Spectrophobia

7: Skyrocket to Insanity

Gerald was deeply concerned.

Now behind the wheel of his shiny convertible, driving down the route to the small town Harriet.

Two days ago, he attempted to get back in contact with his brother. His brother who ranted and raved about some ghosts haunting his house. Gerald deep down wasn't sure if that was believable, but he was more concerned about his brother's mental health.

He glanced down at the time on the dashboard.

7:31 am

It would be only two or more days till Jane was due to return to Raymond. Gerald was not happy with the fact she always seem to leave him alone. And how Ray didn't seem to mind.

He minded, terribly.

He couldn't stand to see his brother get hurt again. Vowing he would do his best to help and protect his only brother. He even took a day off of work just to come and see his brother today. 

Gerald breathed in deeply. He was nervous. Anxious about his brother. He would do whatever he could for him now.

A sign rolled over on top of his car, briefly casting its shadow over him.

'Welcome to Harriet! - Enjoy your stay!'

Gerald felt butterflies in his chest.

He made his way down the road to the evil town.

...

He stood outside the door to his car. The engine still running. He tapped the roof of his vehicle impatiently - staring through his limited contacts to try and find the house his brother stayed at.

He hadn't been in a while. He was quite embarrassed he couldn't even remember the house number.

He huffed - frustrated. 

Looking up and down the road, he came across the familiar looking bar.

He and Ray had only been there once together - but it was one of the greatest trips he had been with his brother. The memory was pleasant.

He safely shut off his car and locked it, making his way into the open doors of the bar.

There seemed to only be a couple of people there. Most tables sat empty and the people there sipped silently at their drinks. He walked over to the bartender.

"Hello?"

The man looked at him and seemed to recognise him.

"Hello, welcome back. What would you like?"

"Oh, n-no I don't want to order anything. I want to ask you if you know where my brother - Raymond - lives."

The bartender frowned slightly. It was only there for a fraction of a second.

"Yes, he lives at number 33. Though I wouldn't see why you would go there now."

Gerald turned his gaze back to; he looked at the badge which brightly shone 'Richard'; the bartender with a cocktail of curiosity and concern mixed on his face.

"What do you mean?"

Richard sighed - "He hardly ever comes here anymore. Actually, he hardly leaves the house anymore. No-one sees him at all. He stays locked up in there and nobody knows why. Which is very odd, especially for someone like Raymond."

Gerald felt ice trickle down his spine. What the hell was happening to his poor brother?

"Thank you.. I'll go help him and..."