Fragment 2: Miserable Discovery
Summary of last chapter:
Grieving on his father, Julius avoids school to investigate the tragedy. He meets a modest informant, Janna, in a narrow alley. Julius bought documents using a credit card worth 2 million. On his way home, he investigates moaning sounds in a much darker alleyway, only to horrifiedly recognize the woman's voice as his sister, Ariel.
Rainle’s Perspective.
6:55 PM
When my husband died, I fell into despair.
When I heard the news that he was reported to be lost on his mission, I felt lost as well.
He should have listened to me back then, but he was so persistent.
He said ‘It’ll be alright, trust me on this.’
I love him very much. He means the world to me, but sometimes, he just blindly follows his dreams...
I have thought of that for a while ever since he died. It hadn’t left my mind since.
If I have known back then that this is what would happen, then I could’ve wished he lives his life with no ambition, because at the very least, he’s right by my side. I need him.
Then I saw a chance to see him again. I was sparkling with joy.
I was like a slave who just found her master. It felt like home.
I disregarded everything in this world. My body just stood on itself, even my eyes blunders with hope.
I stood up properly for the first time of today. I paused and looked around.
I was looking for something...
As I walk through the house, It was undeniable that my movement looked unnatural. If someone was here, they
would think I’m a ghost.
I am fixated on a specific task, and it’s the only thing that mattered to me right now.
My actions have been altered by my heart. My brain can no longer control me. I was all over it.
I found it. I found the thing I was looking for...
A rope.
I grabbed it, glanced at it while I was crying.
“I can finally be by yourside again, Owen.”
I went to the living room to convey my final wishes.
At the very least, my last moment on this world is filled with determination...
My idea was simple: If my husband is not here and I’m all alone, then I should find him and be with him.
In other words: Suicide.
“Julius and Ariel are already grown up. They can... probably handle themselves just fine.” I said to convince myself. I knew it was wrong of me a mother, but I do not care anymore. I’m gonna do this and no one’s stopping me.
Besides, Owen left a sustanable amount of wealth, they can live with that enjoyably.
They don’t want a mother that is always curdled in sadness, and I don’t want for them to see me like this.
...
Before I knew it, I saw my neck entangled with ropes. I need to be brave if I want to do this. I need to calm down and just do it. Afterall, it will be for the best.
“Alright Rainle, you can do this.” I gave myself some motivation. I know it would hurt so I really prepared myself.
As the rope holds my neck on choke, it began to feel the pressure of my weight. I folded in agony as I struggle to stay firm. My body seem to react on its own; squirling and dangling in the air, hoping that may oxygen enter whenever.
I could not describe the feeling properly. If anything, it’s surreal, because It felt like my soul were more hurting than the actual body. Why is that?
Eventually, the true struggle came. My limbs are starting to get purplish. By the looks of things, my blood is currently having a hard time navigating. The pain was insufferable. I was twitching. I felt like a burning lava.
...
I ultimately gave up on the charade.
Ideally, I would’ve construct a higher ceiling where I could hang, but just in case I still want to live, I prepared it in a way that my foot can still touch the ground.
Thanks to that test run, I realize some things: One, I still value my life; Two, my children still needs me; Three, my husband would be furious if he ever saw me in heaven.
I shook it all off, sitting on the floor, laughing miscerably, as bruises on my neck are visibly red.
My laugh transitioned to a cry. I still can’t believe Owen left me like this. He could’ve at least said goodbye first.
He was never good as saying goobyes anyway... At least I know it’s him.
“What an idiot.” I said as I continued to shed tears.
Then, when everything looked fine-It wasn’t. My eyes immediately widen. I shook my head, thinking I’m just hallucinating.
Maybe I still haven’t eaten yet? No, that’s not it.. I already ate some of Julius’ food he made.
“FOCUS RAINLE. There’s something in front of you, and you can’t ignore it.” I said to myself, focusing on the figure ahead of me.
I’m bothered by it’s size. It’s so big. I haven’t seen something like that before.
I rubbed my eyes and looked at it again and it’s still there. At that point, I was terrified.
I looked at my neck bruises and started massaging it. Maybe blood still have not reach my brain? It felt unreal.
I looked at it, again. IT’S STILL THERE.
My body gain a rush of adrenaline. I kept staring at it. ‘What if I look away.. Will it get closer?’, ‘What if I made a sudden movement, it gets angry?’, and ‘What the hell even is that thing!?’.
I could not examine the figure properly because most are covered in shadows, but I am sure IT’S NOT A HUMAN.
