The Edge Of Insanity

7-The Journal

Unbeknownst to me, the night slips away. The first light of dawn filters through the window, casting a soft, pale glow over my cluttered desk.

The exhaustion is profound, but the gravity of the situation keeps me anchored. I can't afford to stop now.

The promise of government's pardon lingers in my mind, and with the rising sun, a flicker of hope ignites within me. It's a new day, and with it comes the chance to finally to be reborn.

As per Aléxis's suggestions, I now have my own journal. The book with a yellow cover on my desk has become my best friend. I can't trust anyone, especially Sam.

I need to note everything down because I can't miss any more details. Even though everything isn't clear now, I believe I can navigate this situation better. My life should be perfect.

Just as I'm about to get up from my seat, Anna calls me.

"Hi Sweetie, just wanted to call you now," I say to calm her down, knowing I've been off her radar for a while.

Anna sighs on the other side of the phone. "As always, can't you at least text me?"

"I'm sorry, my dear."

"You know, I'm disappointed already with our situation."

"Sorry, honey," I say, fully understanding her frustration. "Anything new?"

"Yes, my brother just sent me their pre-wed pictures." She sounds annoyed.

"That's okay, we can go as soon as they allow us to fly," I say to calm her temper.

"Yeah, but when?!"

"I don't know, dear," I reply, realizing our situation. Nobody knows when we can return to our normal state, free from masks and social distancing. My mind wanders until Anna yells at me.

"Étienne, are you listening?" She's pissed.

Suddenly, she hangs up.

"Oops, this seems serious." I send her an apology text, hoping she'll forgive me.

Again, I open the pages of my journal and read all the details. "The night of the accident, Sam, ice, getting high, hitting something or someone... ah, the time." I mumble, trying to remember when the accident happened.

"It was around 2 a.m., wasn't it?" I'm not sure, but I can't ask anyone. Making contact with Sam would do more harm than good.

I make a special note of the missing information with a yellow post-it and pink marker. I chuckle, feeling more diligent than I was in my college days. I used to cheat rather than study for my exams. "Well done, Étienne, you should be proud of yourself."

I close the book and put it aside on the side table, then leave the room to get some ice from the freezer to compress my feet.

In my bedroom, I try to lie down, paying special attention to my feet. Gently, I put the compress back on my foot and get into a comfortable position to sleep.

A long 50 minutes pass, and I still can't close my eyelids. Maybe I had too much adrenaline from the excitement of uncovering the riddle. My phone dings with a text. It says, "Feel better, my bro?"

I flip the screen back, trying to ignore the text from an unknown number. Another 15 minutes pass, and then another text comes: "It's me, dude, Max!"

"Oh gosh, how did I not recognize it?" This time, I take it seriously and write back, "Nah, so-so, man. Thanks."

Max texts me back after a while, "Your bike? Wondering if you can pick it up."

I almost forgot about my bike. I text him back, "Sorry, Max, I won't be able to go today. The pain in my knee is excruciating."