Somnium Part II: Memory

Chapter 7 Solitude

One day, I got home from school, and no one was there. Normally I'd head to Susan's after dropping my things, but I'd never gotten home alone before. I walked around the house, mainly checking my parents' room. I'd never been allowed in there, so I wanted to see what it was like. I found a weird book in a drawer, but before I could open it, my father pulled up into the driveway. I put the book away, unaware that I wouldn't see that book again for a long time...
Susan woke me up and made me breakfast like she did every morning. It doesn't matter how many times she does it, it still gives me a sweet feeling. However, the sweetness is still a bit unnatural to me. I definitely like this feeling, but it's not what I'm used to. I want to get used to it. I need to get used to it. I'll be a much happier person if I do.
"Susan, would you mind if I took a walk around today?"
"Sure, where do you want to go?"
"Nowhere, I just want to clear my mind for a little while."
"Okay, I'll get changed."
"N-no, wait. I want to walk by myself. It's been a while since I've had some time alone."
"Why do you have to be by yourself?"
"I just want time to myself. I'll be back soon, I won't be long."
"Alright, if that's what you want. Be safe, okay?"
"Don't worry, I'll be fine."
I got dressed and headed outside. There was one place I wanted to stop by first.
My brother had been living at our family's house ever since the arrest of my parents. He's out at work, and there was something I wanted to see there. Something I believe he never knew of. Last night, I remembered finding some binder in my Dad's drawer when I was a kid. The drawer was normally locked, but it was opened slightly back then. I want to know what's inside.
I used my key to open the front door, then entered my parents' room. It was pretty dusty, so I guess my brother never went in here. Anyways, I approached the drawer, and pulled on the handle.
Of course, it's locked. Where's the key?
I looked all around the room, and I just couldn't find it. Then, I got a text. It was from Mr. Forrest.
I saw you go into your old house. What are you doing there? I wondered why he would care.
I just wanted to look around. Why?
Looking for anything in particular?
Why do you care so much?
Just don't want you to get hurt.
If you must know, I found some binder in my Dad's locked drawer when I was a kid. I want to see what's inside.
Did you find the key?
No.
Break it open with a hammer. It shouldn't be too hard.
Thanks.
I did as he said. I found a hammer downstairs and tried to break it open. After a lot of hammering, it finally busted loose. The binder was still in there. Just before I opened it, I got another text.
Wait. Don't open it.
Too late. I just grabbed the binder.
Did you open it?
No.
Don't.
Why?
Bring it to me.
Why...?
Just bring it to me. We'll open it together.
Okay. Be right there.
Something seemed fishy. Ignoring his request, I opened it up.
There were a bunch of files and newspaper articles. All of them were unsolved crimes, such as robberies, and murders. The police couldn't find the culprit behind all of it, but it seemed like there were connections between the crimes. The modus operandi matched up. Was my Dad some sort of master criminal who settled down with his stolen goods? He worked at some big company when I lived here.
Or maybe, he was a detective at one point, and he was tracking this guy down? Then again, it seems more likely for him to be the guy. He wasn't exactly a stable person. He probably abused me to keep that thrill he got from hurting others. It makes sense, and it disgusts me.
I hurried out to talk to Mr. Forrest, before he got suspicious. He was waiting at the front door of his house. I ran over to him.
"You got the thing you were looking for?" he asked.
"Yeah, right here," I said, holding it out in front of me.
"Come in quick, I don't want either of the girls to see it," he said in a low voice.
"O-okay," I stuttered.
He took me up to the guest room, since I only use it for getting dressed, unless Susan or I get sick.
Mr. Forrest looked sharply at me, piercing me with his gaze. "You opened it, didn't you?"
"I needed to see what was inside," I said plainly.
"Whatever, doesn't matter. I wanna see." I handed over the binder. He quickly flipped through it. "Do you think your father is the one who did all this?"
"It's very likely. I don't know if this binder would be enough evidence for the police though. Someone could argue that he was just fascinated by the crimes."
"True, true. I do wonder how this criminal didn't get caught. Maybe there have been a few updates."
"Well, these files are pretty old. All of them are from years before even my brother was born. So I believe that my Dad settled down with Mom and gave up the life of crime to become a father. Of course, he still had that evil urge, and he lashed it out on me."
"That certainly adds up. But your father is already locked up, so there isn't much point in solving this case anymore."
"Well, I think you're wrong. The police shouldn't have unsolved crimes on record when we can do something about it. I have solid testimony, and I have this binder. That should at least get us somewhere."
"Yeah, you're right. We should go bring this in to the police. I'll take care of that, you can go out and continue your alone time."
"Actually, I think I had enough."
"You were only alone for a few minutes. That's all you needed?"
"The truth is, I didn't need any alone time. I only thought I did. Walking on my own felt too close to my old life. I don't want to be alone. I want to be Susan's boyfriend."
"Just get out of here already," he said with a slightly disgusted face.
"Y-Yes sir."
I opened the door to Susan's room. She was sitting on her bed, looking out the window.
"I'm back," I announced.
Susan turned towards me with tears in her eyes. "I missed you so much!" she said, leading into a tight hug.
"I was only gone for a couple minutes, don't cry, silly." I patted her head, smiling. She looked up at me, and I wiped away her remaining tears. She was then ready to smile back.