Erudition of Doyle: Volume One

CHAPTER 11: CASE IV - MONEY OR LIFE?

Case 4: Money or Life?
(The Book Contained Unsolved
Mystery Chapter, Part One)

ROSALINDA

"How’s he doing, Ajax?" I asked as I approached. We had planned to meet in the cafeteria; it was barely 6 a.m., and we were already at school. "What did they talk about?" I added.

"I'm not gonna say he's doing great or even fine," Ajax said flatly. "He needs therapy, honestly. But I’ve got to hand it to Raleigh. He stayed with your brother until eight last night, just listening while he cried. Your brother told him almost everything. And Raleigh chose his words so carefully, making sure not to set him off again. Somehow, he managed to calm him down."

I couldn’t help but smile. I never expected Raleigh to have that kind of side, and I was genuinely grateful. Still, I wondered how he did it. Maybe I could learn from him, and I’d be sure to thank him later.

"Also," Ajax continued, "your brother asked him if he's a bad person because of what he did to you last night."

"Ano namang reaksyon ni Raleigh sa sinabi niya?"

"But do you know what Raleigh said? 'I don't think you're a bad person. You did a terrible thing when emotions you'd buried for years took over. But you could become one if you actually end her life. You need to apologize. Do you want me to go with you?'"

Ajax's voice softened. "Your brother already feels guilty. I hope you'll forgive him, Rosalinda."

"I don't hate him, and I'm not angry," I said, steadying my voice. "I actually understand him, Ajax."

He nodded, his expression growing even more serious. "Buti ka pa. Pero ako, knowing what he did… I don’t think I can just forget about it and move on. He was about to kill you. And you know that—we should be alarmed about that."

"I know," I whispered. "Why are you worrying about me that much?" I asked, slightly confused, and he frowned.

"Isn't that obvious?" He let out a heavy sigh, his shoulders slumping. "Forget it. Nag-breakfast ka na ba? Sabayan mo na 'ko."

"Okay?" I answered hesitantly, but I couldn’t help smiling a little.

"Don't worry, my treat!" He grinned widely, moving even closer. "I thought you were gonna turn me down, haha! Guess I was wrong."

I forced a small smile and stayed quiet while he continued talking.

*****

I was moving to my apartment, the one I had rented last week, and didn’t think twice about leaving Clarissa’s place. I had only stayed in her unit temporarily while her roommate was away, but she was coming back today, so I decided it was time to go.

"Are you sure you’ll be okay alone?" Clarissa asked, worry etched across her face. Her eyes silently pleaded for me to stay.

"I’ll be fine, Clare," I said, trying to reassure her. She didn’t look convinced, but she knew she couldn’t stop me.

She nodded, though her hand stayed clenched tightly around my suitcase.

"Are you really sure you’re leaving?" she asked again, her tone almost pleading. I couldn’t help but laugh.

"Yes, I’m leaving," I said, still chuckling. Her reaction amused me, like a child who didn’t want to be separated from her mother.

"Don’t leave me!" she cried, wrapping her arms around me so tightly I could barely breathe. "I don’t want to be alone with my roommate, she’s so mean! When you’re around, I know you’ll defend me!"