Number 13 Chiswick Street.

**Chapter 6: The Cry from the Basement**

Grandfather's hand rested on Orpheus's shoulder. Orpheus's body trembled slightly in response.

"Then... let's go inside," Grandfather said.

"Oh, okay."

Orpheus clearly understood what had just happened. He didn't think it was just his "paranoia" in the situation; it was pure "life or death."

He reached out,

pushed open the gate,

stepped forward,

and as soon as his knees bent, his legs turned weak. He stumbled forward;

Luckily, he was still holding onto the golden retriever's leash, which dragged the dog along, breaking his fall as he landed on top of it.

"Oomph..."

The dog whimpered in pain.

Orpheus quickly pushed himself up, propping his hands on the ground, and couldn't help but glance back at his grandfather.

Grandfather was looking at him, expressionless.

Orpheus picked up the tough-skinned dog, which seemed to be fine, and continued walking toward the house.

In the living room, Aunt Mary was sitting and discussing something with a few middle-aged men and women, probably the children of the elderly man from the nursing home, making funeral arrangements.

Aunt Mary called out to Orpheus, but he didn't respond. He let go of the leash as he climbed the stairs.

He walked up to the third floor, opened his room door, went inside, locked it, and then slid down the door, collapsing onto the ground.

"Hah... hah... hah..."

Orpheus began to breathe heavily, unable to control it.

Tears, snot, and cold sweat poured uncontrollably.

He clenched his fists tightly,

muttering a string of curses under his breath.

Right now,

only mindless, instinctual cursing could provide some relief.

But,

not long after,

Mina's voice came from outside the door:

"Brother, there's lunch in the kitchen. Should I heat it up for you?"

Orpheus took a deep breath, wiped away his tears with his palm, and then used the back of his hand to wipe his nose.

"No, I'm not hungry."

"Okay, Brother."

Mina left.

Orpheus leaned against the door, looking up.

Mr. Hoffen recognized who I was, and Grandpa... he obviously wanted to kill me at the door just now!

He really wanted to kill me!

The "identity issue" I thought I didn't have to worry about had clearly turned into a crisis—no, it had already put me on the gallows.

Just then, his cousin Lunt's voice came from outside the door:

"Brother, Grandpa wants you to join him for lunch."

Orpheus gritted his teeth, his fists clenched.

Damn it, damn it, damn it!!!

The last person I want to face right now is Grandpa—Deese!

But,

what's worse is that I don't dare refuse.