I was deep in thought when I realized we had already arrived at Mr. Anderson's place. The tidy apartment welcomes my gaze; it is clear that people who live here have their meals three times a day, with an extra bread and tea to keep their stomachs full whenever they are hungry.
I'm envious of their lifestyle, if only I could have it. If only my family could live in such a manner. My parents should be able to live comfortably. I want to see my brother to pursue his ambitions, but if we are from the lower class, hope and dreams does not exist for us.
"Well, Amelie, we will have to part here. I'll just go.... I'm just going to go around the alleys and see if there's anything fascinating in town."
"Why don't you simply come along with me, jack?"
She was bewildered over why I refused to accompany her into the apartment.
"No, it's fine... plus my father instructed me to grab some bread on the way home."
"Be careful on your walk home, then. But don't stay out there for too long." she said.
I replied, "that's what I like to tell you."
I watched her as she went inside, so I decided to go on my way.
Since I arrived at Astoria, I've sensed someone following me as I stroll around the streets. I'll check to see if it's just my imagination or if someone is truly toying with me.
I walked to the surrounding buildings that had lights. It's a narrow road, so someone could pass me by, and I know if someone is following me, he'll have to walk through here. I take cover in a corner and wait for someone to appear.
I'm not sure if I'm lucky that I didn't see anyone pass by, but I'm getting goosebumps since I'm sure someone is staring at me. I rushed into the small bakery, where only a few people were conversing. Perhaps I'm just paranoid as a result of recent events in town. I passed over and purchased a loaf of bread. I dismiss the idea that someone is following me. I'm just a nobody from the slums, why would someone want to stalk a nobody like me in the first place?
"Youngster these days, getting excited over a piece of bread." I overheard the old man say as he gave me a peculiar look. Perhaps he was surprised as to why I rushed to buy some bread when there weren't many customers buying bread.
I spot an elderly woman sitting on the corner as I stroll through the alleys. I stopped by to see what she was selling, but all she had on the table was a deck of cards. The old woman, on the other hand, creeps me out because she remained silent the entire time. I'm sure she noticed me, and a typical person's response would be to inquire of the customer. I come to the conclusion that she wasn't selling anything at her table.
I was going to walk away when she abruptly grabbed my hands, and by the grace of God, I nearly jumped back and screamed. Fortunately, I kept my voice down and didn't shout. Why would this elderly lady behave in this manner in the first place? She was waving her hands over the deck of cards, which I observed. I reasoned that she might want me to place my palm over the cards, so I did.
"Ma'am, I just have two mora left; I couldn't pay you."
After buying the bread, I still have money left over from my father's ten-mora gave. I considered returning it to Father, but I figured the elderly woman was just desperate for mora, so I told her.
"It's enough."
she replied softly, nodding.
Listening to her makes my heart ache; an elderly woman working late at night is something I didn't expect, especially since I'd seen her on the street corners.
I didn't respond and simply did what she asked. Based on her previous move, I assume she wants me to place my palm over the cards. I was about to wave my hand over it when I noticed a card had attached to my palm. I hadn't even touched it, I thought.
"Jaccccckk" she said.
"Yes???!!!! Huh, Ma- ma'am, B-but how did you know my name?"
I inquired after hearing her unexpectedly call my name.
"No, that card is jack."
she stated, her head bowed so I could not see her face.
When I looked at the card, I noticed a man dressed as an aristocrat. Is this jack, then?
"But what does this imply?"
I asked, my gaze drawn to the elderly lady.
"Jaccckkk. Jack is mysterious, while the Kings and Queens represent the utmost value in both the card and life. Why would Jack, on the other hand, be there? Who was he and where did he come from? The Princes and Princesses are obviously lower than the King and Queen. But neither is in the cards."
She then gripped my hand in her quivering palms.
"Does the word "jack" allude to a royal court? Maybe there's another crucial figure we haven't met yet. What is the origin of the Jack? When the moment comes, you might be able to respond."
"Keep it, keep this card close to you."
Even though I was bewildered, I found myself nodding at her. What makes her think I'm capable of answering her questions, and what does she mean when she says, "when the time comes"? I handed her the two mora and began walking back to my house.
The elderly woman's smile could be seen in her face as he turned his back on her and she faded into the shadows.
I noticed a normal-looking card while I held the cards in my hands and considered tossing it away on my way home, but I opted to keep it rather than feel bad if I threw it away. When I felt the chill of the night, I put it in my pocket and cuddle myself.
I proceeded home without a care, forgetting about the fact that I had felt someone stalking me a while ago and encountering a strange old woman.
***
Something sinister was hiding around the corner when Jack and Amelie walked down Astoria Street.
Tonight, I sat on the corner, waiting for any prey to appear. It's been two nights, and I'm still shaking with the fact that I've been hiding for a while. Because the police inspector patrols every night, I resolved not to take any prey just to be safe, but I couldn't handle it any longer.
I observed my victim walking through the streets while I was immersed in my thoughts. I could tell that two people were still in their mid-teens. It's ideal for being my prey. God must adore me for giving me such tender flesh to slaughter. I'm laughing because I realize how fortunate I am.
The criminal mused to himself.
He observed the girl enter the apartment and decided to pursue the young boy.
"Hek Hek, my, this lad is truly a perfect victim for tonight."
A smile could be seen through the night while licking the knife.
It was while following the boy that he noticed something moving in the corner of the roadway while following the boy. Suddenly, a shadow got larger and larger until it could be compared to a building.
As he trembles with terror, his eyes shake, and turned white. As he sat flat on the ground because started losing power in his legs as he looked up at the giant figure. His shoulders are trembling, and he has his mouth open.
"Thud... hik.. Nooo...stop"
His consciousness swept away, leaving him in excruciating anguish across his entire body. But he was unable to stop the shadows from devouring him.