When Shadows Rise | I

Ch. 7 | The Sato Family

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The next afternoon, April told her father she was going to the library with Talia, but she took the subway to the neighborhood of Inwood instead. She called the person she was meeting in advance, in which he agreed. April wasn't sure what she was going to say, but she needed his help. She double-checked her bag to see if the envelope was still in there, and sighs when it was. She had a knack for losing things whenever they're put in her pockets or bag; she didn't trust them one bit.

April hopped off when the subway screeched to a halt. She trudged her way through the station, the hot and sticky air suffocating her like poison gas. She wished summer would pack its bags and get the hell out of here. Her legs were beginning to turn into mush, so she hailed a taxi. She fanned herself and gulped water from her water thermos like she was dying (which, in her opinion, she was).

She had the strength to peer out the window, and it had a strange calming effect on her. Maybe it was because compared to central Manhattan, there weren't enough cars driving, honking, and people chit-chatting to rupture her eardrums. It was quiet; relaxing— the ideal atmosphere for her when it was time to find a place of her own.

Eventually, the driver dropped her off. April paused in front of the house and swiped her hand across her forehead, droplets of sweat clinging to her knuckles. The house she was standing in front of was made out of brick and had a covered porch; different assortments of potted plants decorated the brick stairs leading to the porch. The lawns were manicured to perfection and there was even a peach tree— the peaches looking ripe and ready to eat. The scenery was a nice change from seeing all those apartments, townhouses, and brownstones everywhere she turned.

As April closed the distance between her and the front door, she noticed the porch chairs and their beige cushions, as well as the shoe rack placed next to the door. She kicked off her sneakers and snatched her pair of sandals from the top shelf; she found it a waste of time to take her sandals back home when she always visited frequently, so little by little, she would leave them in the same spot until her brain got used to it.

She rang the doorbell twice. To pass the time, April's thoughts wandered off into space. What was her friend going to find? Of course, supposing if he could find anything. And if something was left on that envelope, would it actually help in any way with Talia's investigation? April was in no way religious, but she prayed several times that this would be a big break; Talia needed it.

"April?" When she heard the voice, April shoved her thoughts to the side. The person standing in the doorway wore nothing but an oversized hoodie and gym shorts, and April slightly grinned when she looked down and saw that the sandals the guy was wearing were mismatched. The boy's dark curls hung over his forehead, and while his mischievous smile screamed 'Don't trust me with matches or sharp objects', his bright blue eyes shone with excitement at the redhead's presence.

"Hey, Mikey." April stretched her arms out for a hug. Mikey was by no means a bodybuilder, but his hugs were enough to crack people's ribs. It was like being hugged by a polar bear.

After hugging, Mikey unplugged his earbuds. "So, what brings you here today? Which, you know you're always welcome 24/7, but your visit is unexpected. Unless you already miss us, which would be the right answer. Come in!"

April was practically pulled inside the house. Every time she visited, she loved the vibes she felt— homey and comfortable. The abstract paintings on the walls depicted either koi fish swimming freely, or bamboo dancing in liquid moonlight; there was an elmwood geometric bookshelf housing antique vases, books, and miniature bonsai. Spread across the floor was someone's varsity jacket, and the coffee table was stacked with magazines. April's nose took a quick whiff and caught the distinct smell of teriyaki sauce.