I snuggled into moms arms. Dad sat next to us, rubbing my back. I am Declan Patrick Macmanus Stumph. 5 years old today, and proud of it. I have a happy family. My dad is in a band. My mom stays at home and takes care of me. Life is pretty good.

Mom kissed my head, "Happy birthday, Dec." She always made me feel so protected. That can come in handy sometimes.

Dad, on the other hand, is my best friend. He is my rock. I have this bond with him that is unbreakable. I love him to pieces and he does the same for me.

"Okay... I may or may not have gotten you something." Dad grinned. His smile sated in his face as he handed me a small, Blue, wrapped box. I smiled and accepted it. He is too nice to me, if you ask me.

I tore off the wrapping to reveal an iPod shuffle case. I looked at Dad with wide eyes. "B-but..."

He just laughed. His chuckle had a low crack. "don't even act like it's too much, Dec. It isn't. It's got every Fall Out Boy song known to man. It's also got every Panic! Song, some Paramore, some Black Veil Brides, and a few PTV. I also put soul punk and Truant Wave on there.

I smiled and enveloped him in a hug. "Thank you! Thank you!" I screeched. I didn't want to let go.

Everything seemed perfect. I thought it was. I thought nothing could happen.

There was a knock at the door. Mom stood up to get it and I stayed in my father's arms. His warm hands rubbed up and down my arms, giving me a sense of security.

That's when the screaming started.

Dad shot up. "Elisa?!?!" He yelped. I saw fear in his pale hazel eyes. He glanced at me. "Declan, hide."

"But-" I started. I needed to know what was going on. I needed to know if mom is okay.

"No buts. HIDE!" He begged. I was terrified, so I did. I did hide. Against my better judgement. I hid.

"Don't take her!" I heard my father yell. I peeked my head around the corner, to see my dad fight a much larger man. He had Mom. The man had my mother in his arms, and my father was trying to get her back.

I turned my head back around. to where I couldn't see. I didn't want to see. Im so scared right now. I'm petrified.

BANG

That was what I heard before I heard my mother shriek and the door slam. I don't know what to do. I don't want to see. I just want to rewind to five minutes ago when everything was perfect.

I summed up all the courage a five year old could and stood up. I slowly crept out of the corner I was hiding in and peeked across the to the door. "D-D-Dad?"

My heart sank. This didn't happen. I ran to him, my mind racing like horses in a competition to see who the fastest thoroughbred was. He just lied there, a bullet hole in his chest. "DADDY!" I screamed. No response. "Dad, please!" I screamed. He couldn't be. He couldn't be gone.

I looked around to see Dad's phone on the table. I grabbed it and looked for 'Pete.' I found it and pressed call. I know what you're thinking, why wouldn't I call 911? I'm 5. I don't know my address.

"Hello?" Uncle Pete's voice rang through the tinny speaker. How am I gonna put this?

"U-Unc-c-cle P-P-Pete?" I asked. Sobs choked my vocal cords. I'm terrified.

"Declan? Declan, calm down. What's wrong?!" I heard worry in his voice. Several things crashed in the background.

"C-come... Please!" I hiccuped. I just sat there, next to my lifeless father.

"Declan, I'm coming. What happened?" Pete was asking.

"I-it all happened so fast. I can't.... breathe." I wheezed. I'm so scared. Pete only lived 4 miles away. He's gonna be here.

"Declan, I'm almost there. 30 more seconds. Just calm down." Pete's voice rang through my brain.

"HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO CALM DOWN?!?! HELP ME!" I screeched. My heart was beating rapidly. My breaths were shallow, irregular sobs.

"Declan, I'm here. Come outside." Uncle Pete mumbled with worry.

I ran outside to see him standing there with outstretched arms. I ran into him as my sobbing grew heavier. "Help."

"It's okay, Dec. Where's your Dad?" He asked. That's when my sobs became terrified screams.

Realization crossed over his face as I screamed. "Please!"

I grabbed him by the wrist and ran inside. "HELP HIM!" I screamed. He just stared at my father. My motionless father.

"Patrick?" He whispered. He crossed the floor and kneeled next to him. Tears filled his eyes as he placed a hand on his neck. "Oh, Patrick," he sighed, "I can't pull you out of this one, bud."

"W-what do you mean?" I mumbled. I was afraid of the answer. This can't be happening.

"Declan, where's your mom?" He asked. He looked as confused and terrified as I was.

"Th-they took her..." I managed out. My voice was a squeaky rasp now.

"Dec, get your stuff. All of it. You're gonna be staying with me for a while." He stated plainly.

I obeyed him and ran upstairs to my room. For some reason, I had some suitcases in my closet. I grabbed one and began to put all of my clothes in it. I managed to fit all of my belongings in two suitcases.

By the time I got back downstairs, Dad was gone and a few police officers were asking Uncle Pete some questions. He motioned me over and I looked at him, confused. He smiled. "Declan, could you please answer some questions for them?"

I nodded shyly. As one of the officers gave me a smile. "Can you describe the person who did this?"

"Um.." I raked my brain for and answer. "He was tall, built, and had a dark brown beard and no hair." I said.

"That's all we need." He smiled. I looked down.

"C'mon, Dec. Saint'll be happy to see you." Uncle Pete smiled.

I nodded. I don't know what's going to happen, but I know Dad isn't coming back.

--a/n--

IM CRYING OMF THIS IS SO SAD!! He's 5!!!!