Norbert wakes up on his back with a firm grip on his pistol that's underneath the pillow. Rose lays comfy across his chest. Little rays of light shine through the sealed bedroom window as the smell of bacon sneaks up to his nose. He wriggles into the mattress, but Rose suddenly stretches awake. She presses on his stomach to get up and he jerks up. She slips onto her back and smiles, "Good morning Norbie!" He rubs his stomach with a wince and smile to match, "Good morning, Rose." She perks up, then flies off the bed. Norbert holds out a hand to speak, but she bolts down the stairs. He winces, "Just did abs yesterday too."

Jean looks over, Jack and Rose holler and scream at the kitchen table. Mama sets her tea down and groans, "Keep it down." They both quiet down as Jean pours coffee for herself. Norbert wobbles in and plops down in his chair. "Thanks, Jean." She smiles, but he catches how fake it is, he smiles back and rubs the warm mug. Jack and Rose mingle as Norbert stares down Jean.

Her eyes try to avoid his stare, but he opens his mouth, "Jean?" She looks into his eyes and gulps as Rose watches him, "Y-yes?" "What else do we need from the market?" She caresses her lip with her finger, "Umm, I don't think we need anything." He sighs, "Also, can you show me how that tractor works?" "It does-" His eyes point away from the table. She presses her lips together and then follows him outside, "Sure."

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

"I know you're hurting." "I-We're fine here." He shakes his head, "Mama gave me a vague idea of what goes on up there." She grabs her arm, "If anything, I'd like you to talk to me. I might have to leave her here with you." She looks into my eyes, "You're leaving!?" He shushes her, "I need to stop someone from doing something incredibly stupid and petty." "You're leaving her for some equally stupid reason?" He sighs, "I'm talking about a threat to everyone, her included."

Jack swings a hoe down, then grabs his back. He rolls his eyes, "This is child labor!", he thought. An army Jeep rolls down the long driveway and Jack bolts inside.

Mama sighs, "Four men." Jean quickly hands Norbert a rifle, "Everyone away from the windows and get down.", he says as he creeps up to the door. A great big fist bangs against the door. Norbert waits, then opens before he could knock again. "Hello sir." "Hello, Mister?" He smiles and soldiers barge in, he shoots two in the head, then a third, then a gun goes to Rose's head. Jean pleads for her life as Norbert jerks the barrel to his face.

He smiles, "If I die, I've instructed my troops to burn this place to the ground." Norbert glares at him, "Who are you?" He smiles, "Colonel Carter. I hunt the terrorists, which so happen to hide in a known terrorist's home." He smiles wider, "Every nook and cranny you see is now under America's Government."

I snap out of my trance and shout, "No!" I tear at my hair. Oh no. Are they dead!? Why show me it then!? My fist slams down and shake my hand at the pain.