We ate in silence that night. My aunt doesn’t dare speak, and neither did I. She's probably scared that if I bring it up she shall only have to tell the truth. Although, she should have done so, from the start. I didn’t want to speak about it either. I felt like there would be some sort of great secret up in the basement. I have to tell the truth, I would like to go, and explore up there, and find out what the great big secret is. Does she have a monstrous creature up there? Maybe it’s just a wanted criminal or something plain. Maybe she just has a load of old boxes of late grandpa’s stuff, that she doesn’t want Stefan or me to mess with, because knowing us two we’d probably rip stuff up and wreck everything. I wanted to talk with Stefan about it, that night. I feel so alone. I hate it when he gives me the silent treatment. He knows that. That’s probably why he's doing this. Not just about our mother and father. He knows I absolutely hate it. Its just one of those pathetic wind-ups of his.
I tried talking to him, “Stefan? Have you ever seen a at the top of the house?” he just grunted, I always take that as a ‘yes’ “well haven’t you ever wondered what might be up there, in the basement I mean?”
“James, where are you going with this?”
“Well, I mean it just seems strange.”
“Oh yeah, seeing an basement is super duper strange.”
“No. I mean I’ve never actually seen any sort of basement door. Have you?”
“In fact, yes I have. You obviously haven’t seen it because Aunt Eliza doesn’t trust you enough. It’s in fact in her room. Happy? Now can I get some sleep?”
“Wait, Stefan.”
“What now?”
“Can you show me tomorrow?”
“No I can’t.”
“Why not?”
“Aunt Eliza promised to not even say anything to you. She said you would get to curious and try whatever to find out what’s inside.” I point my finger to the ceiling, like I have an idea, “and no. She didn’t tell me what was actually up there.” I put my hand down, feeling pessimistic. “Am I allowed to go to sleep now?” I look glumly at him and start nodding “I guess so, and thanks.” He grunts. I think I got a little toe on his good side. Let’s try getting my whole body across onto the good side of him.
I slept soundlessly and dream-free that night.
