Murder in the City of Marylane

12. Hallucinations

"Did you tell other people your problems often?"

"Rarely."

"How rare?"

"I only tell stories if they ask. It depends on the person as well."

"What about the problem you're having? Who knows it?"

"You, Miss Lerman, and one of my friends, his name is Alston."

"Your family?"

"none. I mean, not yet."

"You want to tell that to your family members someday?"

"Yes. Sometimes I feel that it is not necessary. I'll probably just burden him."

"so. You like to keep a diary?"

"I don't like to write."

"Then, you'd rather have a verbal conversation."

"Maybe. I don't carelessly talk about my problems to people."

"Just the people you trust?"

"Yes." Yeah."

"I get. What about animals? You like talking to animals?"

"I've had a cat."

"And?"

"Dead. Got hit by a car."

"Oh, sorry."

"I love talking to street cats, but that was it."

"What about now?"

"It's rare. But if I think again, having a cat or a turtle might make me a little better."

---

I was lying on the bed staring at the ceiling.

Today was exhausting as usual.

I rubbed my face and sat on my bed, then stared at the medicines Milly prescribed lying on the nightstand.

I'll drink it later.

I let out a rough breath. I stood up from my seat on the bed and walked into the kitchen. I opened the refrigerator and took out a bottle of cold water. I took it many times. I feel so thirsty today.

I glanced at the wall clock. It's already showing at twelve o'clock. I put the bottle in the fridge.

My body froze instantly when I heard that voice, which came from nowhere. I look around.

There's no one.

I closed the refrigerator door. Take a knife not far from my place. Walked cautiously even though this entire room was shrouded in darkness.

“I'm here.”

I looked back quickly, at the origin of the voice. But there's nobody there. I'm getting ready with my knife, just in case.

“In front of you.”

I turned around again. Justright.

A child who had been charred with the remnants of the flames clinging to his body was in front of me. I held my knife to him. It's just a hallucination, right? Tell me this is just a hallucination.

He chuckles. “Why are you pointing that knife at me, Killer?”

Why does ... feel real?

“Diam,” I said. “It was an accident.”

“Ha!” He's snapping. “You think I don't know that you've always envied me who always got more affection from dad and mom than you? Killing me under the pretext of an accident is like a loser.”

“Silence. That's not true.” I shake my head hard. I admit I've felt that. But ... Is that true? Did I kill him on purpose?

I can't remember the details of that incident.

“So, wouldn't it be nice if the knife was used to stab yourself? Anyway, you killed me. Come on, we die together.”

My mind feels empty. My head feels heavy. The knife I had been pointing at him, was now moving and the blade was perfectly stuck to my wrist.

“If I do, can I be free?” my many.

He nodded.

Mind empty. I can only obey his words. However, something pierced my neck before I slashed my wrist. My gaze darkens.

---

I woke up in a prone position. I widened my eyes and sat down. I held my head that felt dizzy. I'm trying to remember what happened.

I hallucinated again.

I held my neck. Something stabbed me earlier. No, this one's not a hallucination. What's he jabbing at? Syringe? Is that why I fainted?

That guy came again. Didn't I tell you? I don't know how many times I've attempted suicide, someone's gonna save me. There are people who still want me alive.

Wait, knife?

I look around.

There's no knife here. Maybe ‘people it’ already took it. He really still wants me alive.

If someone stuck that needle in my neck, how could it be? I live in a third-floor apartment. There's no way he's going through the entrance. Did he climb the balcony?

Who her?