Life After Death

Chapter 5

~***~

I'm walking through a metallic corridor, my destination is clearly known. I turn another corner and open one of the doors lining the hallway. Inside the room was a bunk bed, and sitting on the top is a much younger Vlad. He's sitting with his head on his knees, turned towards the wall. He doesn't even glance at me as I enter the room.

I'm not sure what to say. After hearing the news of our mother, Vlad ran off to our shared room without saying a word. I take a seat on my bed, dropping my cane and lying down on my pillow. I can hear Vlad sobbing above me. I'm not crying. I feel... completely numb.

My hands idly twist the fabric of my shirt as my mind is filled with nothingness. I feel as if I'm floating. It was as if I'm not fully awake. Maybe I'm not. But I haven't woken up yet, as much as I am trying to. My dreams have always been strange and nonsensical, this feels too real. And yet I can't help but hope the world is playing a cruel joke on me.

I watch Vlad climb down from his bed, sitting on my bed instead. Neither of us speaks, we simply sit together on the bottom bunk. I lean my head on Vlad's shoulder, who wraps an arm around me. I choke out a sob. From feeling nothing, I suddenly begin feeling the weight of the world crushing me down. I feel as if I'm breathing smoke, my ears ringing as I clench onto my brother like my life depends on it.

My tears don't stop, instead, they continued flowing onto Vlad as I bury my head into his shoulder. Vlad eventually turns his body and pulls me into a tight hug. I can feel his tears soaking the back of my shirt, but I don't mind. I know the same is happening to the back of Vlad's shirt.

Hours pass, the two of us never saying a word, simply sharing our grief while holding the other in our arms.

~***~

I wake with a start to the sound of screams coming from upstairs. The sound is still as startling as the first time I had heard it, my heart beating faster in my chest. I have to remind myself that Hythe would be alright. I don't know how Hythe can come back with a smile on his face after whatever pain he is clearly dealing with.

The screaming ends, and I feel a little better knowing it's over. Despite the soundproofing of every room and the fact the sound came from upstairs, I was still woken by his screams. He has a strong voice. I don't know how it isn't constantly hoarse.

As my heart returns to normal, my mind thinks back to the memory. I had figured out my relationship with Vlad by the first memory, and he had somewhat confirmed my suspicions. He wanted to wait until we spoke about it, so I hope today can be the day we talk.

We had seemed close in the memories, but something must have changed. He didn't seem to recognize me when I first arrived, so it's been a while since he's seen me. Or perhaps he figured it out fairly quickly and never said anything. He does seem like someone who can hide his emotions easily.

I grab my cane and leave the room with the crutches behind. No wonder it had felt more comfortable to use. My memory had me using a cane as well, so I've been using one for a while now. No one is out yet, so I make my way upstairs. I guess Hythe is still in the bathroom, or whatever is inside the room. I haven't actually seen it to confirm it's a bathroom. I'm not even sure which of the rooms are which. Taking a guess, I knock on the door farthest from me and listen for a response. The door opens a few seconds later, revealing Vlad, fully dressed and hair brushed down.

"Oh, you're awake!" I say.

"Yes, been awake for a few hours. Do you need something?" Vlad opens the door and gestures for me to enter.

The room is larger than my own, definitely the master bedroom. There's even a table with an added chair, both covered in papers just like the larger one in the basement. Vlad takes a seat on his bed while I take the chair.