Running Short

Their father's secret burrows its way further beneath his skin, scratching at the underside until he squeezes his eyes shut against the itch. Lies aren't coming fast enough and his brother's waiting--eyes snake-slit, body tensed to strike. He should have chosen Dare. Half-formed excuses and bits of truth tangle on his tongue, drag along his teeth, doing their best to burst out and harm. He bites them back, tucks them into his cheek and shudders.

He doesn't want to play anymore.