If Only Things Hadn't Gone This Way..: 0 - Character Development

Max looked at the sword. It was his favorite thing he had with him by far. The reason? His father had given it to him for his 13th birthday, just days before he was killed, along with his mother. He had kept it with him since then. It had stayed in surprisingly good condition for how much it was used. His birthday.. It was coming up in about a month if he was remembering correctly. The memories came rushing back to him.

Flashback

“Maxy! Happy birthday!! Come on down to the kitchen, your mom and I have a surprise for you!” 13 year old Max giggled. “Ok!!” His dad set him down, and left. Max got changed, and ran down the stairs. “Happy birthday Max!!” His mom handed him a box, wrapped in orange paper. Max tore off the paper and he opened the box. He looked at the contents and gasped happily. “A sword?!?! Thank you thank you thank you!!” He looked up and watched his parents smile. After breakfast, Max’s dad took him out to train. “So you stand like this.” His dad fixed his posture. Max swung his sword. “Woah bud let me move out of the way before you swing it around.” His dad moved out of the way, and Max happily started swinging it again. His dad taught him some ways to hit others, and the best places to. “Go for the knees, its the weakest spot on most living things.” “what about animals? They dont have knees do they?” “They dont. For animals its probably the neck.”  “So animals go for the neck, humans go for the knees. I think I got it.” His dad smiled, and Max did too. He wasnt normally one to show emotion, but around his family he showed a lot. His mom watched from the doorway, as she didnt want to climb down the stairs. She was 8 months pregnant, so it made sense. Max was excited for his sibling, whether it was a girl or a boy. He wanted someone to play with, as his parents couldn't play all the time. He kept swinging as his dad walked over to his mom, where they shared a kiss. His parents were happy together, and the three of them were a happy family. It didnt stay that way for long. About three days later, the people came. Max was woken up to a knock on the door. “We need to talk to Emmet.” “H- hes asleep right now, I can go get him if you need me to.” “Please do.” Footsteps walked past Max’s door, and a couple minutes later, 2 pairs of footsteps went passed the door. “Emmet Write?” “Thats me.” “We were sent by Pellinore Guiomar.” “Oh.” “He wanted us to come find you. Said he wanted to talk.” “Well, tell him no.” “Sir, its either you talk to him, or we kill you.” “I dont have a choice, do I?” “You dont. Is it not clear.” A couple seconds later two gunshots rang out. Once Max knew the people were gone, he checked on his parents. They were laying on the floor, not moving at all. They had been killed.