CHAPTER SEVENTY NINE

I am back in the field.

The moment I open my eyes and see the flowers, I feel a staggering sense of relief and I crumple to my knees.

Today there is no one here. There is a nice breeze blowing but I don’t notice it. I wrap my arms around myself and sob in loud gasping cries.

I know this is a dream.

I know this isn’t real.

I must have passed out during the torture.

And then I feel an arm wrap around my shoulders. Startled out of my tears and fear, I look up and my eyes widen before I throw myself into the arms of my most precious person.

“Ben!”

My brother.

Ben tightens his hold on me as I sob in his arms, repeating his name like a mantra, “Ben. Ben. Ben.”

He lowers his head on top of mine, “How’ve you been, kid?”

I pull away, enough to look at him, and my voice breaks, “I don’t want to go back, Ben. Don’t make me go back. I – They’re hurting me, Ben! It hurts!”

I see anger and a helpless grief fill his eyes, “I know, kid. I know.”

“So, please,” I grab a fistful of his shir