Chapter 1
The instinct of climbing those weary old stairs never left me in my dreams. They stretched themself to nowhere unruffled by the surrounding haze. My fingers trailed the banister’s edges and walked with care, understanding their fragile nature. The stairs always led to a room, and the last thing I remember is me turning the doorknob.
I never saw what lay behind those doors, and I never wanted to.
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It was a gloomy day outside as delivered by the months of monsoon. I sat on my chair, holding a cup of brewed coffee. The rain patted on the windowpane, and I closed my eyes, immersing myself into the serenity of the sound.
“Dreams are the reflection of who we are or the remainder of who we were. ” I could hear the distant voice of my grandmother. I missed her gullibility, and the thought of it still brought tears to my eyes.
Three years ago died in a car accident. I reminisced her as I sipped the morning coffee.
My parents were out for a few days, and I was with Silvia, who took care of the house. I was hesitant about them leaving, but grandpa’s condition was deteriorating day after day, and he had insisted on their visit.
So, it was just me, Silvia and our little house in the countryside.
I was born in the city, and we lived there until the age of six. Then we decided to move; we kept moving from one house to another because my mother longed for peace.
Where on earth would you find peace when the mind kept growling to the burden set by life. And maybe that’s why my mother could never be truly happy.
Our family, despite having an abundant amount of money, due to the family’s heirloom, was like a sad tale that the neighbors told one another.
It’s been three months since we moved, and I have already heard the gossips about the family bred from tragedies.
And they aren’t wrong tragedy was like the snake’s tail, it followed us wherever we go.
Moving here carried more harm than the good my mother had anticipated.
I could sense the stifling air present in early morning brunch. The coldness in their eyes stuck on my throat, along with every bite I took. I could hear the altercations in the next room and they only amplified as the time slipped.
“Elizabeth, it’s time for your meds.“I heard a voice that diverted me away from my thoughts. Reflected on the windowpane, I could see Silvia’s distorted figure.
“You can call me Lizz,” I said, putting down the emptied cup of coffee.
“Wandering in your thoughts again ?” she questioned, handing me the medicine and a glass of water.
“When am I not?” I gave a soft smile.
