be a drunken man. Your tests proved it. I was there for your son, who's my son, then you were."

Chris choked as he felt the man's arm tighten about his neck, "I wanted to be there for Martin, but instead, I only saw him once, then you decided to take him away from me. Now it's time that you taste your own medicine."

"NO!"

The man turned to see his full grown son, staring at him, "Martin?"

Martin panted for the life of his brother, "Stop! Why are you doing this?!"

"I'm making sure that you step daddy here will learn to pay by tasting his own medicine. I'm going to adopt this boy of his and make sure he never sees him again!"

Martin cried, "Chris is an adult now!"

The man stopped laughing, "What?"

"Howard... I mean... Dad... I'm 29 years old... Chris is 25 years old."

The man stared at Martin and turned to William, "You had my boy for twenty-nine years?!"

William said, "I have every right to put you in prison... You're killing my son in the face of my wife! You would do that to Martin if he was still with you."

"I wouldn't because Martin's my son!"

"AND YOU'RE DOING TO MINE!"

"HE'S MINE BY MY OWN WIFE!"

Chris couldn't handle it now. He screamed, "SSSTTTTOOOOOPPPP!"

"You shut that mouth of yours," Howard cursed, "You better get ready, William. 'Cause now... You'll never get this precious face to see you again."

"CHRISTOPHER, NO!" Cried his mother.

By daytime, Chris sat up in a room. He was locked from the outside so he couldn't escape. Howard came into the room and said, "Sorry boy, but give me anything about you and that lousy name."

"I don't have anything on me..."

"Obey your new daddy!"

Chris was crying his eyes out. The man took the creature pod from his back pocket and found a permit for his creature adventuring. Howard shredded the permit in front of Chris' eyes and system restarted the whole creature pod.

"NO! All those pictures!"

"We'll see about that."

The creature pod was restarted, Howard dialed on his own phone and started to talk, "Hey, Joan! Want a special kiddy phone? Sure! How about 500 dollars. Oh, it's worth it all right. Great! I'm on my way."

Howard came over to Chris and said, "We're get you to be like me, sonny. First of all, let's get rid of that spike."

"No..."

"Listen to your father!"

"I'm not your son!"

Howard snapped Chris on the cheek. Scissors came from nowhere and Chris lost his only personality. He said, "I got clothes over there. You don't change them, I'll change you."

Chris got dressed. He looked horrible in these strange clothes. Howard came back with his hair trimmed back and in different clothes. He fingered Chris' chin, "We're make sure no one will find you now."

Howard brought Chris to the car and went to the Pawn Shop where Chris' only communication was pawned. Howard brought him over to the community and got his license... Chris found out that Howard had faked everything... His first name and last name. His borthdate was still the same. His social security number had to be changed, 'For important purposes'. Even his address was changed.

That whole day went by so fast. Chris had his hair cut back to Howard's liking. Chris was so happy inside that Martin grew up under William's wing. Howard finished the day with, "Come on, Louis, sonny. Come with Daddy and share a drink with him."

Chris watched as Howard pulled into a bar joint. Chris was scared, "No... I don't want to..."

"Do as your father says, Louis. You're over 21, so you can drink with your good ol' daddy."

Chris wanted to snap back, but he had to give in. The bar room smelt of beer and vomit indeed. Chris got sick when the half-dressed bartender girl came over with his own glass. Howard joked and laughed with his pals, "Y'all! Here's my Louis Jolan. He's my son who left with his mommy 25 years back!"

Everyone greeted Chris with beer filled breaths. Chris was getting dizzy. Finally, Howard said, "This boy never tasted beer in all his life. Let's help him."

Chris turned as one man shoved the liquid down Chris' throat. Chris choked and coughed as the men laughed. It was fun for them, but sickening for Chris.

Three hours later, Chris had too much to drink... To him five glasses was too much. Howard had ten glasses. Chris was super dizzy and could barely make it out of the joint with Howard. Howard got into his truck and said in his beer state, "Let's go home..."

Chris could barely see the road that evening. Howard was driving too fast. Chris saw a sigh post before him, his vision cleared. He turned to see Howard asleep on the wheel. The car was going 120 mph... Chris was scared as Howard's foot pressed harder on the gas petal. Chris felt the car's back tire blow out. The car flew into the air, spinned, and crashed into a ditch. The ditch had mud and water which leaked into the truck. Chris was badly injuried and could barely move. Howard was talking about nothing, like nothing had happened.

"Come on, hurry! He's not going to make it... Code blue!"

Chris heard the chatting of a few people. He heard wheels screaming. He felt his whole body turn and shifted back to normal.

"He had too much to drink. He's drunk. He's looks new to the state."

