Ryan had collapsed to the floor. His face darkened to a terrifying crimson, his chest heaving in silent spasms. While the boy fought for air, his family debated his fate with bone dice.
Absurd.
Vivian scrambled toward the dice, desperation etched into her features. "Please, Grandmother. Tell us what to do."
She cast the bones.
A three.
Relief washed over them. Following the oracle's command, my brother hoisted Ryan onto his back and carried him to the yard. But Ryan's struggle was visibly weakening.
Vivian forced a thick, dark herbal concoction down the boy's throat. Instead of helping, it triggered a violent convulsion. Ryan gagged, then retched, splattering bright red blood onto the dirt.
Color drained from Vivian's face. Terror finally pierced through her delusion. "Call Alice!" she screamed. "She's a college student. She'll know what to do!"
My phone buzzed seconds later.
I slid the answer button to my ear. "Forget the fireworks!" my brother roared, voice trembling. "Get your ass back here. Ryan's asthma is acting up!"
I feigned shock. "What? Is he okay? You didn't let him near Grandmother's ashes, did you? That dust is—"
"Shut up!" he cut me off. "Stop talking nonsense and fix this!"