When the Stars Clear

Maddox POV

I want it all to end.

That was the only thought running through my head back then—Trapped in that dark room, my tiny hands balled into fists at my sides, my heart pounding so loud I thought it would explode.

“Please… make it stop,” I whispered, over and over, like a prayer no one ever answered.

Mom’s scream pierced through the walls.

"Don't do this!" she cried. "Pl–please, Rusty, don’t