Introvspect

Chapter 19 (Fatal Interest)

“He wouldn’t know, would he?”

Clyde’s parents huddled together near the kitchen sink to discuss about what their son had just discovered.

“No, it’s too soon. He’s still a kid. He wouldn’t understand it.”

Clyde could not hide his curiosity about how sneaky they were being. Every time he would inch closer to them, they would go somewhere more private.

It was insulting for him to be left out from a conversation that involved him in it.

“We’ll take full responsibility of whatever will happen.” Clyde’s mother was very worried about the consequence of him finding out about their secret.

“Trust me on this. I’ll take care of it for now.” Her husband seemed so dependable despite his many shortcomings. At least he was trying his best to protect his family.

They suddenly dispersed from their little assembly and went back to Clyde who was pouting.

“So, what did you guys talk about without me?”

Clyde's father answered for the both of them.

“We were just surprised that you knew that term, “doppelganger”. Have you heard of the legend behind seeing yours?”

Clyde knew that the boy he had a glimpse of was a legit person, not a ghost.

“Yeah…yeah…old story…I’ve heard tales about it…I’ll die meeting him face to face but Pa and Ma, see me now?”

His parents pretended to sigh in relief.

Like how can they be so clueless?

They were hiding something from him all right.

“We’re extremely glad that you’re fine, Clyde. I hope you won’t have to see that boy anymore.”

Clyde thought it meant that seeing him would lead him to the truth.

“Why can’t I see him? What if I want to befriend him?”

His mother clearly looked uneasy with her creased forehead and drooped eyelids.

“No! Just listen to us, Clyde. It’s for your own good.”

That made him want to rebel more.

How can simply being near to that boy be dangerous?

He was somehow grateful that he had something productive to do for tomorrow. It was time to skip class in a guilt-free manner.

“Okay, if you say so. I’ll gladly obey you both.”

They truly now felt relieved but they should not be.

They began to eat dinner especially cooked by Clyde’s father. The fried rice was perfect topped with a sunny side up. Each of them had a plate and in addition they opened some canned tuna to go along with it.

Clyde was surprised at his father’s newfound skill. At least they were not going to eat processed food all the way.

How effortless it was to have an ability like his. He did not have to worry about school, about work, or about anything in particular. He only just had to deal with the aftermath of unexpected surprises to his life’s circumstances but they would be bearable.

How much harder could they become?

It would be like shaking off sand from his shoes. Besides, his belief of his guardian angel would lessen his burden.