Pages

Prologue

The sounds of people walking, talking and laughing and kitchen utensils clinking with each other. They are all competing to be the loudest. The whole restaurant is filled with them but no one seems to be disturbed. Everyone seems to enjoy the atmosphere. Even with these many flavours of sounds, the ambience is far from deafening.

Two girls who are sitting at the table next to the window are among those who contribute to making the restaurant merrier. More than an hour has passed since they entered the restaurant and occupied the table. A few empty glasses and plates stacked on their table become evidence of how long they have been there, the only loyal audiences and listeners to their conversation. The two girls keep conversating, ignoring everything that happens around them.

Time continues to flow. The outside world slowly becomes quiet, taken over by the peaceful night. The number of vehicles on the road is gradually decreasing, and so does the number of people who are entering the restaurant. Bit by bit, it turns quiet and empty as it approaches its closing time. The employees and the two girls become the only people left. The employees seem to not mind the presence of their only customers left. But deep down, a slightly uneasy feeling gradually floats. In their mind, they have created a few scripts to use to kindly ask them to leave.

Fortunately for them, the two girls are not yet drowned in their conversation. They realize the change of atmosphere in the restaurant.

"Man, that was funny. I can't believe that actually happened." Linda sniffs and wipes the tears that coming out of her eyes.

"Yeah, right?" Rose lets out the remaining laugh in her stomach. They are both releasing a tired sigh as they look around the empty restaurant from their seat before bringing their sight outside through the window beside them. Most of the shops are already closed and there are barely any people walking outside.

"It's already late, huh? I didn't realize it at all." Linda says without moving her sight away from the outside scenery. Her fingers are gently caressing her glass.

"None of us did. We were having too much fun talking that we lost track of time." Rose stares at her glass, also caressing it.

"So, want to head back home?" Linda changes her focus to her friend. Rose notices her and moves her eyes from the glass as well.

"Of course. Not sure if you can feel it, but I feel like the employees here are glaring at us with...quite an uneasy look." Rose whispers and glances around quickly before focusing back on Linda.

"Well, you're not wrong. Better leave on our feet before they use theirs." They chuckle and finish their drinks before calling one of the employees to pay their bills. The employee looks blissful and relieved, knowing that he can close the restaurant and go back home. Both Linda and Rose get up simultaneously from their seats after paying their bills and leave the restaurant. They glance around to see the actual situation outside the restaurant. Not much of a difference from what they saw earlier. Without wasting any more time, they open their steps toward home.

"So, when are you going to go back to your parent's house? You're not going to spend the holiday alone, aren't you?" Rose asks as they walk side by side on the almost empty sidewalk.

"Of course not. Though, I don't know when to go home really. I haven't called my parents yet. How about you?" Linda replies. Her question is followed by a pause. Rose's mind is spinning, generating an answer for her friend.

"I think, I want to go back this weekend." Rose answers.

"Eh? Why so early?" Linda turns her face to Rose in surprise.

"My family has planned to celebrate the holiday together, and I have to help with the preparations. Is it too early? I can change my plan and stay with you if you want." Rose looks back at her friend. A concerned tone can be heard in her voice.

"Meh, I'm fine. Well, if you want to go back this weekend, I guess I'll join you." Linda lifts her shoulders as she throws her sight in front of her.

"Are you scared of staying home alone?" Rose chuckles. A big grin formed on her face, having fun teasing her friend.

"Of course not. Ridiculous." Linda pouted without turning to Rose.

"Okay, okay, you're not." Not interested to drag her tease, Rose cut it short. They continue to chat and laugh, keeping their night walk session bright.

As they approach a small alley, a loud thumping sound hits their eardrums. It is loud enough to immediately break their conversation and steps. They turn simultaneously to the alley in a jolt, surprised by it. Nothing unusual meets their eyes from their spot, as there is an insufficient amount of light in the alley. Linda and Rose look at each other.

"What is that sound? Should we check?" Linda voices her concern.

"Sure, I guess?" A hesitant answer from Rose. A slightly scared expression displayed on her face. But she follows Linda into the alley nonetheless. None of them has ever used the alley before. They have no clue what will welcome them here. But they are equipped with tools to defend themselves if something were to happen.

They tiptoe deeper into the alley. Their heart is thumping faster with each step. However, it is not long before something blocks their way. They immediately kill their steps, and they do not wish to go even further. They cover their mouth with their hand and gasp upon witnessing the thing that blocked them. All the meals and drinks that went inside their stomach earlier are being pushed back up to their throat. But they still manage to control themselves.

A body of a man is lying down flat in front of them. Red liquid splashed everywhere, bathing the body. All his limbs are bent at impossible angles. There is no sign or possibility that the man is still alive. Rose gulps her saliva.

"This is new. The blood is still flowing. Does that sound earlier come from this?" Rose asks in a half-whispering voice.

"I don't know. Anyway, we need to leave and call the police." Linda grabs her friend's arm. Rose nods in agreement. They quickly leave the alley as Linda calls the police. They wait just outside the alley until the police arrive and report their discovery.