Basil

Chapter 4: Inhumane Fears

"Oh... I don't know." Uncle Dylan covered his mouth as he talked to the salesman. I leaned across the cart, my back aching. I didn't sleep well in his bed.

When Basil left, all I could stare at were the pictures on the wall. I wish he didn't have to go, which feels odd to admit... But his company was warm.

Ricky remained by my side, watching me. I felt like all the energy depleted from my body. I scrolled through my Instagram, liking all my friends doing better things than me.

How belittling... I bit my cheek, liking Sophia's post. She had bottles set up on her bedside as Briar laughed on the floor. Ugh... I shoved my phone into my pocket, crossing my arms.

"You okay?" Ricky asked, placing his hands on the cart. We had a new window, a new gutter, and shingles. The tree did more damage than I could've expected. I still wasn't sure how it came down.

"I'm fine." I forced a tight smile, leaning away from the cart. Uncle Dylan didn't seem to be getting anywhere. Despite his frustration, he held his kind smile. I suspect he bit his tongue too. I wouldn't be able to do that so calm.

He had bandages on his arm along with a few on his neck. The glass cut him, but he didn't let any of us see he was hurt until the next morning. I'm surprised I didn't notice. Yet again, I was distracted.

The house was cold from the window. I took all of his blankets and wrapped them until not even the fans could phase me. I still wonder how Basil isn't bothered, but he can't give me an answer.

I leaned back, locking eyes with someone my age. Sharp piercing blue eyes, electric blue and black eyeliner, and a black sweater a lot like mine. Her hair was curled down her back, it was blonde with blue ghost roots.

I brushed my hair down from its hair tie, hiding my face. I don't have any makeup on, my hair was thrown in a bun. Oh, why do I have to look so rough when I see someone so cool..?

I melted down with shame, wishing I could hide inside of my shoes. Uncle Dylan glanced my way. "Uhm... Hold on." He put his hand up to the salesman, approaching me.

"You okay..? Are you tired? I'm sorry, I just didn't want to leave you there all alone for a long time.." His voice shuddered into silence as he covered his mouth. I furrowed my brows. He acted like he wanted to chew his words.

"I'm fine... Why can't I be alone?" I asked. I feel this has something to do with my dad, and that alone irks me. I curled my nose and Uncle Dylan's eyes softened into melancholy. "No— It's not you." He groaned, pinching his eyes as he leaned away.

"Roxanne, it's... I don't trust those woods much after Florence. I feel better knowing we are all where we are supposed to be." He sighed, brushing his hair back. Oh. That's a way to make the guilt sink deeper. I nodded, twirling my hair around my pointer finger.

I shouldn't have tested that. I lowered my head more. "Sorry..." I can be such a brat... Uncle Dylan touched my shoulder. He gave me a gentle smile, clearing his throat. "It's alright. Do you want to go look around and see if there's anything you want to add to your room? This is home improvement.." He suggested.

I glanced down at Ricky before nodding. "Alright..." I adjusted my bag on my shoulder, fixing my sweatshirt. He leaned back, turning back around toward the salesman. He doesn't trust the woods... He doesn't know about Basil. I can only guess what he thinks happened. I don't want to pry anymore, he looks void of life when I do.-

"Dylan?? Hey, it's been so long!" The older man greeted. His hair was dusted brown and grey, a lot like my Uncle's. He looked like another farmer, carrying rope and deluxe chicken feed.