"Doctor, I know this kid. He's familiar..."

"Who is he, Doc?"

"I got to call his parents... What the heck? How the heck did this kid go from good to bad?"

Chris opened his eyes. he was sick in his stomach. His chest was hurting so bad. He felt air being pushed into his nose. Chris could barely see his surroundings. He fell back into a painful sleep.

"Doctor, would he be alright?"

"I'm sure he will. He's got a plateful of broken bones from that crash. I doubt he'll remember anything."

"Doctor Backson, I can explain... Linda's ex-husband took him... He must've got Chris drunk..."

"Well, Chris wasn't Chris last night. He was Louis Jolan."

Chris opened his eyes to the sound of voices. He saw with his blurry vision three figures standing off at the door, talking. Chris felt so sick... He shut his eyes and hoped he would feel better. But he didn't feel much better.

"Chris? Son?"

"Honey?"

Chris opened his eyes. He shut them again, feeling pain in his stomach. He felt a strong hand hold his. He could respond.

"Doctor Backson... Is he going to be paralyzed?"

"Sadly, yes."

Chris wished he didn't hear those words... Now he was in a paralyzed state? He had to be taken care of for the rest of his life? How bad was he?

"His arms are broken severely. It would take an expensive surgery to pull those arms back together: bones, muscles, and blood vessels."

"He's going to be so upset when he finds out."

"He's paralyzed all over... Luckily to say, he's luckly to be alive."

Linda gasped, "Why?"

Doctor Backson answered, "Howard went into code blue. He died last night, drunk, alone, and crazy. He almost brought Chris with him to death's door. You're luckly he's still alive."

William asked, "Will Chris be addicted to alcohol now?"

"It depends. I don't think he'll remember last night at all. If he does, at least he can explain to the police in full detail."

"Why the police?"

"The man's address was on the license made for Chris. The police found bottles of beer all over the place. They found Chris' clothes in the trash and found his creature pod in the pawn shop and returned to us."

"His creature pod was in the pawn shop?"

"It had a system restore. He lost everything on it."

A week later, Chris was still in his slight paralyzed state. He could barely do anything. He ended up in two comas in that week and couldn't get sick on the alcohol. No one came to visit him...

One day, Chris opened his eyes to reality. He saw a clear arch like box covering his body. Then, he remembered what his father said about when he was a baby... Chris started to cry. He had two breathing machines on him, an IV pumping fluids in his body. Several machines keeping him alive. Pressure cuffs on his arms and legs. On his chest was a brace to help heal his broken ribs.

He was alive and awake. He couldn't move. He wanted to cry out, but a throat tube was pull in for him to breathe. Chris was cold and felt the air moving circulating.

He saw the door open. He saw Martin looking at him. He wished to move to signal his brother, but Martin left the room. Chris wanted to cry out for his brother. But something was making him super tired. He wanted to fight it and cry out, but who's there to hear him. The doors were shut and the curtain was drawn, he had to do something.

His breathing machines were going crazy because of his extra breathing. Seconds, later, a nurse came running in and saw Chris trying to communicate.

She opened the strange sack and and said, "Can you wait a bit? I will get the doctors."

Chris didn't want the doctors. He wanted his brother. The doctors came in and minutes later, Chris was breathing on his own. All the IVs on his arm was being removed and all the lifesaving machines were removed. But a nurse stayed at the station close by to keep a close eye on Chris.

Chris couldn't talk due to the pipe in his throat. A woman came in and said, "Welcome to the west wing of the hospital. I am the nurse manager, Carrie."

"Where's Martin?" Chris asked with all he could.

"Martin? Martin, who?"

"My brother..."

The nurse looked at the paperwork and answered, "His name is Martin Louis Kratt, is that right?"

Chris nodded.

"Would you like if I give him a call?"

Chris nodded again. The nurse left the room and went to the watch nurse and immediately, the nurse was on the phone and was talking. Chris could barely hear her because the door was shut. The phone was put down and she ignored Chris and just looked at her computer.

Chris lay back on his bed and lay there, wondering. He tucked his hospital clothes in and took heavy breaths. He wanted to know if Martin was coming. He dozed off for a little bit until he heard the door rolling open. He sat up and saw the curtain being moved. Martin came out and saw Chris sitting up. Martin had no words. He hugged his brother close to him and said, "Oh, bro... You're okay..."

Chris held Martin close to him. Martin sat on the bed and held Chris as tight as he could. The brothers separated as Martin explained what had happened. Chris said, "He's dead?"

"As the ambulance pulled you out, they found him breathing. When he came to the hospital, he was supposingly dead. But as the morque came in to get him, he was gone. They just found out."

Chris scratched his neck, 'cause his mouth was super dry, "Water..."

