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Its been 3 days since I've seen him.
To top that off—I feel like shit. It feels like I'm coming down with something. My body aches and I can't seem to stop shivering, my appetite is gone, my brain feels foggy...
I dragged myself to my abuela's house that day to bring her some groceries. The brown paper bag I was carrying felt like a 50 pound weight. By the time I got to her door, I had to lean on the frame for support.
"Abuela..." I said weakly
I heard some shuffling before she opened the door a few seconds later.
"Zoe, I—" The expression on her face quickly turned from joy to concern "Que te paso?" (What happened to you?)
"Nothing. I just... I'm not feeling well."
She ushered me inside and took the groceries out of my arms, setting them down in the kitchen while I struggled to stand on my own. She made me lay down on the couch.
She placed her hand on my forehead.
"You have a fever—and you stink... you smell like that demon." She noted "Has it showed up?"
I shook my head.
"Not in 3 days." I replied
She left for a bit, returning with a mug of hot tea. She wrapped me in a colorful blanket as I told her about my symptoms.
"Your sickness is that demons doing."
I shook my head
"I really think I just caught something, grandma."
"No. This is your spiritual energy... somethings wrong."
"But like I said, I haven't seen him—it—in days."
"Doesn't mean it isn't lingering, stinking up your energy."
"I give up. Whatever this demon is, nothing seems to be making it go away." I concluded "Maybe theres nothing we can do anymore..."
I closed my eyes, too weak to hold them open any longer.
"We might have to take greater measures... Zoe I'm really worried..."
Her voice faded into the background. I don't know if I fell asleep or passed out, I just knew I was in another state of mind. My body felt lighter, my aches disappeared.
It was dark, I rubbed my eyes hoping it would help me see better. I could hear...music in the distance. A voice, chanting quietly.
I am a murderer I am a demon, the son of a serpent What is your faith? What is your worth? Have you felt acknowledgment? If I kill you now, will you go to heaven or hell you believe in?
