Akande's limp body collapsed onto the floor, sending a cascade of dust onto the anticipative audience. A sea of gasps rolled across the dense crowd as Mr Ogundimu, Akande's father, clenched his fists, mumbled something in his rumbling voice under his breath and stormed out of the dojo, knocking spectators out of the way as he did so.

As his nanny, Akande's care was your number one priority, you frantically walked over and pushed the dense crowds out of the way, you made your way over to the lifeless body. Kneeling down at Akande's side you took off your thick blazer and gently placed it under his head.

Caring for Akande since he was could only crawl, you and him had become very close, his father was distant and closed off, his mother had suffered a mysterious death not long after he was born, you were the closest thing to family he had. The next few hours were spent sat next to Akande, waiting for him to wake.

Akande slowly opened his eyes as the world around him started to come back into focus. He sat up and handed you the blazer, now thick with dust and dirt. You shook the blazer, creating a small cloud, before wrapping it around his broad shoulders.

"I lost, didn't I?" Akande buried his head into his knees and wrapped his arms around his legs.

"Dad is going to fucking kill me."

You remained silent, knowing it was going to be a difficult night for the Ogundimu household. You stood up and offered Akande a hand to help him up, you started walking to the car, noticing Akande was limping you offered to support him as you walked.

"No. I lost, I do not deserve your assistance. I will accept my pain." He walked ahead, grunting with each step he took. He opened the car door and slid in, he slammed the door shut, the drive home was silent and unsettling. You knew there was nothing you could do to comfort him this time.

Pulling up to the house, Akande's actions became timid and nervous, he opened the door to the house before hiding behind you. Mr Ogundimu was waiting at the door, his face stern, his arms crossed, his feet were slowly and methodically tapping on the floor.

"Come out from behind Mr/Mrs Y/S/N."

Frozen in fear, Akande did not move or speak, you turned your head to be greeted by a 1000-yard stare, leading off into the distance. Mr Ogundimu pushed you aside as he grabbed Akande by the scruff of the neck and pushed his face close to Akande's.

"Do not disobey me boy."

Akande did not respond, a single tear rolled down his cheek and splashed on the marbled floor. A sinister smile crept on his father's face. Using the hand that held Akande he vigorously pushed him into the dojo that connected to the main hall. A thud appeared as Akande fell to his knees. His father strolled into the room and slowly closed the sliding door.

~*~

Written by Aaron.