"Hang on, little brother. They didn't get you anything to drink?" Martin peered around the corner of the open door and asked the nurse to get something for Chris. The nurse shook her head until doctor's orders.

Martin came in, "They need doctor's orders for you to drink. I hope you don't get dehydrated."

Chris lay back on his bed as Martin sat on the side, "Are you okay?"

Chris shook his head, "I still feel sick... How long have I been here?"

"Shush, little brother. Your voice is scratchy. But you've been here for five days."

"Five days?!" Cried Chris has his voice died.

"Relax, Chris. You need to relax."

The doctor came into the room after knocking. Martin beamed, it was Doctor Backson, "Hey, doc."

"Martin. I'm glad you're in here with Chris. Um, I gave the nurses the order to make sure Chris stays hydrated as well as fed as much as he can. Chris' system has finally cleared those drinks, but still, Chris is in a hangover mood."

"He told me that he was still sick."

"That's normal for such hangovers. But he won't throw up. He was on the tubes for five days clearing up what was inside out. He's just feels sick 'cause he drank on empty stomach. Alcohol passes through the body twice as quick on an empty stomach than on a food-filled stomach. Five drinks was too much for a beginner."

Chris had fallen asleep when Martin and the doctor looked at him. Martin had to hold his brother's shaking hand to calm his nerves, "Doc? You look stern..."

"I am. Because of the severe crash that his eyes witnessed. The nurses found him asleep with his eyes jerked open. That is seriously dangerous. He can't ride in moving objects from bikes to a roller coaster. I'm sorry, but he can't even be in a flying object, like the Tortuga. That crash had a serious impact on his nerves. And if he's involved in them, he will be frightened."

"Then, how can he get home?"

"He has to be in a minor sleep to get to places. If he has to attend doctors, I will have them to go to his house with his parents for no charge at all. He has to stay home with his parents... basically until he dies."

"What?"

"Martin, I'm not saying Chris is going to die very soon. His nerves had a serious impact on that crash. If his parents pass away, someone, like you, maybe, has to stay with him."

"Will he ever get better?"

"That's the problem. We don't know. That's why I'm concerned and I want him to be house ridden for the rest of his life."

"What happens if I can't? I got a son and a baby on the way. I can't take care of Chris and handle two children and possibly more!"

The doctor answered, "Then, he can be transferred to a nursing home, by an closed van or car. He can't see the world around him. But , I don't recommend the Tortuga for a long while."

Martin sighed, "Will you find a cure?"

"I'm working on it, Martin. But we need the help from scientists and medical. I'm sorry."

A week later, Chris was transferred home and was put to bed immediately. He had no therpy to help his legs heal back to normal... The insurance couldn't handle it, and William was on the verge of retiring. Linda was much too old herself to work. And Chris was part of their "everyday jobs".

Chris lay in bed the moment he was home to five months. By now, he lost all his muscles in his legs. He couldn't walk anymore. Linda brought up his meals three times a day. William stayed with his son. The gang hardly had any time to see him. Chris felt bedridden and a pest.

Now he refused to eat his meals again. Linda grew worried and told William as soon as she sees the untouched tray on the food. William would go up and hand feed his son, who would still take one bite and refuse the rest.

The sun was refused to shine in his bedroom because of any moving object outside. The room was dark with panels, blinds, and a dark, dark curtain. Chris grew pale everyday... Finally, he refused to do anything but sleep.

William grew scared and asked his eldest son to see Chris. He was concerned that Chris was ending his own life on the verge of days. Martin flew in by the Tortuga hours later and entered the house, "What's wrong, Dad?"

William said, "Chris wouldn't eat or drink. He's growing pale everyday. Linda has been calling Doctor Backson every week and he's terribly concerned as well. He told us that Chris will die."

Wilma had taken up the task of caring for her twin brother. But after seeing him so miserable, she would pick up something funny and try to make him laugh. But Chris never laughed, and never smiled. He had his face only to a degree of saddness.

When Martin came into the bedroom, Chris didn't stir to his voice. His back was facing the door and his face was on the pillow towards the black window. Martin came around and saw his brother pale... whiter than the pillow. Chris looked at Martin as he said, "Chris, bro... Why aren't you eating?"

"I have no strength... I just want to die..."

"Why?"

"I'm taking everyone's time... They're taking hours to make me happy and... I feel that ladder step going..." He reached out his hand to the sky. Martin's eyes widened, "Chris... No... Why are you leaving us?"

Chris looked at Martin. And he shifted as much as he could, "Martin... help me..."

Martin couldn't hold the tears, "Chris..."

Chris reached up, "Help me... Martin..."

