The Reason Why

Chapter Fourteen

"Ethan!" I banged his front door with my fist.

No answer.

"Ethan Williams!" I tried once more, trying to open the door. Locked.

I hit the doorbell over and over again. I was restless and kept walking to and fro on the porch. Oh God. I opened my phone, looking up for his number I once called before taking Russel back home from the daycare. The phone was turned off. Damn.

Jesus. What about Russel and Mandy? Are they okay? Did Ethan do something to them?

I leaned on the wall beside the door, slowly lowered myself to a squat. Calm down. I have to calm down. I breathed in and out for a few moments, trying to contain myself.

A few seconds after that, there was a quiet click on the door being unlocked.

I quickly got to my feet, and soon was face-to-face with Ethan Williams.

This time, he looked ghastly than he was on the street before. His complexion was paler than ever, with darker circles under his eyes, bloodshot eyes and puffy lids. His honey-dipped hair was messy, tousled and wild.

For a moment, his vacant eyes almost could not recognize me.

"Kim? What are you doing here?"

His voice was hoarse.

"Are you okay Ethan? Where's Russel and Mandy?"

Suddenly, he froze. His bloodshot eyes grew redder.

"Get in," he choked.

"What happened?"

"Just get in for a moment."

I nodded and stepped inside carefully.

He closed the door behind him. For a moment, he did not look at me. He only stopped there, facing the door with his thin fingers gripping the knob tight.

"You knew it, didn't you?" he quietly said.

The dim living room neon flickered. The sky outside the window turned grey. I could see the trees being rocked slowly to death by the writhing wind. The storm was coming.

"I saw you in the car. Earlier. In front of the clothing store."

The door lock clicked closed.

I held my breath. Chills crept up to my spine. I cautiously stepped back, my heart started punching against my ribcage.

Ethan slowly turned around, facing me with his haggard look. He was far beyond skinny. His high cheekbones were now jutting out like sharp rocks while his pupils dilated wildly like a savage animal ready to lunge at its prey. However, suddenly a drop of tear streamed down his hollow cheek. He collapsed onto the floor after holding on to the nearest sofa.

"Ethan!" I shrieked in panic, running towards him.

"Jesus Christ, you're burning," I pressed my palms onto his temple. His shirt was drenched in sweat.

"I'm gonna call the ambulance," I reached for my phone from my pocket.

"Don't—" his hot fingers seized my wrist, his nails digging into my skin.

"Please. Don't," his raspy voice trembled, so did his body in my embrace.

"You don't understand anything," he whispered restlessly.

Then, he broke out into a sob. His shoulders convulsed.

"What happened, Ethan? Tell me. Where's Russel and Mandy?" I tried my best not to look frightened at the worst thought of what happened to his siblings.