Home sweet home, the soft bed welcomed me with its warmness and soft texture that I missed so much. The smell of the fresh sheets and pillowcases washed away all the dust from the trip while the sound of snowflakes pattering against the mourning window was soothing.
Next to my side was no other than Eve herself, embracing me tightly in deep slumber. She was rather protective of me now as last night, she requested to sleep with me in hopes of protecting me from whatever threats that may come knocking on my door. After all, it is always better to be safe than sorry when dealing with unknown people in a city like this.
Although, we did not have sex or anything like that, just a simple cuddle session before going off to our dreams together. The comfort of someone being at my side made me feel at ease as all of the problems that still linger in my mind and heart have temporarily dissipated the darkness from within.
I gently pushed myself up, stretching out my muscles after lying down for such long time. Eve woke up from her sleep as well, blinking her eyes a few times until she saw me staring at her with my hands, “Adam? Whats the matter?” Her usual tone was different, there was more emotion coming into play compared to earlier. It truly sounded like concern and worry about something, “is everything alright?”
“Everything is fine, Eve.” I answered calmly, looking back at her with a gentle smile, “I just need to go use the bathroom a bit,” then I got up from bed and headed into the said bathroom. After entering, I turned on the lights, washing my face as I placed my clothes at the hanger and then entered the shower, letting the warm water flow over my body while thinking about the conversation with Eve at night.
Is it foolish of me to vent out my insecurities and past experiences to her? I am sometimes emotional, but usually keep them within myself. Yet, I do not know why I had to do what I just did. Was it fate and destiny’s plan?
No, it was neither; what I did was my own personal decision and choice. A decision that could lead me towards something else or perhaps nothing at all. Perhaps I will find my answer by coming back to the police station, starting my second case as a police detective again.
And secondly, what about Clover? Should I do or say anything about him? I was already aware of him stalking us at night from our casual walk to the path. He is probably just curious and wanting to get closer to us or whatever. Perhaps he wants to be more than that? But is it okay for me to leave things like this?
The duration of thoughts running through my mind were making me feel dizzy, I leaned against the wall of the shower and closed my eyes for moment before three disparate voices spoke in my mind with demonic laughter, “HA HA HA HA!” They appeared to laugh so hard and loud to the point of forcing myself to cover both ears with my hands.
“Shut up!” I shouted as I felt an overwhelming sense of despair come upon me, the three voices consist of a little boy, grown man and woman just laughing in a demented cackling manner.
Then there was a voice that sounded like someone screaming, “No! Please noooooo! Ha ha haaaaaa!!!” The voices laughed even louder, sound of shattering glass came into my mind. It felt as if I was being pushed down onto the floor by the force of the insane laughter while feeling suffocated and helpless to stop them.
“SHUT THE FUCK UP! SHUT UP! STOP LAUGHING AT ME!” I screamed out in frustration and fear, then I heard the sound of something breaking in, followed by heavy thuds on the ground. I suddenly opened my eyes wide, looking around to see what had happened. Then I realized I was lying naked on the floor with my head on Eve’s legs, looking straight at me with a look of relief and surprise written all over her face.
“Adam!” She exclaimed with joy in her voice.
“What happened?” I replied while rubbing my head to soothe the throbbing pain inside it. When I asked, Eve displayed a sorrowful and guilty expression, she slowly explained everything to me. “You were screaming and shouting,” she said. “While also talking gibberish.”
“I do not remember much of anything…” I muttered as I stared at the ceiling, weirded out from the experience that just recently and quickly occurred. I did not know why but these voices in my head felt like they would be coming back for gods know when. I could feel myself shaking uncontrollably, my muscles started twitching violently.
I do not know where the fuck these voices have come from, whether it is paranormal or suffering from schizophrenic episode, those unhinged laughing sounds are terrifying me. It is not just a normal and stereotypical evil laugh, but something that carries a message resonating within the deepest psyche of my mind, making me feel afraid and anxious. I do not want to imagine what happens if this continues or comes back.
I sighed, standing up as she helped me stand. I grabbed onto her extended arms for support and asked, “how long was I out?” I am feeling a little dizzy, but the room feels oddly cold, likely because I just took a warm shower. “About a few minutes,” Eve replies with concerned tone. “You were also moaning and groaning before you passed out.” I feel embarrassed and guilty about it, as I did not know how much time had elapsed since I fell unconscious on the floor.
