Painting

Chapter 31

We walk toward my room with a brand new cover for the bed. It's really new, it wasn't even out of the plastic bag. I suspect Victor of buying it just for me when he went grocery shopping, but I won't tell him. Maybe it was on the way back. It's white and it makes the painting in the room shine more. We put it on the bed and we stop in front of the painting.

-I always thought the girl was a representation of something. Now I think it's a representation of someone.

-Who?

-Someone that's going to change the world.

-The world?

-My world.

-Oh, I see.

-Let's get going, look outside.

I look at the window and at the skylight. The wind is blowing and the snow makes viewing something more than three meters away, impossible.

Victor gives me new pillow cases. We make the bed together. I take the "old" sheets and he walks to his room to pick any laundry, he has to do. I walk in the laundry room which is also a vault. I study the door a little bit. I get in and Victor comes in too. I put the sheets in the washing machine and he puts his own laundry.

-I come here when I want to be away from the world, even farther from the world than the cabin itself. I put my headphones on and I read.

I don't even have the time to say anything. The lights of the house go off and the door closes itself.

A black out.

I can't even see my own hands.

-Victor, do you have your phone?

No answer.

I left mine on the charger in my room.

-Victor? I'm a bit claustrophobic.

No answer.

-Where are you? We can open this from the inside, now can we? Victor?

I try to locate the handle. I can't see a thing. I put my hands on it, it's no use, I don't even know how it works.

-Victor? Please answer me.

I listen carefully. I hear him breathing, he sounds out of breath. I walk slowly, trying to locate him without hitting him. Toward the left, the breathing gets heavier. I hold out my arms in front of me. I touch the corner, but there is nothing. I get down and I feel him. He's in fetal position and trembling.

-Victor?

-I'm sorry, I'm so sorry...

-Come here.

-I... am sorry.

-Sorry of what?

-For disappointing you.

-Disappointing me? What do you mean?

-I won't do it again.

He is clearly out of it. I take him in my arms and lean in the corner. He leans in. He holds on to me. Grabbing the back of my shirt and the fabric on my shoulder. He begins to cry a little bit. I play with is hair. I make him sit up and put his head on my shoulder.

-Don't go please, I won't do it again.

-I'm right here, I'm not going anywhere. You're alright.

Who did this to you? What happened?

We really need to find a way out, but for now, I'll just calm you down. His breathing seems to slow down. I take his hand and make circles on it with my thumb.