Martin took Chris' hands and pulled him into a hug, "Don't leave me... If you go... I'll never be myself again."

Chris remained quiet. His breathing still kept Martin alert. Martin said, "If I get Aviva, would you stay longer?"

To Martin's scare, Chris shook his head. Chris lay back on his bed and was shutting his eyes. Martin tried to keep his brother awake, "Bro... no... Don't leave me."

Chris closed his eyes. Martin held his hands on Chris' chest and was relieved to feel his chest breathing. He got up and went downstairs. Doctor Backson was coming up to him, "Is he doing okay?"

"He's not normal... Whenever I ask him if he wanted to see Aviva, he gets happy and wants to... But he refused."

Doctor Backson beamed, "That's it. Love was heal him. Go and get the girl."

"I can't... Zach is dating her."

"What?"

"Zach has claimed her to be his."

The doctor frowned, "Well, I don't care. Whenever her heart yearns out for the kid's sickness, it will come back. I know it, Martin!"

Linda said, "Wait? The milk?"

Doctor Backson answered, "Chris is weak. He needs her. Aviva is the only source of his life. Without her, he's gone. I'll watch him, and you, Martin, get Aviva, now."

Martin ran to the phone and dialed for Aviva. Aviva answered, "Hello?"

"Aviva... Please, I need you at my parents' house. Chris is dying slowly on us all."

"What?"

"Doctor Backson believes in you. If you come into Chris' rays of life, I know he will feel better. He just... just needs that smile of yours. Please, Aviva?"

"Zach... Chris needs me now... I got to go. I'm coming, Martin."

"Thanks, Aviva."

He went upstairs to see Doctor Backson sitting on the side of the bed with a moniter. He saw that Chris' body was shutting down. Doctor Backson looked up and Martin said, "She's coming."

"Hope it's quick. He's going on us, quick."

"Martin!"

"That's mom. That must be her."

Martin went downstairs with a sober face. Aviva was standing there, "Is he alright?"

"He's passing quick, come on."

Martin led her to the bedroom and Doctor Backson stood up, "Aviva, talk some sense into him... please."

Aviva was left alone in the bedroom. The door was shut, leaving a dark room. Aviva managed to sit next to the beeping monitors. She touched Chris' hand and said, "Chris? Chris, it's me, Aviva."

No answer.

"Don't leave us... please. Uh, you're going to be an uncle to Martin's second child soon. You were the best with Marlin and I know you'll be the best with the new child."

No answer.

"Um... Chris... You did this before and you came back to us. You know you're not ready. Martin told me and you can't reach it, because you're not ready."

Chris shifted in his earthy sleep, as if he wanted to listen to her talk some more.

Aviva felt the progress, "Chris, can you please wake up?"

Chris opened his eyes. Aviva saw them in the dark against his pale face. Then, the eyes shut again. She had to make him feel loved in this world, "Chris. You died once in the forest after that forest fire, and you came back to us... You came back to me. You got sick with scarlet fever and you got well. You can survive this one, as well as those. You know you don't want to leave your family."

Chris opened his eyes. The moniters weren't promising life. Aviva had no more left to say. She just got engaged by Zach... Why was her heart yearning for Chris' life? She just wanted to lay close to him and let him die in her arms, but he wasn't going to die, she can feel it.

Her eyes opened as tears flowed. Chris was holding her hand. His fingers felt the ring and he jerked, "What?"

Aviva had to explain, "Zach just engaged before Martin called..."

Chris felt his heart break. He frowned all he could, "Get out of here..."

Aviva was crying as Chris cried out, "Get out!"

Aviva ran out of the bedroom into Martin. Martin hugged her, "Did he?"

"No... He hated it that Zach engaged me!"

"What?"

Doctor Backson disappeared for a moment. Martin hugged Aviva and said, "If Zach will make you happy, I am sure you can go."

"But for some reason, Chris' life needs me. He was starting to recover until he felt the ring... Oh, Martin!"

"Aviva, can you come back, please? Honey?"

Aviva turned as the doctor was motioning her to come back. She was afraid as she gripped her arm and walked back into the bedroom. Doctor Backson said, "Go... He's giving up... Take that ring off and prove to him, please."

The monitors were beeping slowly. Aviva took the ring off her finger and put it in the doctor's hand. She walked over to the moniters. Her heart yearned for Chris' life to be saved. Aviva couldn't say anything, but fall and cry on his shoulder. The monitors beeped continuously. Doctor Backson sighed and walked out.

Aviva was still crying, as she felt a hand reassure her. She said, "Leave me alone... I am so upset right now..."

"Aviva..."

Aviva's eyes opened. She pulled back to feel Chris' hand on her cheek, "CK..."

