The house at the Crossroads (BxB)

Muddy Truths

The truth is never pretty, but sometimes it's shocking enough to cover its ugliness. Karlos learned this in an extremely odd way. Who knew he would discover the truth in the middle of a busy, sloppy market?

After what he had learned these past few days, the weight of each piece of information slumped heavily on his shoulders. Confused more than he already was, the splatters of mud on his shoes were not very helpful. He staggered as he carried three baskets full of vegetables, spices, and meats, hurrying to catch up with Amalia.

"Sir, come check our potatoes, we just harvest them this morning," shouted one vendor.

"Sir, we'll give you a discount if you buy five of our cabbages," another one suggested. What the hell would he do with five cabbages?

"Sir!" The deep voice made him turn to his left, and the buff man slapped the huge fish in front of him. "This fish had just been delivered. Fresh from the ocean!"

Distracted, he did not notice a man coming to his way carrying a load of meat. He bumped into him and he almost lost his footing. He cursed, just as one of the eggs in the basket fell and broke. He huffed and bit his bottom lip to stop himself from just dropping everything and leave.

The market continued to buzz, and it only became more crowded than an hour ago. He did not realize how slowly he had gone until he lost sight of his grandmother. He tried to maneuver his way into the crowd, only to find himself in a more unfamiliar route. More vendors attempted to have his attention to which he eagerly ignored. But when he could feel his sweat sliding on his back and still he could not find his grandmother, he settled for a bench he stumbled upon a corner. Thankfully, the place was less crowded. Still, he had to crunch his nose a few times due to the stink.

He placed the basket to his side and leaned on the back of the chair. The sun was higher now and was cruel enough to shine directly on Karlos. Thus, he squinted and used his arm to cover his eyes. He tried to look for another place to settle, but the other ones were occupied. Fortunately, it only took minutes before the sun decided to hide again behind the clouds. But just as it did, Karlos heard what he had been avoiding to remember this past few days.

There was enough distance between him and the fruit stand, but the petite woman was loud enough for him to hear. Her hair was tied in a messy bun and a bag was wrapped around her waist.

She said, "I heard someone's occupying the house at the crossroads. Who would dare live in that place?"

The other woman she was gossiping with was taller and older. Karlos could not make out her face, but the woman had a very grating voice.

"I thought they were the owner and had just come home after a long time?"

"How come? Their surnames are de Vera, but isn't the owner an Alcantara? Or was it Marquez?"

A customer went to their stall halting their conversation, but as soon as the fruits were packed and paid, the taller one replied.

"It was the Marquez. Remember the couple who were murdered? They were the Marquez. But it was brought by an Alcantara family. Maybe one of the owners married a de Vera."

Crossing her arm, the petite one responded. "Huh. That makes sense. Still, though, I wonder if they had heard the rumors already. And whether they have experienced the rumors themselves."

The taller one shivered. "I can't even imagine. You know, my friend's son was one of the kids who went there and saw the ghost. She said her son was so terrified he barely talked for days."

"What did he saw, exactly?"

"A woman in baro't saya. She was holding a knife and there was blood dripping from her hand."