The Way Back Home's

Sneak Out

The sun has not yet risen. Farrell tried hard to close his eyes. The sleepiness did not come near. Himself restless. His mind drifted on father, mother, Christo, also Eden’s Lodge. It's probably best if he gives Denise a certificate right away. After all, he did not have to wait until morning came. The certificate is in hand. That's why Farrell asked his two sisters to come up with a certificate here. With a certificate of lodging, Farrell can be free to return to Eden’s Lodge alone. Milo and Libby will be safer with Mrs Bliss at the moment. And so did Remy.

Farrell even thought that had he been blessed as Ruberu had said before, he might have found another fortune. Who knows Jim and Joe are asleep, so he can immediately free mother and Christo.

Against the cold, Farrell flicked away his blanket. He moved so slowly, not wanting to make a fuss and wake up the people in the room. He took out a jacket and a map containing certificates and tiptoed open the door. In the dark, his eyes could still recognize the row of table chairs, the lively decoration of the teahouse, as well as the stairs leading down. Quietly, Farrell climbed the stairs.

While moving, Farrell watched the surroundings. He had to find the key to the exit. Both the back door and the front door were clearly locked tightly. If he wants out, he has to get the key first. Upon arrival on the first floor, Farrell approaches the front counter trying to find anything in the form of keys. There, he found only an antique cash register and drawers that were locked tightly.

Farrell was going to go backwards. At that moment, he was surprised by a shadow figure who was sitting casually on the stairs. “Where to?”

Farrell recognized the owner of the voice. “Milo? What are you doing?” reply Farrell while lowering his voice.

“following. What else?” Milo came down casually. He was no less prepared than his brother. He was already wearing a jacket complete with scarves as well as shoes. “We're going back to the inn together, remember? I'll accompany you to Eden’s Lodge to free mom.”

Farrell rolled his eyes in disbelief. “Seriously? Libby—”

“He still sleeps in the room. I didn't wake him.” Milo sighed while shaking his waist. His eyes glanced at the green suit in the brother's hand.  “Come, Farrell. I know you meant to go there alone. Otherwise, why bother bringing up the certificate here?”

“You don't know how dangerous Denise and her two subordinates are.”

“I know. I spent more time with them than you.”

“Milo—”

“Don't treat me like a child! I can help.”

Farrell frowned. It's different from the original plan. On the one hand, Farrell doesn't want to put his sister in danger. On the other hand, Milo might indeed be able to help. “Good. You can come with me. Now, help me find the door lock.”

Milo threw a wry smile. He did not move from the place. “I've made myself useful.” His head looked up at one of the cabinets under the stairs. Right next to the closet, there is a small hook hidden large flowers in a pot. On the hook, there is a key to the front and back doors of the Bliss and Tea Room.

“Good!”

Farrell took it easy. There were only two keys to the ring. Both are classically shaped, made of iron, with simple carvings on the sides. Farrell chose the back door. He turned the key into the hole. After sounding ‘klik’ softly, Farrell pushed the door. However, the door was fluttering in its place.

“Maybe the door is rusty,” whispered Milo. He helped his brother push the door. Still no results. “This door is like a wall only.”

Farrell hurriedly turned around. He felt someone coming at them in the dark. “Remy? Now you are awake?” His eyes could recognize this figure in the dark.

“A— I hear voices. Ku— I thought robbers. Wake time, Farrell su— is gone..” Remy squinted as he stepped forward. “It's still dark. Where do you want to go—” Remy cut his own words. “You want to go back to Eden’s Lodge!”

“Sst! Don't be noisy!”  Milo immediately rebuked but did not dare to scream. His eyes glared at Remy, making the former chef inching backwards. “Back to room. You just sleep!”

“Remy,” Farrell instead, calling instead. “You are familiar with magic, ‘kan? Is this door also magic protected?”

“Te— Of course. Almost everyone uses magic to make sure the door is not easily damaged.”

“Then, you can open it?”

“Help us open this door, please.” Farrell got out of the door. Remy didn't come any closer. Farrell added. “Do not worry. Later we will explain everything to Madame Bliss after this is all done.”

“Ka— Then I'll come with you.”

Milo patted his forehead. “Now you are following?”

“I might be able to help you guys.” Remy's reason is the same as Milo's.

Milo could only throw a glance at his brother.

Farrell nodded. “It looks like we will indeed need your help. So, please, open this door first.”

Remy's approaching the door. His hand touched the doorknob while his lips whispered something in foreign words. Farrell and Milo don't know what it means. They only knew that it would make the door open now. All three tiptoed out. Cold air and strong winds greeted them. His heart pierced to the bone. In order to keep warm, Farrell uses Vincent's potion. The dose is right for all three of them.

“Bo— Can I save the bottle?” Remy glanced at the empty bottle in his hand. He was the last to drink the potion.

“Memories?”

All three jerked. The question had not come from among them, but from the black shadow that was now approaching. Milo shuddered in horror. Remy's moving back behind Farrell. Again, Farrell recognized his guest. It's the third time tonight he's been rebuked.

“Ruberu? You it?”

This shadow landed in front of Farrell. His sturdy figure made Milo wary.

As if he could understand Milo's thoughts, Ruberu threw a faint smile. “If your brother hasn't told you who I am, my name is Ruberu from the central police. Nice to meet you, Milo Eden.”

Hearing that name, Milo calmed down more. He heard the name from his brother.

“There is something urgent?” ask Farrell. He didn't know if the police usually worked late until dawn like this or not. In his eyes, Ruberu worked dedicatedly. As if the case at hand was a personal one. He looks different from the regular police.

“I thought of showing you something. Maybe you or your sister know this guy.” Ruberu took out a round mirror the size of a fist. When the mirror was wiped, the face of the fat man appeared. Both Farrell and Remy could only frown.

Milo was stumbling. “This person is related to this case?”

“Where did you see it?” Ruberu immediately asked.

“On internet. I read an article about a TV crew being attacked by wolves and storms. He was a photographer who was almost pummeled by wolves. What does he have to do with all this?” Milo asked back.

Ruberu threw her gaze at Farrell. “Do you think of what I think?”

“Everything related.” Farrell could feel the horror beginning to crawl down his back.

“Denise knows a lot of things.”