A Lost Man's Vertigo (Short Fiction)

A Lost Man's Vertigo

Each and anyone can be unpredictable sometimes. In which people wouldn't know someone's attitude right away. The quite well-known trio, Norman, Esther, and Stein, known for being the geeks in their class, were predictable. They are often seen reciting to each and every lecturer they have. They've gained their title, the Nerds of their university. It's not embarrassing for them; in fact, they brag about it, claiming that everyone else is jealous of them because they are brilliant. Behind such success in terms of being a student, they also excel at solving crimes. Norman was always associated with the local police, solving the infamous killings around the town. Esther, on the other hand, helps them out to figure out how the killer killed the victim, as she mastered each and every martial art that the killer possibly did. While Stein helps out with the forensics as he majors in forensics, being also a nerd and hanging out inside the laboratory just to figure something out.

As the days go by, Norman's apartment gets busier and busier. It is due to the repeated reports of killings around Cambridge, making them busy as the cops ask for their help. Esther always visits the police station to get the papers right away, carrying hundreds of papers while walking around the city square. "I should bring a suitcase next time, it's so heavy," she whispered to herself as she is on her way to Norman's place. While waiting, Norman decided to visit the crime scene of the recent case that they are studying, leaving Stein, who's busy examining hair strands given to him.

"Where did Norman go?" says Esther, who just entered the apartment. "He said that he will be at the crime scene in the meantime. Did you obtain the paperwork?" Stein replied. "Yes, here," she said, handing it to Stein. "I didn't expect for this to be many," he said. Instead of reading the documents she had brought, Esther chose to brew coffee. "Do you want any coffee?" asked Stein. "I'm fine, thanks," he replied. She took a cigarette from her pocket when she had finished brewing her coffee. "Let us begin.", she said. Then they heard a loud knock at the door. "Who's there?" Stein asks. "This is me, Norman." Norman said, "Open the door for me." Stein stood and opened the door.

Norman appears weary, gasping for air with sweat trickling from his brow. "What has happened to you, Norman?" Esther asked, bewildered by Norman's current state. "I hurried from the scene to here. I couldn't call a taxi," he replied. "So, can we finally begin studying this case?" Stein interrupted the two. "We must finish at least half before 7 p.m.," Norman says. "Isn't it too early? Why not make it 10 p.m. instead?" replies Stein, anxious to solve the mystery surrounding the recent series of homicides. "I want to rest early, I'm currently having some migraines, I might be having vertigo as well, and besides, this place is my home, I am to decide whether until what time my door is open for everyone." Norman contradicting Stein. "Can we just start this?" Esther suggests. Stein and Norman exchange nods before studying each paper at the table. They began studying around 1 p.m. As the hours passed, no one stopped scanning the papers, except Esther, who took breaks to smoke her cigarette.

"It's already 7 p.m.; both of you can now go home and rest," Norman announced, breaking the silence. "Can we extend by 30 minutes?" Stein proposes. Norman protested, "I don't think that's ideal, Stein." "Alright, fine, let's go, Esther." Stein is forced to comply with Norman. "Norman, where can I put these papers?" Esther asked. "It's on me; you can now go home," he responded. Esther and Stein then walked in front of the door, bidding goodbye to Norman and his unit. While strolling passed Norman's unit, Stein decided to break the stillness. "Has Norman been acting strangely lately?" Stein stated. "I don't think so; I believe he's just tired. Remember, we're now solving five cases, which is exhausting." Esther replied. "Well, that's true, anyway, I think I'm just imagining things." Stein agreed. They both waved goodbye as they parted ways, returning to their own places.

Esther finally got home, and achieved her rest. Hours passed by, it's already 12 in the midnight; she heard a loud scream near her house. "What was that?" she asked her brother who is still awake. "I have no idea, Esther," her brother responded. She then ran outside, witnessing how the victim falls down to her knees, with her torso covered with blood. Esther wasn't able to see who did the crime. She proceeded to run, going to the nearest station just to report the crime she just saw. Together with the cops and detectives, they went to the crime scene, the street where she lives. Stein and Norman then arrived at the place, still sleepy while walking towards the scene.