I stirred with a loud noise.
I sat up, leaning against the palms of my hands.
I looked around and smelled smoke.
I then heard the noise again.
It is louder than before.
I sucked in a big breath and stood up.
I could not find my slipper, so my toe touched the floor softly, followed by my heel.
I was taking every step cautiously because since I have been here, I have seen the death and destruction here.
A quick nod escaped me.
I reached out to the doorway, peered outside, and a voice echoed in my ears.
It seemed like someone was in a pleasant mood.
I drew a long breath while walking towards the stairs.
I stopped for a second and peered behind the wooden railing to the ground below, where I saw a tray of muffins.
The room went silent.
I got up and walked down the stairs quietly.
When I reached the last step, I saw someone sitting on the couch.
She had long black hair and two buns on her head.
I carefully walked over to the couch.
But before I reached the couch, the loud scream echoed in my ears.
I flinched, turned around, and saw Aunt Agatha standing behind me.
Before I formed a word to say something, a soft voice caught our attention.
“Hey, I do not want to scare you, but as a good neighbor I brought breakfast for you.” There was urgency in her voice.
She slapped her head.
“Sorry, I forgot to tell you my name is Kristina Zang.”
Aunt Agatha broke into a smile.
I looked at Aunt Agatha’s face.
I noticed that it was not a genuine smile, but I felt her pain.
Aunt Agatha stepped forward.
She grabbed the tray filled with muffins in her hand.
“Thank you.
So nice of you,” Aunt Agatha said while walking towards the kitchen.
I looked at Kristina with a plastered smile on my face.
I then took a seat on the chair next to Kristine.
She is still standing, observing the room.
Kristina briskly rubbed her hands together.
In the meantime, I saw Aunt Agatha walking out of the kitchen.
“I am sorry that I entered the house without permission.” Her voice was steady.
“You know the door is open, and I thought I should bring food for you after what happened last night.” Aunt Agatha walked over to the coat hanger and grabbed the car key from it in her hand.
She shifted her gaze from the ground to Kristina.
“I am glad that you came.
Thank you for everything.” She smiled.
“And you do not have to explain, my dear,” Aunt Agatha said in a quiet tone.
I was just sitting there observing their conversation.
“But…” Aunt Agatha cut her off, probably rudely.
“I told you that you do not have to explain.
And I am going to the notary to get the property papers and ask them about the selling process,” she said while going out of the house.
I breathe through my nose.
“I live in that house,” Kristina said, pointing at the house in front of the house we are staying in.
My face was straight; no emotion was visible on my face.
I was lost in deep thought because I do not know what to say because Aunt Agatha already thanked her and she also introduced herself.
While I was thinking, a low voice pulled me back into reality.
“Umm…I am an author.
I write novels.” She delivered his words with firmness.
I crossed my legs in front of me.
I remained silent.
Afterwards, the room fell silent.
Meanwhile, a woman walked into the house with a fancy handbag.
She had shoulder-length brown hair, black eyes, and fair skin.
When Kristina saw her, she stood up.
The woman was wearing a red linen shirt and white pants.
Kristina pressed her lips together; it showed her controlled anger.
Without saying anything, Kristina bowed her head and went out of the house.
I recognize the woman; she is Max’s mother.
I have seen her at the police station.
Lydia called her Halen, but it felt odd when she got there because she did not act like a wealthy woman.
I sat straight while running my hands on my thighs.
I sucked my teeth.
“Hi, please tell me how I can help you,” I asked.
My voice was firm.
Helan rolled her eyes.
“What happened here?” She asked.
A hint of anger colored her voice.
I looked at the front of the house, where the door was gone because it got totally burned down.
So, everyone walks in and started asking questions.
I took a deep breath.
“Umm… I think you have not heard about someone setting this house on fire,” I spoke in a quiet, resonant tone.
Helan stepped forward and placed her handbag on the coffee table, which was filled with ashes.
Helan crossed her arms over her chest.
“It was unfortunate that people did not know how to take care of the property.” Anger sharpened her voice.
My eyes widened like a balloon.
Her words really shocked me.
I told her someone set the house on fire, but she is blaming us for not taking care of the property.
It is so strange because instead of checking if we are okay after what happened last night, she is just making accusations.
Halen cleared her throat to get my attention.
I snapped out suddenly and looked at Halen.
“Umm… I heard your aunt wants to sell this property.
And I have come here to talk to you about the price.” Her voice was strong.
I pulled my hair and made a bun on the back of my head.
I drew in a long, slow breath.
I was thinking that I should tell her that Aunt Agatha does not want to sell this house.
And do not tell Aunt Agatha that she visited here.
“Uhh… I think she changed her mind because after what happened last night, she wants to know who is behind the fire incident,” I said with confidence.
I held my head high and showed her that I was confident.
Halen gave me a sidelong glance.
She took a long, cleansing breath.
Halen started rocking in the room.
“I can pay you more than you imagine.” There was an edge of firmness in her voice.
“I want to buy this house and the shop, which has been closed for years.”
I jammed my hands into my pants pocket.
I did not respond to her.
I am getting anxious now because I want her to leave because I do not want Aunt Agatha to see her because after the money she is offering, Aunt Agatha will not say no to her offer.
I was gazing at the tiles below.
In the meantime, I saw a check, which Halen held in her hand.
I slowly shifted my gaze from the check to Halen’s face.
The corners of my mouth moved upwards into a smile.
Halen motioned me to grab the check.
I touched the back of my head and a minute later started rubbing it.
“I told you that she will not sell it,” I added with a chuckle.
She clapped her hand.
“I think you do not understand because this is the blank check, and you just have to write the amount for her, and then you will receive the money, which will make you rich.” A note of firmness entered Halen’s voice.
My lips carved into a smile.
I inclined my head in disagreement.
Now I am getting upset because she is not leaving.
I thought I had to act fast to get rid of her.
I suddenly clutched the blank check in my hand.
I tucked it in my back pants pocket.
“Well, I think you should leave,” I said while walking towards the exit of the house.
Halen allowed a deep breath to fill her chest.
She then grabbed the handbag from the coffee table.
“I am giving her the best offer,” she said with a steady tone.
Halen said, “I think you should talk to her.
Also, I’m having a party, and I want you and your aunt to come.” Then she walked away.
I then put my hand on my head.
I deeply sighed.
I felt relieved after she left.
Today, Halen is acting totally differently.
That night at the police station, she seemed like a nice woman and a good mom, but today she was talking like she did not care about anyone.
It felt like she thought she owned the place.
She seems to believe she will get what she wants, even if Aunt Agatha says no.
I tightened my hands into fists.
In the interim, I heard music.
My eyebrows knit together, painting a question mark on my forehead.
I started walking towards the room, which was completely burnt.
I was going there with muffled steps.
It seemed like my bare feet were not making a sound.
As I walked into the room, I spotted the music box in the center.
A little doll was dancing to the music.
Out of nowhere, I felt a hand on my shoulder, and I started screaming.