A Monster Was Born ✔️

Tower of Tanoi (Part II)

I don't even have to look back to know my companions were struck just as speechless as I was. Some of them even took a few steps back, as though afraid that the madness may be contagious. The madman doesn't even seem to notice. His thoughts were all lost in his own world, and the key to it was hidden away from prying eyes. He was the dancer and we were his audience.

I looked to the tower, and realized that each layer of bodies required the ones at the bottom for their support. It was repetition through and through, until each layer contained fewer bodies than the one below it, and the story was complete with almost gruesome beauty.

As though seeing my thoughts, the madman grinned at me, his eyes swirling with darkening skies and disastrous chaos. "You understand what it is, don't you? Do you like it? I named it the Tower of Tanoi."

Above us, storm clouds gathered while thunder roared and boomed like the echoes of a god, turning the atmosphere dark and ominous. It was illogical, but for a moment, I wondered if their appearance had to do with hearing the madman's calling. I wondered if fate could be tempted by mere mortals who knew nothing but were facing a world that knew everything.

"Sir," one of my colleagues asked. "I think we should drive him to the station for an interrogation. It won't be good if it starts raining. Also we should check him in with a doctor or a psychologist."

"Fine," I said. "Let James take a few pictures and save a few pieces of the tower as evidence and we will all go to the station."

He nodded slowly and looked nervous as he prepared to lead the madman away. Surprisingly, he didn't put up a fight, but hung his head reluctantly as he walked with the policeman to the car. I caught his face as he passed by me. He was smiling.

I shivered a little. Not only did this situation creep me out, it also unsettled me in some strange way, as though there was something missing, something wrong, but I can't figure out what.

Thunder boomed and a flash of lightning lit up the entire sky before drops of rain began pouring down. It was relentless and pretty soon, my clothes were completely soaked with water and the smell of earth. Seeing my companion finish taking the pictures, I headed toward my own car. Opening the door, I stepped into the vehicle and breathed a sigh of relief about the dryness and shelter it provided. I was still somewhat worried about what may happen at the police station, the truths we may find, but it was something I needed to face anyway. I grabbed paper towels and dried myself as I started the car and heater. Still thinking about the man and the words he said, I drove away into the approaching storm, realizing I was a person who knew nothing and who still knew nothing.