Chris had no strength to smile. She saw the wire from the heart moniter dangling from his hand and she smiled, "You always do that."

Chris tried to smile, but couldn't. Aviva leaned in and said, "I know I'm engaged to Zach, but that doesn't make me stop loving you."

Chris sighed, "So you're going to get married..."

The door opened and the light was turned on. Chirs groaned and pushed the blankets over him. Doctor Backson said, "What?"

Aviva smiled, "He pulled the heart monitor wire out... again."

Martin beamed and turned off the light. Aviva pulled the blankets back as Martin climbed over to his brother, "Bro? Are you really alive?"

Chris groaned, "Warn me next time about the light!"

Aviva was happy. She got the ring from the doctor and wore it again. She hugged Linda who thanked her highly once again. Then, she got a text, she had to see Zach. She decided to leave without being noticed... Big mistake.

A couple days later. Martin spent quality time with his brother and son. Chris' eyes had a hard time adjusting to the light for a while, but now, he was sitting outside was his nephew and brother playing a game of horseshoes. Martin made sure that though Chris was in a wheelchair, because of his lack of strength in his legs, that enough fun with his nephew. Chris would reach down and pick up the little boy and hug him close.

Aviva came into the garden that afternoon. Chris turned his head at the right angle and fell in love with her. Aviva pushed the flowers aside, "Hey, guys. I came here to give you an invite."

Martin smiled as he sat at Chris' feet, "Where?"

"Zach and I are getting married next Friday."

Chris' face dropped, "What?"

Martin saw Chris' face and said, "Okay, that's perfect..." Not meaning it wholeheartly.

Chris turned his head away and played with his nephew's fingers. He couldn't believe Aviva was getting married when he needed her the most! Aviva left as soon as possible. Chris said, "I want to go inside now..."

The next morning, William wanted to get Chris back on his feet. Chris had to learn to get down the stairs himself. Doctor Backson came that morning and agreed that Chris should learn how to walk again. Martin came over without Marlin, just to be with his brother.

"Martin, when you bring Chris out today. Can you try to get him to walk again?"

Martin turned to his father, "Sure. I'll try. Are you sure he's up to it?"

"If you encourage him, he'll get to it."

That afternoon, Chris and Martin were out in Linda's garden. Martin thought it best to get his brother standing. Chris was afraid of course. But Martin stayed close to his brother's side and led him slowly into the garden.

By the late afternoon, Martin had to leave to take care of his wife and son. Chris wanted to stay out in the garden and sat on the wheelchair on the patio, quiet than usual.

Linda came outside and smiled, "Do you want to eat some lunch?"

Chris answered, "No... I'm not hungry."

"Christopher?"

Chris looked up at his mother and asked, "Why is it that whenever I'm sick, someone or something seems to bring me down again?"

"What do you mean, Chris?"

"Mom, Zach is planning to marry my only friend... Actually, Aviva is more than a friend to me. She's an angel-like secondary mother to me. Without her... I have no hope but to cast myself down again."

Linda sat on the chair and held Chris' hand, which lay on the wheelchair handle, "One of these days you will see a young lady who would make your heart die for. Aviva can't be the only girl you have fallen for, right?"

Chris looked away and rested his chin on his hand and said, "No. She has always been that girl. I trusted her."

Linda stood up, "I got to get your father some lunch. If you're hungry, just let me know."

"Okay."

With a slight pat on his shoulder, Linda went into the house and shut the back door. Chris watched with the corner of his eye and sat up and looked out into the garden. There was an old tree perked in the middle. Chris remembered the time when he was climbing it to do his college studies. He smiled when he recalled that first day when Aviva came into the backyard to a dry area. Linda was gardening there and she saw Chris help the girl unto his branch and studied together.

"Chris?"

"Dad!"

William came over and said, "I was wondering if you want to go for a little ride? I'll walk, that is."

Chris answered, "No... I want to lay down for a bit. I am tired."

William sighed, "Okay."

Within a few minutes, Chris was left alone in his bedroom. He rolled to his side and shut his eyes recalling how the garden grew before his own eyes. He recalled the memories with Aviva in college. Her smile, her laugh, her little dance... Chris opened his eyes, finding himself once again alone. He sighed and fell right to sleep.

Martin came into Chris' bedroom and smiled, "Little Bro, wake up."

Chris groaned as Martin touched his shoulder and gently shaking. Chris opened his eyes, "What's going on?"

"It's dinner time, bro. You need to eat."

Chris sat up and rubbed his eyes. Recalling his small dream, he appeared to be saddened. Martin said, "What's up, Chris?"

Chris answered, "It's just that Aviva is leaving us all. She's getting married to Zach and live in his high skyscaper... never to see us again."

