Ok, so this chapter is short too, but it gets more into the story, and it was, as promised, posted at the same time as 3.



If Carlos heard Doc follow him, he made no acknowledgement of his presence. His mind was on another time completely.

*A young boy, maybe eight or nine years old, waved sadly from the curb as a car was pulling away. Pressed against the back window was the tear-stained face of his little sister. He had fought so hard to stay together, and in the end it was no use.

"Carlos, honey, why don't you come inside now?"

He flinched instinctively as a gentle hand was placed on his shoulder. The car carrying his sister had long since faded into the distance. He was always strong; he had to be. Boys didn't cry, and he knew that. He had remained strong through everything, if only to assure his sister that everything would be ok. But he had failed her. He couldn't protect her anymore. Now that she was gone, he could hold it in no longer. His small body racked with sobs as hot tears streamed down his face. *

A broken-hearted but determined young Carlos promised himself that night that he wouldn't let anyone else in. He wouldn't trust anyone. He hadn't shed a single tear since that night. Though having been moved through many homes, even if the were only foster homes, would have broken any one else, Carlos remained strong. There was nothing left inside of him to break.