Remember Death

Chapter 14. Master of Puppets

After a couple of hours of playing games, watching Sam compete in contests, winning a prize of $200, and aimlessly wandering around, we made our way to Sam's bike. We stood hesitantly beside it for a moment, before Sam wrapped his arms around me. I rest my head on his shoulder, and he rested his head on mine.

"Today was wonderful, Sam," I thank him.

"Let's go beautiful. The day is still young, and there are lots to do." Sam said, handing me my helmet.

"Like what?" I ask with a nervous laugh.

"I think you might want to hear my story from another perspective; now, hop on." He insists.

I obeyed and climbed aboard. We sped down a twisting and winding road that led further out of the city. It didn't take very long before I recognized where we were. A gut feeling told me this day was about to spiral downwards. 

"This is the way to Ron's and Diane's house, isn't it?" I shout against the wind.Sam shook his head, yes.

Once we arrive, Ron and Diane are already standing outside; They are waiting on their porch for our arrival. I muster a fake smile and wave at them from the bike. I have a feeling that my weekend plans to visit here with Sara is soiled; we were hoping to discover secrets regarding Sam.

"Hello, Sam and Adelaide. It is lovely to see you here together." Daine said, pulling us in for a hug. Ron pats us on the back, as we saunter up the steps, "Come on in and make yourselves at home."

Sam and I help ourselves onto their couch. An uneasy feeling still possess me; this encounter feels peculiar. My strange obsession with thriller movies taught me to be aware of my escape options and have a defense plan in mind. I scan the room, noticing not much has changed:

The window behind me is still unlocked.The mudroom door is slightly open.There is a loaded gun above the fireplace mantel.A display of knives sits on the kitchen counter. 

"We did not expect to see you until this weekend, Adelaide. What brings you this way?" Ron inquired about my sudden arrival.

"Hmm?" I ask, pretending to be lost in thought. I peak over at Sam; he crosses his arms, and shares a desolate expression.

"I was telling Adelaide my life story. I thought, perhaps you two could shed some light for her." Sam's excitement turned to indifference.

"What would you like to know, Adelaide?" Daine quizzed.

All the questions I have are meant to be asked without Sam's presence."I am not sure." I hesitate nervously.

"Don't tell me you have forgotten the list of concerns that you were hoping to clarify this weekend? No need to be shy, darling, ask." Daine presses on.

I feel defeat as she blurts those words out loud. "I was hoping to look through those scrapbooks we made. If that is okay?" I try to make a once haste conversation seem casual.

"Yes, that is right. You did mention those. Hang tight, and I'll go get them." Daine said, hurrying off to the back room.

"May I get you two a drink or some dessert?" Ron walked around, bestowing an antique tray with fresh baked goods. "She could be gone awhile; she likes to put things in their proper place, but forgets where that proper place is." Ron snickers at his joke.