At that point, all I can think of is my children. I was well aware that my life is currently in danger, and I will try my best to stay alive.
“If I die right now, my children will have no mom by their side. Please let me live.” I said to the monster, crying. I was pleading because it made sense. I can’t fight that thing, It’s enormous.
Whatever that thing is, it needs to stay away from me;
but it sudenly moved, shattering the sliding glass door that seperates us.
“DON”T COME ANY CLO—“...
....
Julius’ Perspective.
7:00 PM
I was running on the road, going back home. It was night and I was carrying the envelopes I mustered.
Still, I couldn’t believe my sister will do that to herself.
What the hell was my sister thinking? H-how can she do that?
If dad was to be in my position right now, he would’ve punched her. Don’t she realize that she’s ruining her future? She could’ve at least leave a bit of hope for herself despite everything that happened.
I get that she’s hurt, but she could’ve went to me and talk things out. She does not have to go miserable lengths just to relieve herself. Also, doesn’t she have a boyfriend? What if Jeremy finds out about this? I bet he would break up with her.
“Damn it!” I stopped running. Punching a wall beside me. Everything felt like it was my fault. If I had talked with my sister more often, this would not happen at all.
My ignorance definitely got the better of me. If that girl does not come back tomorrow morning, she’s in BIG TROUBLE.
Suddenly, I heard a loud thump across the neighborhood.
A car beeped rapidly. I think it got hit.
Dogs started barking.
Sleeping bird woke up and flew in random directions.
“AHHHHH!!!” A woman in her backyard screamed.
“What the hell was that thing!” she added, clearly stroked in shocked.
“What honey?!” His husband quickly rushed to see.
What’s happening out there? Did a burglar got inside of their house or something? If they did, they really got everybody’s attention.
“I just saw a bear that jumped really high!” She said. Pointing her pointy finger on the sky.
A bear? W-wait.. How can a BEAR be in an urban area? Miss, we are in the center of the largest city of this nation. How can a bear be here? Did a Zoo failed to captivate it? Also, a bear jumping high? That’s unbelievable.
Eitherway, I was curious. So I snuck a peek.
“Let me see...” I said in whisper.
Upon seeing the scene, it does look like a bear did it. Their backyard looks like it needed a serious refinish. The sight felt very disturbing though. How can a bear have huge feet? The marking on the grass brings chills on my spine.
“Holy crap! My car!” the other neighbor across the street saw his car dent to a pulp. It looked like a mashed potato. Quite the sad view.
...
Regardless of what happened, I continued to run after home, since if it was a bear, I know officials will take actions on it. Besides, I’m in no position to help.
I need to focus on the matter with my sister. I need mom to get involved in this. This is a very serious matter.
If I don’t get my sister to straighten things up early, then I’m afraid it will be too late for her.
She’s young. She still have a lot of things she can experience. I don’t want her to be filled with—
AH! Never mind!
...
After running for 10 minutes, I finally reach home. Before I entered, I made sure to hide the envelopes underneath my shirt. I don’t want mom to find out about this.
“What the-” I smell something. I don’t know what it is, but it smells... Metallic? I don’t get it.
I don’t remember leaving my loptop on charge so that’s not on me...
Is mom cooking something? Quite unusual since I cooked her food before I left.
“Mom, I’m home!”.... No one responded. I think she’s asleep. But I need to tell her about Ariel. Surely, she would worries about her... right?
“Mom? Are you... home?” I was searching for mom. I can’t seem to feel her presence; well, she probably doesn’t want to anyway.
I went directly straight to the living room since that’s where she’s always at.
If I ever tell her about Ariel, I better stay calm. If I explode in emotion, she will probably too.
She’s having a hard time with losing dad, I don’t want her to lose Ariel as well; also, I’m sure she can understand Ariel more than I can do.
Mom’s probably a better fit to talk with her.
“I can do this” I said to myself in my mind. Stopping mid-way going to the living room.
Even though it’s only mom, I was pretty nervous. Who wouldn’t be? Such a horrible news to entale, and you’re own mother’s gonna listen!
“Hi mom, I need to tell you someth—“
“...”
I dropped th desserts I have bought to the floor. My mouth got shut in flabber...
Just like as I said in the beginning: Ever since dad died, my mom and my sister have been insufferably sad. I felt so much empathy for them, but no matter what I do, they just... They just don’t want to foil it all up and grief properly.
They have to be this nuisance, even for me. I’m having such a hard time understanding these womens. Why does it need to come to this? What could I have done to prevent all of this? Will I blame this to my old man? Will I blame all of this to myself? Maybe I don’t need to blame someone.
