The T.E.A.M (DISCONT.)

02

5-year-old Adam bounced into his home happily as his father opened the front door.

"Adam, stay here," His father called before Adam could make his way up the stairs to his bedroom.

"Adam, I have a present to give you," he said.

Immediately Adam's golden eyes lit up and he rushed back to his father.

"Come with me Adam," and Adam took his father's hand as he walked to the small drawer which his parents had told him never to touch. He fantasized about what might be inside, his favorite being a dragon that hid in the drawer.

His father opened it and reached inside, pulling out something that glittered with gold that caught Adam's attention. His gaze followed it till it was behind his father's back.

"Now Adam, I want you to be careful with this. Don't lose it, okay, and don't give it to anyone," his father ordered him, and Adam nodded eagerly.

Then his father held out a golden amulet with a purple stone in its center, surrounded by gold.

"It's SO SHINY!" Adam squealed with excitement. He liked shiny.

"Yes, and it's yours," his father said as he put the amulet around his neck. "Yours to keep."

"Really?" Adam asked. His father nodded.

He ran his tiny fingers all over the smooth surface, exploring the gem.
"Thank you Daddy!" He squeaked again.

Just then, hard knocks came from the front door, and his father's face paled.

"And Adam... I want you to remember," his father crouched down to his level. "I love you."

"I love you too Daddy," He said as he hugged his father, nudging his head into his stomach.

Then his walked to the door and opened it with shaky hands.

"Where is Adam?" A voice commanded immediately.

Adam, hearing his name, bounced over to the front door, standing in front of the person that stood tall in gray clothing. The person held Adam's wrist as he stalked away forwards the van that was parked in front of the house.

"Wait where are we going? Where are they taking me, Daddy?" Adam resisted.

"Somewhere very far away. Go ahead Adam. It's okay," his whispered as he hugged his son for the last time.

"Okay, Daddy!" And with that, Adam happily bounced into the back of the van with the odd figure. Within the van, a metal table sat in the center, and three other gray people sat inside.

"Lie down Adam." The gray person behind him commanded, and Adam obeyed, looking around in confusion. A needle inserted his arm, so small Adam barely felt the pinch as his eyes slowly grew heavy.. and heavier.... He could only form one comprehensive thought before all was consumed in darkness.

Daddy?