The Blood on His Hands

The sticky, red blood coating his fingertips made Declan’s breathing turn heavy and erratic. Standing under the sterile, bright lights of the hospital hallway, a cold dread settled in his chest. The reality of what was happening began to sink in, turning his thoughts into a chaotic mess. The metallic smell of blood seemed to cling to his skin, louder than the quiet hum of the hospital.

Six-year-o