"Why? I don't understand!"
Estlet sighed heavily. How would he put those words at rest? How could he explain, to an eleven year old girl, that his life was in danger? He reached out to where he judged his sister's head to be and stroked her hair, the way he had done when she was little. "I'm so sorry." He repeated brokenly, for what seemed like the hundredth time. "You see, sis..The government is gonna want to use me. I can't stay where they'll find me." He said. He heard his sister sniff. "But why?" His sister, Erica said. He could tell from the way her voice sounded that she was crying. "I could hide you. Mom wouldn't know, and I'd never let them find you!" Estlet gathered his little sister into a hug. "Sweetie, it dosn't work that way." He murmered. "I have to leave. Tonight."
"No!" Erica sobbed, pounding on Estlet's oversized jacket. She wrapped her thin arms around him and sobbed. Estlet felt tears run down his cheeks as well. "Will you do me a favor before I leave?" he whispred. He felt Erica nod, her face still firmly planted in his coat. "I need you to tell our secret. Tell about Mom. You can't ever let her hurt you again, okay? Tell your teacher. Please, just get out of here, Erica. Can you do that for me?" Estlet asked. Erica nodded, after some hesitation. "You're a brave girl. I'm so proud." Estlet said, tightening his arms around his sibling. They sat there like that for a while, neither speaking, but both crying. At last, Estlet stood.
"I love you, Erica." He said, kissing his sister's head.
"I love you too, dorky big brother." Came the response.
Now, with nothing but the clothes he was wearing and a photograph, Estlet embarked on the city streets, taking his very first steps as a fugitive.