ROGUE

Bloodstained Memories

I stand in the doorway of the hardware store, observing the scene before me with a strange detachment. The usual bustle of customers and employees is replaced by a quieter, more somber atmosphere. Everyone is on edge, their cheerful banter replaced with hushed whispers and sidelong glances.

Emily stands at her usual cashier station, her eyes downcast and her face pale. She avoids eye contact with the customers, her usual warm smile replaced by a tight-lipped expression of grief. The playful banter she usually shares with customers is absent now, replaced by curt, automatic responses as she scans their purchases.

Matthew hovers nearby, his expression strained as he attempts to maintain a normal facade for the sake of the business. His brows are furrowed in worry, his hands wringing the hem of his shirt in a nervous habit he's never been able to shake off.

Meanwhile, Nathan walks into the store with cautious steps and a resolute expression. His arrival has an almost electric effect – some look at him with measured curiosity while others avoid his gaze – haunted by my brother's untimely demise. As the new lumber manager taking over my responsibilities during my leave of absence, he has big shoes to fill.

Hailey stands in the garden department, nervously tending to the plants as if they're the only safe entities she could interact with. Her glasses slip down her nose as she anxiously watches over Emily from afar.

The sight stirs something within me - guilt or frustration or some twisted combination of both. I'm not sure anymore. But then I see Emily exchange a knowing look with Nathan... and all rationality evaporates like a mist under the scorching sun.

Their eyes lock for what seems like an eternity and a bitter taste fills my mouth. A hot rush of anger floods through me, replacing the guilt of murdering a coworker and the grief of my brother.

Emily, my Emily, with her soft brown eyes filled with empathy and something else – something akin to pity. Pity for me perhaps? The thought is unbearable. And Nathan, the newcomer, stepping into my shoes as if he's been waiting for this opportunity all along.

"I'm sorry about your brother," he'd said to me on the day of my leave, his voice steady but eyes betraying a hint of nervousness. He hadn't known Mark, didn't understand the depth of our bond. He only sees an open position to fill, a boost up the corporate ladder.

I watch Emily laugh at something Nathan says, her shoulders relaxing momentarily before tensing up again when she catches sight of me. It's clear they've grown comfortable in my absence – too comfortable.

I look away from the scene and walk towards my car parked in the parking lot, swallowing down a lump of raw emotion throbbing at the back of my throat. The cold metal of the car keys feels grounding in my trembling hands as I unlock it and slide into the driver's seat.

Carefully, I replay every moment, every word, every stolen glance I observed, feeding the growing paranoia within me. A wave of bitterness washes over me - they think they can replace me so easily? As if my life's work is something to be handed down to some newcomer. As if Emily's affections are so fickle to move on so quickly. Pain twists like a knife in my chest. She was never mine, not really. But I had imagined, dreamed...

The world outside blurs as I drive aimlessly, unable to shake off the image of Emily laughing at Nathan's words. I can't help but wonder what she sees in him that she never saw in me. Does she find comfort in his presence? Or is it something more sinister? Is she also part of this conspiracy?

A sudden realization hits me - Emily knew about Victoria as well. She knew about our rivalry, and yet, she chose to trust him over me - over her friend and colleague.

My grip on the steering wheel tightens as anger boils within me. They're playing with fire and they don't even know it.

I take a deep breath, trying to steady my racing heart. Telling her about Victoria's death isn't an option anymore. Instead, I need to start planning. I need to be smart about this and figure out my next move. Emily had chosen her side. The bitter pill of betrayal cuts through my insides, making me wince in unseen pain. Her betrayal is a thousand times worse than Victoria's death; it's personal, intimate.