The Endowment of the Red-Eyed Demon

Chapter 9

Monday was something I had eagerly looked forward to. It was my last chance to finally be restored to myself. Perhaps I was ashes, but I suppose that even a phoenix can rise from ashes.

That's why, after my dreary, lonely Sunday had passed, I was in much better spirits. I considered what to do with my letter or rather, 'my mother's' letter. Despite all that had happened, I felt some comfort in the manor.

But my letter was not my gravest concern. After my package had arrived, I would have more than mere hopes of safety to keep me happy. I could already imagine taking my bottles, carefully popping off the top of each of them, and feeling the taste and the numbness. It was nearly enough to put me in good spirits.

I felt like a schoolboy waking up on Christmas morning, I was so excited. I had been so excited that all morning, I waited outside just so I could be there when the postman finally did arrive.

"My, Huxley, been so long since I've seen you looking so well," My mother said as she joined me.

"I'm feeling well, mother. Have you seen the sky? I've never seen it so blue! And there's not one cloud up there." I responded.

"I'm glad to see it," She smiled, "Look! Your hands aren't even shaking. You must be feeling better."

"I am, and soon, I'll be far better," And after a moment's thought, I added, "I have a package coming."

"Do you?" Her voice hinted at disinterest, "You haven't told me of this until now."

"It's a lovely day, mother, let's not argue. I have no reason to tell you every single aspect of my life."

I was glad that the sound of hooves against dirt could be heard in the distance. And there he was, the man who had come to save me. He was mounted on his horse on the other side of the gate, waiting as the groundskeeper hobbled towards him. With an ear-piercingly loud screech, he pulled the gates open.

The pale horse trotted triumphantly into the courtyard, his rider sitting tall atop him. Behind them was a small cart filled with wrapped packages. The man dismounted, and I eagerly approached as calmly as I could. As Arthur and the man made small talk and unloaded the cart, I searched through the packages for anything that could be mine.

There was bacon and coffee and apples and potatoes, but none of it what I desired.

"Where is it?" I demanded.

"Where is what, sir?" The postman asked.

"I had Arthur request a package for me last week. Where is it?"

"I don't know what you're talking about I –"

"It was a request of Brandy, Port and Scotch! How could you forget such a thing? It's important I have it!"

"I'm sorry, sir. Arthur never asked for me to bring any brandy, or scotch or anything of the sort. All I've delivered today is the groceries that Arthur had asked for."

I turned to the little man, "What is this, Arthur? Is it true? Say it isn't so, I've never seen such betrayal in my life."

My mother interrupted before he could answer, "I knew you'd ask for such things! I knew you'd try to outsmart me, but you haven't and now I know the truth! Why would you request such things? You should know better, my God! You should know better!"

"Get away, mother! Leave me alone! What did I tell you? I have no need to tell you every aspect of my life!"

She looked as if her little red face was about to explode. I felt as though if she didn't hit me first, then I would hit her. I should've. It only would've been a bit of revenge.