He just ran...

I was confused. Why only him. Why was he the only boy who ran, while the others stayed still. I saw Dan give him time to leave the tent before smiling at the audience. "Sorry for that folks. Seems our newest recruit has gotten some stage fright. What a shame. You've all been a fantastic crowd," Dan said proudly and a wave of applause erupted. I didn't know what got into me but I ran after the boy.

I left the tent and into the busy crowd of people. I was being pushed and shoved in every direction. Seems like I lost him. I made my way to the side. I looked at everyone, smiling, like they didn't have a care in the world. What would they do if they saw what I've seen. Would they understand. Would they stay like I have.

"I saw we have a runner." I jumped and quickly turned to see Luke behind me. "Yeah he just ran," I said looking at all the people. "Smart kid. Most don't try to escape during show time. Stupidly trying to escape at night. Dan isn't going to be happy," he sighed.

"What's he going to do," I asked yet immediately regretted it. "Why don't you go see. The kid ran to the back entrance. It's behind the tent, by the big gate. He doesn't realize that it was blocked off last night because Dan saw this coming. He can always smell a runner," Luke smirked and I got an uneasy feeling. "Go look. That's what awaits for you if you run. Oh and try not to get spotted by your family. It could raise unwanted suspicion," he said before going back into the busy crowd.

I took a deep breath and pushed through the crowd. I never knew they were this busy. I managed to get through to the back of the circus behind the tent. The animals called to me from their cages and I saw some of the other family members relaxing after their performances.

Before I could ask them where the back exit was Louise just pointed. I guess they all knew what was going to happen. How bad could it be, especially in brod day light. I got the the back gate. Out of breath, I thought I missed them till I head a loud thud filled my a child's groan. My stomach dropped and I began to sweat. I turned to my left.

My worst fears were realized. As I saw Dan stand over the child's body with his blade in his hand. As the boy struggled for help; I froze. I wanted to help. I wanted to scream, yet I was so scared that my body became numb to my actions. I was nothing more than a farmer watching a lamb get eaten by a lion. I guess part of me knew that if I interfered it would be my head he'd go after next.

From my state of shock I head a scream. Yet it wasn't from the boy. It was from me watching the knife come down through the boy's forehead and out the other side. Right between his eyes. A mercy kill? The boy didn't scream or have time to struggle.

I watched as the blood leaked out. I felt sick, I got dizzy and as my world went black I saw him turn to me. Was I next. All I knew is that I would pray to whatever god there was to open my eyes again.