Chrysalis (Jeff The Killer) DISCONTINUED

Chapter 17: Cold

I didn't get much sleep that night, mostly because of paranoia. I initially intended to call the police, but the reasoning sense I possessed was telling me that they wouldn't believe me. They never did. Instead, I spent the entire night in my room with the gun in my hand, and the scene with Jeff kept on replaying in my mind like a cinematic movie. Or rather, it felt like I was switching faster than the channels on TV. Things were growing complicated, more than I would want them to. This guy, this killer, was completely beyond the level of insanity you would watch from grotesque movies. I had seen the insanity in its purest form, and I had known one like that, but this guy was someone for himself.

As morning finally arrived, I tottered unsteadily to the bathroom and washed my face, trying to regain my full consciousness. It helped, at least a little bit enough to keep my eyes open, but I still felt drained of all energy in my body. After getting dressed and going downstairs, I was met with a note on top of the kitchen counter.

Helmine
Remember to go to the store today.
We are in need of the usual.
Save some dinner to me.
- Sam

I had to snort at the words which were written. Honestly, she could be so childish if she wanted. I was only relieved that she was still alive. If I ever saw her, I would have to remind her that we had to secure the house thoroughly next time, even though a voice at the back of my head said it was effortless and a waste of time. Couldn't say I disagreed. The jackass seemed to get his way with things regardless of how advanced they were. I'd have to figure out something though sooner or later, or there could be a risk I'd end up like a bloody mess before morning.

With a sigh, I threw the note into the trash and opened the refrigerator in an attempt to find something to eat, but to my disappointment, nothing of what was stored inside looked interesting.

There was a dull half-eaten bread, a half-empty carton of milk, some old cheese and butter, and some leftovers from a few days ago, and even I could tell that it was growing old. I shut the refrigerator again and felt my stomach grumble a complaint. "Seems like I'll have to go to the store either way," I muttered and grabbed my jacket on top of the chair and my wallet. Samantha would mostly leave me in charge of grocery shopping, especially since she was almost gone 24/7, so she always made sure I had enough money to buy stuff whenever I needed to.

I went outside, locked the door and headed for the closest grocery shop down the street. It was more like a seven/eleven shop, a rat's asshole if I was to be brutally honest, but it was cheap and sufficient nevertheless. On days where I was too tired to go to the real store, that shop would be the alternative I would grasp instead.

The air was almost unbearably cold and chilly, and I looked up to see flakes of snow dazzle down from the sky like rain in slow-motion. Winter had finally arrived, and as expected, it was only inevitable for it to be accompanied by everything frozen. I was never particularly fond of the season, mostly because I often had the tendency to end up sick. I was never the kind of person to celebrate Christmas either, so Samantha and I only spent the holiday with some good food instead, and Victor and I would give each other a gift or two. It was more than enough for me, at least, it used to be. This year, I didn't really know what became of the season which was supposed to represent everything joyful and warm. I suppose that there wouldn't be much of a celebration, let alone a time spent with my closest ones.

This year, preventing Jeff was the priority we all were intending on fulfilling. Nothing could get before that, not even silly holidays such as Christmas.

"Hello?"

I snapped out of my thoughts and abruptly stopped walking upon feeling something warm press against the fabric of my jacket. I looked down to see a little kid standing there, doing absolutely nothing at all but to stand there against me. I couldn't yet tell whether it was a boy or a girl, but I could see that their hair was in a dirty-brown color on shoulder-length.