ALL NOVEL 001
[Monday, Apr 8th 2058]
Today marked the first time I stepped back into the halls of my school since burying my parents. As soon as I entered, a weight settled in my chest, like an invisible hand squeezing my heart. It wasn’t just the usual snide remarks and taunts from my classmates that I had grown used to. No, today it was far more insidious and relentless. Every time I stepped out of the classroom, I felt like I was walking on eggshells, waiting for the next blow. Amidst the chaos and pain of my loss, I couldn't help but wonder if this was what my so-called relatives meant by ‘life goes on’. However, at this moment, it felt like life had stopped for me, frozen in this endless cycle of torment and grief.
As the final school bell rings, I break into a sprint towards home with Hiroki Abe and his cronies in close pursuit, their voices shrill and menacing as they chant, “You're going to get it even worse for running away.” Seven against one is not a fair fight, especially when those seven are much bigger and known for their cruelty and violence. Every step feels like running through quicksand, but the fear pumping through my veins urges me to run faster. Trust me, regardless of the serious issues I have, you'd run for your life too if you were in my shoes.
I sprinted towards the pseudo-sanctuary of my house, but my hopes were quickly shattered as the seven of them followed right into my home. They blocked any escape route and trapped me in the back of the entryway, making it impossible for me to even reach the safety of my bedroom on the second floor. My heart raced as I searched frantically for a way out. That's when my eyes landed on the forbidden door to the basement, a place my parents had always forbidden me from ever entering.
Desperate, I grabbed the door handle, heard a click, ran into the basement, slammed it shut behind me, and heard the hum of the magnetic lock as it secured the door. I heard them hitting and kicking the door saying they weren’t going anywhere and would wait for me right there.
Leaning my head against the cool steel door, I let out a deep sigh of relief. Despite being trapped, I felt safe. However, with my nemeses still lingering outside and no way for me to escape, the relief was short-lived. The constant murmur of their voices could still be heard even half an hour later, a reminder of my precarious situation. My pressing need to use the bathroom only added to my discomfort, along with a growing thirst. Then I recalled my mother mentioning having to clean the basement bathroom once.
Carefully walking down the dimly lit stairs, I reached the bottom and flipped on the lights. Seeing the bathroom off in the corner, I headed directly there to take care of my most urgent problem, passing by workbenches full of lab equipment and a refrigerator tucked away in the corner by the bathroom. Having resolved my most immediate problem, the other issue decided to surge to the forefront and remind me exactly how thirsty I was. Walking over to the refrigerator, I opened it and looked to see if there was something to drink. All kinds of flasks and bottles cluttered the shelves. One appeared to be nothing but water, so I took it out, opened it, and sniffed it. It didn’t smell of anything, so I assumed it was water. I took several big gulps and then replaced it inside the refrigerator.
As I glance around the room, I can't help but be surprised at how clean and orderly the room is. It's a stark contrast to the usual messiness of my parents. Shaking off the oddity, I tell myself, ‘Well, no one ever said my parents were normal.’ At this point, I figure I should check if they've left yet and make my way back to the door. Placing my ear against it, I listen for any signs of them. Several minutes pass, and there is still no sound, so I cautiously open the door, ready to slam it shut again. To my relief, they have already left. Closing the door behind me, I walk down the hall.
Before I returned to school, Uncle Eiji had assured me that if I encountered any difficulties, I could come to him for help. Although I didn't want to trouble him, this situation has clearly surpassed my meager abilities to handle.
As I near the living room door, I stop and look at my surroundings, thinking to myself, ‘It shouldn’t be this dark yet.’ I turn to check the clock on the wall, but for some reason, I can't make out the numbers. Maybe I'm just exhausted. Either way, it must be time for dinner with Chinatsu, so I should head over there.
As I turned to make my way to the front door, a sudden wave of dizziness overtook me, causing my vision to blur and my head to swim. Then my stomach cramped with such intensity that it forced me down to my knees as I clutch my stomach. As I struggled to understand what was happening, I gasped for air and frantically asked myself, ‘What the hell is going on?’ The world seemed to spin as the pain and dizziness reached their peak and the last thing I remember was a shadowy figure walking through the door as everything went black.