Phantom Chained

Chapter 34. Despair. Ingrid.

The forest thinned out as the small cottages and yards became denser, cosily filling up with light as the darkness grew closer. We were slowly entering town.

The long supermarket filled the jeep's interior with the flickering light of a display. The ampules on the floor clinked against each other each time I hit the brakes. Those that remained on the windscreen reflected light with pretty shades of yellow and red, even allowing me to read some of the text. Unfortunately, things like 'dimethyl' made next to no sense to me.

I had to brake often since lots of people were returning home after work, looking forward to some evening rest. Never thought I would be so jealous of a quiet evening.

There went the police station, which everyone called 'Aquarium' due to its outside being almost entirely made of glass. Compared to the old 'Mary' shop next to it, with its antique-styled columns and imposing walls, the station looked quite out of place. Everyone's been discussing whether to demolish it for three years now... although it would be a shame to do that now when everyone is already used to its absurdity.

For a second I thought I saw the stocky figure of Johan's dad on the stairs up to 'Mary', but quickly realised I was wrong.

And so the town center got left behind us, replaced by familiar cottages that continued to amuse Halloween spirits with garlands and jack-o-lanterns. I'm always too lazy to change the decorations straight after the holiday, but I know some of my more stubborn neighbors keep them there until Christmas. And the Christmas decorations... so stupid, am I right?

Interesting how all of that is bothering me right now... although, not exactly bothering, just swimming around my head. Just thinking about anything I see; anything to keep my mind off of...

"Are we close to our destination? I just am so incredibly worried! Only a little longer. Right, dear?"

"Yes."

It really wasn't long before we would arrive, I could already see the roof of Johan's house after two turns. After another turn Clara asked me to pull up by the side, where the trees and other greenery somewhat covered the jeep. Once I parked, Clara covered her face with her hands.

"It is finally happening!" Her voice was barely audible. "My dreams are finally coming true! The bare thought of that moment makes me go crazy, I feel like I am one step away from fulfilling my destiny; it is strange yet wonderful at the same time. A moment between the past and the future, enjoying the unknown, believing in hope and hoping for love! Oh, my sweet child, I know that you share similar feelings, as they are the thrill of life, the beating of your poor heart. I am so delighted that you have not deceived me!"

"Deceived you?"

"I was prepared for you to try and drive me as far away as possible from where your beloved resides. Oh, these contradictory feelings and the sacrifice of youth... you certainly had those feelings, I am assured you did. But this place perfectly fits the description of that poor, dead pastor and I am even more convinced by the fact that I feel Elm's presence. He is here! Yes, he is imprisoned behind these walls and I will break him free!"

"Right now?"

"No reason to hesitate! Are you ready?"

"For what?"

"Listen closely. I am going to scout this abode and, if I manage to enter without much trouble, you will no longer be needed; run wherever your heart desires. But before I allow you to do so, you must sit in the automobile and await my return. Open the doors and wait. I hope this task is simple enough for your underdeveloped brain?"

"Yes."

"Yes." I repeated a few seconds later, even though Clara was already outside; she ran on the sidewalk with ease and soon turned and disappeared behind the fence.