"Aw, shucks. Come on, Chris. Aviva will see us here and there... Prehaps you're right... I'm sure Zach will let us see her. After all we're all friends."

"Then, why haven't Zach visited me since I got sick?"

Martin answered, "You're jealous, aren't you?"

"Of course I'm jealous! He's taking the angel of the Tortuga who took more care of me than him!"

"Well! How about I tickle your ribs and leave you sitting on your own bed and fix yourself. I'm not going to hang around with you anymore until you want to make up for what you said. Aviva is happy like a bee in a field of honey blossoms."

Chris sighed as Martin left his bedroom. He heard the commotion downstairs as he fixed himself. His legs were still numb, but he managed to secure himself against the wall. His legs didn't want to move when he wanted them to move. Everything was quiet as he stumbled close to the stairs.

The stairs showed no promise. Chris had to help himself... Besides, what happens if he remained cripple? He had to help himself in some ways. He took a deep breath and took the first step downwards...

Chris grew dizzy as the stairs multipied to five ways. Chris rubbed his eyes, not leaning against the railing. When he opened his eyes, his legs gave out and Chris had a blackout.

Chris woke up with men towering over him. One man said, "He's done for it. I'm sorry."

Chris was crying out for his mother... But she wasn't there. Everyone said that his parents have excused themselves to talk some sense into Martin. Chris groaned in pain, "What happened?"

"You fell down the stairs, young man... And your right leg went inbetween the railings and as you continued to fall, your right leg got dislocated. You have a broken leg."

Chris wanted to scream. The men helped him unto the couch when he lay looking at his casted up leg and started to cry softly as the four men went to talk to his parents. Chris groaned and cried in pain as he fixed himself on the couch. He lay on the couch panting for breath.

After the coast was clear and the fog have settled, Linda came over to Chris and said, "William and I have to go and get your medicine. You have to stay on this couch, okay?"

Chris answered, "What if... you know..."

"We have that taken care of, Chris."

Chris lay his head on the pillow away from his parents. All he wanted to do was cry. He looked at his broken leg which was straight from his hip to his knee and was crooked from his knee to his ankle... Even his foot was bandaged... He must have broke the skin open.

The dark drew in, making Chris less sure of his future. He said out loud, "Who wants a cripple guy like me? Zach is the lucky dude... All I am is a failure... A complete failure."

"CK, don't say that."

Chris jumped up and screamed down. He felt a pair of hands holding his sore hip spot where he was gripping. Chris was crying out for help as the pressure push his hip down. He opened his tearful eyes and saw Aviva, scared, looking at him, "CK..."

Chris cried, "GO AWAY! It's just a stupid dream..."

Chris turned away and cried himself to sleep. He woke up to the sound of the clock donging the morning hours. Chris sat up and saw his leg was resting peacefully. He saw his father reading a newspaper, so he called to him, "Dad?"

"Morning, son. How's that leg?"

"Numb... hurts... I can't describe it."

Linda came over, "We came home to see you passed out on the couch, son. But we got your meds."

"Did someone babysit me or something?"

"No," Said William, "Why?"

"Just wondering. Must've been me dreaming."

Linda smiled, "We would have, but Aviva was busy with Zach last evening. Those two are so cute together!"

William smiled as he joined his wife into the kitchen, "I have to say the same thing. I have never seen them so happy."

Chris felt his heart torn apart. He lay on the couch and started to cry softly. He turned away and desired to sleep all that nonsense off. When Linda came over, he refused the medicine.

Days passed by. Zach's wedding was tomorrow. Chris woke up at midnight, knowing his parents were asleep, and would cry his eyes out. He hasn't seen Martin for five days now. He hasn't moved for five days. Chris toss himself over whenever Linda came with the medicine. He was afraid to see them come downstairs tomorrow all dressed up.

Sure enough, they did. He was considered a pet. Linda would leave his meals on the table in the livingroom before the couch and go do her thing. His medicine bottle remained untouched. William didn't sit in his chair reading the papers... They were too busy getting meals and chattering...

Without a final goodbye, they left with their stuff, leaving Chris alone with an untouched lunch tray. He watched the clock, waiting to see his parents come in begging to be forgiven... But the minutes passed like hours and the hours passed like years. Chris fell asleep watching the clock's second hand go round the clock.

When he woke up, it was four p.m. His parents weren't home yet. He wondered what took them so long. He heard the phone ring right behind him. He didn't want to answer and ignored the ringing. Finally, William's voice sounded the voicemail and then the beep...

"Hey, Chris? Are you there? It's me Martin. Mom and Dad told me that you were still home... We need to talk and now. I know you're right there, answer the phone."

Chris ignored the call. The phone clicked and rang again. He got so annoyed and covered his head, "Just shut up!"

