The Beast of Fox Hill

Fourteen

The following morning comes, awaking me with its shining sun peeking through my blinds. I groan to myself as I do all too often when I wake up from the night. I pull the sleeve of my shirt over my hands while I stretch my limbs out. I sigh as I finish extending my muscles and relax back into the bed. 

I lay for a few minutes, letting my head return from its groggy state back to its daily awake one. For a moment I wait in my bed as I would on a normal day, but the memory of the prior night hits me like a train. 

I completely forgot Cassander was staying here last night and I rush and jump out of bed. I check the time and see it is already late in the afternoon. One thirty in the afternoon to be precise. 

I scramble out of my bedroom door, ignoring the fact that I am still in my pajamas. I race down the hallway and make it to the living room only to find it empty. The blanket I had given Cassander is neatly folded and placed on the end of the couch. 

"Cassander?" I call out, wondering if he is still in the house. When no response comes, I walk back to the bathroom which is empty and dark. I give out a sigh. He must have left, I think to myself. 

I walk back to the kitchen, sighing as I go. I should have set an alarm to wake myself up so I did not miss him. 

I open the top freezer section of my refrigerator and pull out a frozen breakfast sandwich to make a quick and easy breakfast. I open the plastic package and stuff the sandwich into the microwave and set the time accordingly. While it cooks, I grab a mug out of the cupboard followed by opening the refrigerator and snatching the orange juice out before closing the refrigerator with my foot. 

I set the glass down, pouring the juice just as the timer went off for the microwave oven. Again I sighed as I pulled out the scalding hot sandwich carefully with the tips of my fingers. I set the sandwich onto the table and grabbed my juice before sitting down. 

I felt guilt rush through me as I thought about Cassander getting up and leaving without me even saying goodbye or thank you again for him helping me with my cut. I shake my head as I concluded there was nothing more I could do at this point. 

I sat peacefully by myself, thinking of what to write in my book next while I ate my brunch. I always thought of my writing ideas before they actually became words on paper. I had a very active mind, and it sure helped when writing books. 

Once I had finished my food and orange juice, I make it over to the sink which to my disappointment is still full of dishes from the previous day. I roll my sleeves up and drain the stale cold water. I turn the hot water handle and allow the water to heat before washing all the dishes. 

Finishing up the chore, I decide that cleaning might be a good idea to get my mind off the disappearance of Cassander this morning. I begin to overthink, and remember he did not even leave a note. I turn my guilt away from myself, saying that it was rude of him not to leave any warning that he was gone. He neglected to say goodbye as well and I told myself I should not feel guilty for not doing so as well. 

I meander back to my bedroom where I change out of my nightwear and put on some appropriate day clothing. I slip on a pair of comfortable gray jogger pants and a fitted black long sleeve shirt, thinking to myself that it would be a perfect outfit for cleaning in. 

Just as I am about to leave my bedroom, my phone which sat upon my nightstand begins to buzz from a phone call. I promptly make my way over to it and check it almost expecting it to be word from Booker or Cassander. I swipe to answer it and quickly speak up. 

"Hello?" I ask into the phone. To my disappointment, the voice of a recorded message from a scam company begins to speak. I sigh and hang up, setting my phone back to its place on my nightstand.