Ethereal Madness

Chapter 37- Lost

-Quese Perspective-

I yawned and glanced around. The same boring room as before. I noticed the television was now off.

Hmm. I was sure I turned it on earlier, not that anything good was on. Don't remember turning it off. Was it that woman, perhaps? What was her name? Ms. Inue?

The thought of her holding me at knifepoint quickly jogged my memory.

"Right, it was Inoa, wasn't it?" I stood up, ignoring my ribs for a second time. "Such a strange person..."

Another yawn escaped my lips. What time is it? I pulled my phone out:

'9:30'

So late. Have I really been cooped up in here all day? Whatever. Not like I got anywhere to go. Regardless...

I walked out the room and through the kitchen, into the living room where the front door was at. The room was dark and Ms. Inoa was sitting down on the couch, eating ice cream and laughing at something on t.v.

I took a step forward. The floor creaked and her head turned around. She had a surprised expression and a spoon was shoved inside her mouth.

"Ouw, Maoqueeze!" She attempted to talk, her mouth clearly full of ice cream."

There's no way this is the same woman who cut me with a knife earlier. It can't be. She hopped up from the couch, abandoning her spoon, and ran to me.

"Are you alright? How do you feel?" Her concern apparent. She analyzed my left and my right like there was some visible defect.

I sighed. "I'm fine. Get off of me."

"And here I am worried about your well-being." She pouted.

"No one asked you to."

She puffed out her chest. "Someone has to. Who knows what you'll get yourself into otherwise."

Does she think I just throw myself at the first sign of trouble?

Her eyes drifted to the floor. "Hmm. Going somewhere?" She chimed.

"Going for a walk." I said dryly

She smiled. "Alright. Be safe."

I nodded.

Outside, the night sky was dark as ever. The air was still and humid. Silence engulfed the area, making every footstep two times louder. It should've been off-putting. Creepy even. But this was normal.

I looked back at the house I just escaped from. In the distance, it was no different than all the others. Still, it managed to pull my attention towards it. Just looking at it made me anxious.

It was hard to believe what was inside was real. It was warm, with a woman who bandaged my injuries and gave me a bed. The food was good and they even had a t.v. By all means, it was perfect. Yet, it wasn't right. It felt weird. Like it wasn't okay.

Reminds me of that one book Mom got me when I was little: 'Alice in Wonderland'. It was the last present she gave me. Back when everything was so simple, so happy. A smile rushed to my lips but I bullied it away.

And now— I gazed around, helpless as the darkness surrounded me—I don't have...anyone anymore. My eyes slowly made its way back to the house.

"Could that be my wonderland?"

I facepalmed and took a deep breath.

Get it together. No way such a convenient safe haven exist. She must want something from me. But, there's really nothing for me to give them. So maybe...