"Chris? Are you there? Are you okay? You better not be up and about. Come on, answer the phone..."

The phone clicked again after a manner of five seconds. Again, the phone rang. Chris cried out in misery... This time William was talking... upset, "Christopher Kratt. Get the phone, now."

Chris sat up and answered, "What? Are you going to call me a lazy kid? You're the ones that just neglected me!"

"You don't snap at me like that, young man."

"Well, I don't care!" Chris shammed the phone down. He toss the blankets aside as the phone continued to ring. He stood up and gripped the stand. His legs were very weak. He limped with all his strength to the door. He stumbled in parts, but managed to leave the house. He went down the stairs, this time more cautious, and went down the path. He was walking fine, just that the cast was making him shaky. He touched the mailbox and a policecar pulled up. Chris rolled his eyes as the officer came right around, "You're coming with me."

Chris answered, "So, Dad called me for not answering the phone and now I'm a prisoner? Fine... I'm neglected enough to choose that."

"You're not going to prison, sir. You're going to a wedding ceremony. Your father and your brother were trying to talk to you."

"I doubt it... I'm just a laughing stock."

"Please, get in the car."

"Fine."

Chris sat in the backseat and buckled. He watched as the officer put the car into drive and turned around and drove into the road. Chris was tired again and wanted to go home and sleep. The officer pulled the car into a parking lot full of cars and trucks and parked in front of the doors.

"This is your stop."

The officer helped Chris out and led him to the lobby. The woman there showed the officer where to go. Chris was scared. He pulled away from the officer and fell to the door crying, "No... No!"

The officer had to handcuffed Chris to get him under his grip. With the threat of the cuffs, Chris heeled and the officer put them away. The doors were shut when they came. The officer knocked on the door and a woman opened the door, "Yes."

"Mr. William and Mr. Martin Kratt asked to pick up this young man."

"Ah, yes. I'll bring them out."

Chris stood crookedly. He wondered what was going on. The woman looked concerned. Soon the doors opened. Chris backed into the officer for support. William and Martin were not mad at him... But scared.

"Son, are you okay?"

Chris raised an eyebrow, "What?"

Martin shook his head, "We asked if you were okay."

Chris answered, "I'm fine by myself, you know."

William sighed, "Where's the girl?"

Chris looked at Martin, who was now frowning, "What?"

Martin answered, "Aviva has been missing the entire time, Chris. My wife was calling her on her phone, but she never answered once. Zach is super worried about her right now."

Chris wanted to bawl. But he had no idea where Aviva was... Why was his own family putting the blame on him?! He stood there, not talking.

Martin said, "All you care about is Aviva, the 'Angel of the Tortuga'. You were jealous of him, Chris... She disappeared that night. Where the heck is she?!"

Chris wanted to cry. William was now frowning. They had no mercy on him... Was it the reason why his parents didn't help him get ready? Zach was his friend and he was never invited? What happened? Chris just wanted to bawl right there in front of everyone. He wanted to cry. He dropped his head and said, "I don't know... I haven't seen her either. I haven't seen her that day when she invited... you to the wedding."

Martin said, "Liar. I know you were with her. You don't want to tell us."

William answered, "Chris? Why did you ask me if we had a babysitter?"

Chris lifted his head, "So you think I hired her?"

The police officer said, "Please, I don't have all day to hold him."

Martin and William were waiting for Chris to reply. He said, "Fine. Mr. Officer, I am telling the truth, but if I am telling a lie, go ahead anyway. I'm just a cripple ol' man with the needs of help. Lock me up."

Martin turned quick, "What?! No!"

"Shut up, Martin! All you do is make fun of my thoughts. It's time that i talk to the walls and bars."

With the clank of the cuffs, Chris was led to the police car. His limping was making him sore all over. Within seconds, he was locked in the police car and brought to jail.

That evening, Chris refused the dinner. He heard the doors opening and a voice behind him. He didn't face the officers, but they said, "Someone wanted to see you."

"I don't want to see him."

"Actually, she wants to see you."

Chris made a face, "No. I'm crippled. I don't see to see anyone right now."

"Suit yourself."

Minutes later, Chris was still facing the wall when the doors opened again. This time the same officers said, "Someone wants to speak with you."

"If it's the mayor of the city, awaiting to execute me, I am fine with it. But if it's someone who I happen to know in my close bond, I will not talk."

"Not even to me."

Chris jerked. It was Aviva's voice. He didn't turn his head. He said, "Oh, so you finally came out of your cubby hole."

"I did for a reason, Chris."

Chris didn't turn, but his body sure did react. He said, "Just go away."

"Chris, I was there when you were saying who would want to be there for you."