Maybe... I only need to be as insufferable as them.
“M-mom?! W-wh—” I muttered, limp on the ground, looking above at my mother’s hanging half.
I bang my head againts a table. My forehead started to bleed, but it seems that it wasn’t enough to make everything all back to normal.
I started to weep, my frantic vocal burst, facing the ground like a loser. What did I do to deserve this? Why would this happen to my family.
“Maybe... It’s all just a prank? That could be... Maybe a nightmate? That’s also possible... If I punch myself hard enough, will I wake up?” I frantically thought of inferior reason why these all happened. Obviously, It was my brain trying to find comfort, even I don’t believe it.
“It’s those damn admininstrators weren’t they?!” Suddenly my face popped red in anger, still facing the floor.
There’s a chance that those bastards planned to kill my mother after my father died. It isn’t new.. I heard about this kind of stuff on social media. That’s gotta be it!
“WHY YOU ALL BASTA—“ I shouted in full anger as I stood up to run. But the second I looked behind, a large human-like figure with incredibly enourmous hands appear in front of me.
The second I saw the monstrosity, everything clicked, and I was completely mistaken.
I have always made a mistake and I was angry about it. But this in particular... I felt terrified. My legs can’t move, my spine locked in place. I peed my pants. I felt so little compare to it.
“Look at those hands..” I said inside of my head as I analyze the devil.
Even in front of death, my curiosity still overwhelms me. I guess I’m really dad’s son...
As the devil encapsule my entire body using his hands. The last thing I saw were my mom’s half eaten food that I made for her. I realized that even though my mother appears devastated, she still tried her best to love me and Ariel.
She’s such a good mother, and I’m so grateful that I became part of their family...
Maybe in heaven, I could be happy with them...
In that moment, despite the sadness, I was filled with contentment. I was ready to die in the hands of this demon.
As I wait for my death, I relaxed my body and closed my eyes so that it would be over quickly.
Goodbye everyone.
Splurt.
...
Dang it. I really did die. I don’t see anything. My senses felt like endless void. I don’t even know whether I have a body or not. This sucks.
Maybe I should wait; see if someone will take me to heaven. Maybe an angel will?
“...”
Eitherway, I’m quite sad. I cannot forget my mother’s horrific, hanging body while her intestines are dangling from below. It was gruesome.
My sister is also left alone now. She’s all alone on that world with no one to stop her from her horrific schemes.
All I can do is sob, even if I don’t have a body, I’m sure a soul can cry.
‘Kind of b*llsh*t is this..” I said, irritated on the outcome that came before me. Just like that, I was dead; a demon killed me. Now, I’m stuck on this stupid place, waiting for someone to take me somewhere other than here. Just being in here is nausiating. It’s like you’re looking at an endless space of nothingness.
Then, I saw two dots of light, one is white, and the other is yellow, I think it’s approaching me.
“Hey! I’m here!” I said as I wipe my tears. Waving my hands even if I don’t have one.
They seem to notice somehow and shone much brighter.
I’m imagining it, only the yellow light shines brighter.
As the light gradually came closer, I started to think of what I would do if I arrived to heaven. Maybe I could meet Jesus? Can I talk to him regarding to what happened in my life? Surely there must be reason.
Maybe, I can talk to my parents again, see if they’ve found themselves in a reunion and ask if I could join.
Maybe, I go to hell? It’s not plausible, but it may happen. I’m certain it won’t. I had been a kind kid and I’m wary of that.
Finally, the yellow light struck me. It shone incredibly bright right in front of my face.
At some point, just a flash of white came before me. I was enthusiastic about it because atleast, it felt better than the endless void I was just at.
“Mom, dad, wait for me. I have come to meet you two.” I said as I close my eyes, fillied with hope.
...
As I struggle to move, the first thing I can hear is the sound of birds chirping, followed by the smell of fresh air. It reminded me of the time I smell grass for the first time.
Then, I sat up, steadily open my eyes. It adjusted to the exposure, but after a while, I can see.
This is better than I expected; a vast world of Eath-like landscape.
I can see mountains far off the horizon, the sun.. should I call it the sun? Anyway, the sun is shining quite romantically, and animals appear to be thriving.
I did not went to heaven... I’m...
On another world.
===
To be continued.
It's beginning to be interesting... What could that monster possibly want from Julius' family? Also, where did it came from? How did it manage to come to Earth?
Either way, Julius found himself standing in another world. He will find himself wandering around it by the next fragments. Buckle up chads!
