Chapter IX: SACRIFICE

Fear.

A well-aware notion, a feeling so strong, it compels the wisest of people to conduct actions they would never fathom of performing. It is primordial, eched into every being’s soul, unwavering, unavoidable. When one is consumed by this loathsome emotion of dread, their cognitive functions cease to operate on rational status. Rather, they are driven by an unknown instinct, the same instinct that has risen the bothersome enigma we’ve been trying to solve for so long.

Why does one wish so hard to cling on to dear life? In a world full of pain and misery, why do creatures insist on keeping a tight grasp onto it?

Those baleful thoughts tormented Isaac’s fractured mind, unable to see reason behind his torment. He was sitting silently onto the peripheral fence surrounding their household, starring intensely at the notebook resting atop his lap, his gaze as blank as the yellowish pages. No matter the effort, he simply couldn't put his reflections into words. It just didn’t feel… enough. With each passing second, his heart quivered. Every moment spent, another step closer to extinction.

An anxious exhale left his trembling lips. Terror wasn’t alien to him, neither was helplessness. The thing that dejected him the most, that drained his whole being, was the blame he had thrown upon himself. An immense amount of guilt, as if he was the one responsible for everything, like his very existence was the cause of his family’s suffering. The pencil held between his loose fingers dropped soundly to the ground, trembling hands clutching his face in melancholy. 

Isaac: “(internal monologue, glum) It’s all my fault… had it not been for me… they wouldn’t have to endure all this insipid pain. What have I even done right all this time? I knew long ago… something wasn’t right about me. I was ungrateful towards father’s offerings, rejected my very sibling… tormented mother’s already weakened heart. Who causes so much pain to his own people… and then has the gall to look them in the eye? I’m no better than him. I too… I’m a monster.”

The mild zephyr traveled across the plains, flipping the empty pages with uncoordinated fashion. Somewhere in the distance, the Boro was mindlessly treading the hill. Isaac averted his sight towards the peculiar animal, watching as it was steadily nearing his whereabouts. It merrily wiggled its smooth nose before him, urging the young man to play along.

Isaac: “(somber) Hey there, fella. Looking bright as always…”

The Boro looked at him with puzzlement. Alerted by his lamentable tone, it quickly sprung into action to cheer him up. Seeing their oversized pet leap onto him (without a single warning), Isaac fell backwards, overrun by the gleefully oblivious creature.

Isaac: “(grunts) You know… there are other ways to associate with people, just saying.”

Regardless of words, the joyous critter seemed quite content with its methods. Having realised it wasn’t going to abandon its endeavour without seeing results, Isaac decided to indulge at last, softly rubbing its cheek. Just then, an unexpected presence emerged over their stead. 

Ishmael: “(witty) Well, well. What have we here?”

Isaac: “(awkward) I, uh…”

Ishmael: “Mhm.”

Isaac: “We’re just… having a moment?”

Ishmael: “Aha…”

Isaac: “Why you looking at me like that?”

Ishmael: “(sarcastic) Weren’t you the one who didn’t want him here? Matter of fact, you even wanted to eat him, out of all things! What happened to that, huh?”

Isaac: “You’ve been getting awfully smug lately, haven't you?” 

Ishmael: “Well, what do you know! Maybe that’s what happens when life keeps hitting you all the damn time!”

Isaac raised his eyebrow with suspicion.

Isaac: “You sure you’re my brother?”

Ishmael: “(comical) I’m just messing with you. After all, I don’t think this family could take more than one sardonic son!”

An exchange of laugher ensued, both brothers partaking in the humorous occasion. As minute as it was, Isaac couldn’t help but smile.