[ WP ] A child is forced to confront death .

‘ You can do this, ’ the boy thought. ‘ Just keep calm and remember what Pa taught me. ’ Slowly stood and walked over to the cabinet containing the family shotgun, the words of his father echoing in his mind. 
 
 “ There comes a time in every man ’ s life where he ’ s just got ta step up and take control, son, ” his father had said the day he was drafted. “ You ’ ll be the man of the house now, so you got ta take care of your sister and your Ma, y ’ hear? ” The boy had only nodded. 
 
 Finally he reached the cabinet and pulled out his grandfather's Remington 29 pump 12 gauge. It had defended his family for generations and now it was time to put it to use once again. He turned toward the front door, spying the ominous figure lurking out in the yard. 
 
 ‘ Clearly, ’ he thought to himself, ‘ a bandit, come to steal their money and kill my family. I ’ ve got ta protect the farm. ’ 
 
 His sister and mother were, of course, out in town, but, well, that was beside the point. HE was put in charge of looking after the farm and there was NO way that some no good MURDERER was gon na get away with ANYTHING on HIS watch, no sirree! 
 
 Finally mustering all the courage and intimidation his little form could hold, he charged out of the front door screaming. 
 
 “ GET THE HELL OF OUR LAWN, YOU DIRTY HOBO! ” 
 
 The dark-robed form took off, dropping his scythe in panic. 