Regardless, I need to get ready for the day as I do not really want my boss to be annoyed at my absence. I quickly put on my clothes and turned off the running shower. We head downstairs to prepare for breakfast, expecting to see Clover sitting somewhere around the kitchen area. But he did not appear to be anywhere.
Is he still sleeping? Or perhaps taking his morning bath? I cannot say, but there is no way we can start our daily routine without him being here with us. He usually eats breakfast with us, but perhaps he is still upset of me.
“Would you like eggs and bacon?” Eve asks with an amused smile. “Or would you prefer pancakes instead?” She added with a comforting tone. I give her a look, she giggles and says, “don’t worry, Adam. You are allowed to choose whatever you want.”
I am glad that I have Eve by my side, it feels like there is always a reason to keep on living. I think I should make the right choice and eat some of her prepared food. After all, if I am not careful with what I consume, I might disappoint her.
“Eggs with bacon sounds lovely,” I reply, giving a slight smile in return. I then turn towards the table, sitting down on one of its chairs as Eve begins to move towards the refrigerator in preparation of the eggs and bacon.
While waiting for her to cook up my simple breakfast, I quietly zone out into deep thought, listening to the beautiful birds chipping outside the windows and the peaceful atmosphere that was present inside this house. It feels like nothing bad could ever happen around here, but it is too good to be true…the next moment, I heard Eve’s voice calling out to me from the kitchen, asking if I wanted anything else, “Adam! Do you want anything more?”
“No, thank you,” I respond back with a loud voice.
It appeared like Eve had already finished cooking everything. Glancing at the available window, I could see rows of houses that are my neighbors were lined along the street while a few noticeable people can be seen walking their dogs or simply going for morning jogs. The streets themselves looked quiet and desolate, likely because it is in the early morning and this is a rural area.
When I focused on more the birds flying in the sky from long distance, I also wonder what it means to be truly free and chasing a dream that most people have as their ambitions. And a dream that I always question if I have even have one myself…but I know that such things do not matter anymore when survival is all that it means now.
But there could be more than having a simple dangerous job and house, it is whether if I have a dream that I should make and find one myself to live by? Or am I just too lost in my own thoughts about finding my destiny? Perhaps I will never discover my real purpose until I die, or perhaps, I will be able to learn something important through these events of mine.
I feel as though I am wasting away everyday, living like an old man in his twilight years without any dreams or aspirations. However, I can no longer blame anyone else for me being the way I am right now, it is entirely my fault and responsibility to deal with this situation that I created. It is up to me to decide how to change this life of mine.
Until now, I will wait for the ambition within me to awaken once again…even if it takes months, years or even decades before I can achieve anything worthwhile, at least I will not give up hope.
As soon as the smell of eggs and bacon filled the air, she brought two plates with either held hands, placing one in front of me and herself as she sits next to me, “I hope you will like it,” Eve says while offering her best smile at me.
“Thank you.” I say back, smiling as well. Taking a bite from my food, the taste of scrambled egg mixed with butter was simply more delicious than I expected. After finishing the meal, I noticed that Eve had already eaten half of hers. Glancing at the clock, it reads around 7 AM, which means I have to start heading to my job right now.
“I have to go now, take care of the house, alright?” Standing up and heading to the door, I was stopped by the call of my name, “Adam, I am coming with you.” Eve said as she stood up from the chair, walking towards me, resulting me to spun in motion.
Looking at her eyes and then down to the floor in contemplation, I can tell that she wants to come along with me because she does not want me to leave her alone here, “It’s okay Eve, I will be fine, besides, you need to stay home with Clover until I get back.”
Eve shook her head disapprovingly, “I’m sorry, but I won’t allow that. I do not want to risk you getting hurt,” she firmly stated, taking hold of my arm in protest. Nodding in agreement, I could see tears forming on the corners of Eve’s eyes as she is trying hard to keep them from falling. I am not sure if I should allow her or let this continue, for whatever reason, I know that my guts are telling me to do what she said.
After all, Mervin is seemingly content of allowing Eve to be with me in my job. However, I am not sure about Chief Walker in this decision. Nevertheless, I feel like letting Eve come along with me would somehow make things easier, as I have a feeling that she as a deadly assassin might prove useful in the long run.
“Fine, you can come along with me,” I say to Eve while releasing her hand from mine.
Smiling happily, Eve nods before we both walk out of the house together. After leaving the home and entering the red sports car in my open garage, I turned on the engine and drove off towards my workplace.
The outside was normal as expected, with snow already piling up to several feet tall. In addition, there were trucks that are doing their best in reducing the snow on the ground as much as possible.