Chris' heart stopped beating. Her words had fear in them. He felt his cripple legs wanting to give out, though he was still standing with his hands up against the wall across from the cell door. He didn't say anything.

But Aviva continued, "Chris... I didn't want to leave you. Something inside me just told me to see you. Hearing you say that broke my heart into many pieces. I did go to the ceremony and told Zach that I refuse his marriage to me..."

Chris looked up to see a crack in the wall. Did he see that crack before?

Martin was speechless. But Chris could hear his breathing. Chris knew his father was standing off to his eye's corner, waiting for his son to turn around and bid forgiveness.

Chris couldn't turn around. He felt his heart burning within him. He felt his blood go straight to his legs giving them power to stand up. Chris looked at the crack of the wall and shut his eyes... small warm tears fell down from his eyes. This was all his fault.

Suddenly, Chris' tearful eyes opened to a sound of clanking. The cell door was being opened. How could he possibly stand before his family and friend?

The cell door squeaked as it opened. Chris was expecting some strong hand to turn him around and force something at his throat. Instead, a light hand touched his back. He shut his eyes and wished it didn't happen.

"CK?"

Chris wanted to snap at Aviva, but he had no strength to. He said, "Just... go away."

He heard a slight gasp and the hand was away from his back. The door was shut and the keys clanked. Chris heard footsteps away from his 'room' and another door was shut and locked with a clank.

Chris stood up and turned and gripped his hands on the bars. He felt so angry, so miserable. His brother had a wife and was living on the clouds. He? He was sitting in a metal room with blood marks all over him from his own blood. Guilty of all the past, especially about his baby sister. He turned to his bed and lay on it, hoping this all was a dream. When a chef came by and shoved a tray under his bars, Chris watched him walk away and refused to eat once again...

By morning, Chris woke up in this place. He saw his dinner was infested with rats and bugs. He felt disgusted by the scene and with his toes, he shoved the tray out. The rats took no care that Chris pushed the tray away, instead they went over to the tray and kept eating.

A man came by and was grossed out by the tray and had it removed. After seeing the tray, he looked into Chris' cell and said, "Oh? So, you're going to be very refusing? Well, you won't when we move you to the pit."

Chris looked up, "Pit?"

"Yeah. We got a new inmate. We have no room for you so we'll move you to the digusting place ever here in prison."

Chris wasn't in the mood to care. Minutes later, a couple husky guard came and handcuffed Chris and brought him to the pit. The guard who mentioned about the change, uncuffed Chris and pushed Chris into the pit.

Chris landed head first on the hard metal. He sat up feeling his head crack. When the door was shut, Chris was sitting in pure darkness, holding his head in two places, bascially crying, thinking his skull was broken.

Minutes passed like hours, Chris lay on the cold floor feeling gulity for his own choices. He rested his head on his hand and fingered the floor about him, though it was dark.

The door behind him, or somewhere, was being unlocked. Chris lay away from the light as it poured into the dungeon. The light was warm as it hit his cold, tired body. Then, the door was shammed shut. Chris sat up to see what happened. He crawled among the dark floor to see where the door was. Through unsteady paces, his hands stepped into some liquid. He backed off and shook his hand off. He lay back there and waited for comfort.

A few hours have passed until a man came in and smiled, "You're coming with me."

Chris was blinded by the light, "Where?"

"To a far island where you will work for a long time as a prisoner. Come, come. Bid your crying men good-bye."

Chris was led by a strong man to the great outdoors. There was a fenced in port and there Chris saw Martin.

"Let me go!" He cried."

The man let him go and Chris hugged Martin through the wire of the fence, "Don't let me go..."

"Chris... This was your choice..."

"I don't care... I feel like I have been mistreated all this time... I want to go home... I don't want to go to some island where I'll ever see you again."

William said, "Can we bail him out now?"

The guard laughed, "Too late. The boat leaves in five minutes. Up, young man. Go on."

Martin cried as he extended his hand for his brother. Chris was crying as the guard dragged Chris to the boat. Chris cried out for the last time, "Tell Aviva that I am so sorry!"

Martin asked, "Why?!"

"Just tell her!"

William and Martin watched as Chris was shipped into the boat. Chris looked over the edge of the boat as the boat sailed away. He looked to see his father and brother standing alone. Chris lifted his voice and mournfully howled his good bye.

William turned away and said, "I can't bear to see my son howl like that..."

Martin couldn't say a word. His heart was broken. He held his tears until he made it back to the Tortuga. Laura looked at him, "What's wrong, Martino?"

Martin couldn't hold the tears. He looked up at Aviva, who too was concerned. He burst out crying. He couldn't tell them. He wanted to be alone.