Symphony Of A Serial Killer

Chapter 1: Effects of Insomnia

I started my day like any other, lying in bed not moving, eyes wide open and staring at the ceiling. Its part of my morning routine you see. I remind myself just how much my life sucks and how much I want to get out of this town only to never look back.

I have nothing against Anchorage, Alaska is a nice place to live. I just have no fond memories here and each day I wake up I'm reminded of just how stubborn I am. Too stubborn to take my own life due to unwavering pride.

I think of it daily, quick and easy, gone in the night with a whisper in the wind. I've resisted this temptation for almost four years, no sense in pussying out now.. I'll graduate soon and finally be able to get out of this hell hole.

The alarm goes off as usual which means its 6:30 a.m. I don't sleep much so never need it, guess setting it is the normal thing to do though. I reach over to the nightstand and hit the "Okay I get it" button.

Though I've been awake for hours, I slothfully get up and sit at the edge of the bed, burying my face into my left palm. Each day I dread leaving the room and having to see his face, but today my hesitation is heightened because it's the last day before winter break.

Most kids would be excited for this day, but for me it only means I have to endure all of those happy-go-lucky fuckers at school. For an entire day I'll have to listen to them make plans, be cheery and overall obnoxious... it's sickening.

"Fuck it; let's get this day over with it." I huff while getting up and moving towards the bedroom door. Gently placing my hand on the knob, I turn it as quietly as possible in hope that he's not looming in the hallway.

A brief sigh of relief escapes me after peaking out and seeing that the coast is clear. With eyes locked on the bathroom door, I quietly yet swiftly make my way down the hall, which for some reason seems longer today than it normally does.

Success, after closing the door behind me I turn on the shower, giving it time to warm while looking into the mirror. Nothing to see here, nothing you'd look twice at. An average looking face with no incredible defining features, both ears pierced though I stopped wearing earrings years ago.

A college cut hairdo with brown eyes... yep pretty plain. Actually I guess my eyes are my one defining feature as everyone thinks I'm half Asian because they're tighter than normal. However I'm not mixed, just your average black guy who just so happens to have slightly more squinted eyes than usual.

Not surprised that my one unique feature comes from the assumption that I have a trait from another race, go figure. Again, I'm nothing you'd look twice at if you passed me on the street.

Closing my eyes, I rub my head while dreading this final day before the break. It is what it is, placing one hand on the sink while using the other to slide my boxer briefs to the floor. Ready to jump in the shower I take one last look at myself in the mirror.

At first.. unsure if my eyes were deceiving me, I squint and lean forward trying to see through the now steamed glass. My eyes widen as my heart starts to race. I try to gasp but as the moisture in my mouth and throat seemingly evaporate, only a hollow whistle echoes out from my partially sealed lips.

I know it's not real, it's impossible... instead of my own reflection, I see her... I stumble back until I'm awkwardly pressed against the wall and towel rack.

My head slightly tilts, expecting the image to change and prove that I haven't gone crazy... but nothing changes, she continues to stare right at me with those glistening hazel eyes.

I'm losing my mind. No, it's early in the morning; I hardly sleep as it is and the steam from the shower has fogged up the mirror, that's it! That has to be it... right?

She wears no expression, though her eyes tell a story of misery and regret. I feel a sharp pain as my lips try to peel apart. So dry that it hurts, I can feel my skin tearing but I don't care.

Finally as the last bit of skin breaks free and allows my mouth to open, she slowly turns her back to me and vanishes, as if not wanting to hear what I had to say.

My initial thought was that maybe I should skip the shower today. Being who I am I can't just not shower... so that's out. My reflection stares back at me, just as lost in thought as one would be in a situation like this. Did all those years of deprived sleep finally catch up with me?

I wanted to go back to my room and pretend none of this happened, I mean for all I know I'd get back to my room and see myself lying there sound asleep, then boom! I wake up from the dream... or was it a nightmare?

The idea is quickly shattered after hearing footsteps followed by the sound of the refrigerator opening. Ugh, every day I have to look at him and every morning it's the same thing.

He's a creature of habit and routine as I am. Accepting that I'm absolutely not going to acknowledge what I thought just happened, I jump in the shower.

"Shit fucking son of a....!" I angrily grumble, making as little noise as possible, though the kitchen is just down the hall so I know he hears the shower.

Of course the water is freezing now, to be expected. I didn't really think it would stay warm and toasty for me while I recovered from what was clearly a mini mental breakdown.

So goes my life, these are the kind of problems I endure while other kids worry about how they're going to get to a party, or how they'll get alcohol for said party.

After taking a Navy Shower, I dried off, wrapped a towel around my waist, quickly brushed my teeth, then headed for the door. I paused and thought about checking the hallway first, but since I know he's up and has obviously heard me in the shower, I decided to gun it for my bedroom.

Just before exiting the door frame, I see his outline in my left peripheral. Not dumb enough to fully acknowledge and let him know I see him, I vote against making eye contact, turn right and hastily make my way down the hall.

My footsteps echo off the wood floor as I continue to increase my strides, finally disappearing into my room and closing the door behind me.

Yes! Master of avoidance, prince of stealth, king of covertness! I am a thief in the...

"Danté, I know you saw me standin there!" I hear him yell.