Innocence

A View to Death?

      A spear rested against Simon's side. Why did he have to fall here? Did he have the strength to run? Did he really want to keep running?

     "Smear the queer!" the savages chanted.

     "Not again," thought Simon.

     "We've caught the beast! Now kill him!" ordered Jack.

     "Smear the queer!" was called louder.

     A rock hit Simon's chest. It caused him to cough.

      "S-Stop," he choked.

     "Smear the queer!" louder still.

     The phrase was all Simon could hear. His own voice was lost beneath it. Spears and rocks made contact with his body more often than he could count.

     "P-lease," he tried.

     A wet spot formed on his forehead. Whether it was rain or blood, he couldn't tell. He closed his eyes, preparing to never open them again.

      Smack. Thud. Smack. His body took the impact. The pain was beginning to numb. His breath was slowing.

     "Stop!" a voice screamed.

      Everything stopped. Simon was on the ground, perfectly still. The owner of the voice looked from him to the assailants.

     "Look at what you've become!" Ralph yelled, "Savages!"

     He lifted Simon's heavy body. He began walking back to his side of the island. Piggy came forth to help him with the weight.

     "Ralph! Wait!" Jack cried.

     "You couldn't just leave us alone!" shouted Ralph.