In the bustling and noisy city, lay a captivating beauty. The flowing vehicles created a melodious symphony, bringing unparalleled harmony to the world. Such grace and charm adorned this place. In this bitterly cold winter, nothing could match the pleasure of cocooning in a warm room, sipping soul-warming tea, and savoring a simple yet delightful bowl of instant noodles.
"Today seems perfect for lazing around in this cozy room," I murmured with a smile.
However, the happiness didn't last long. At the height of my contentment, the doorbell of my apartment rang, disturbing the tranquility of my heart. With a hint of unease, I stepped towards the intercom.
"Morning, Dan. Are you awake?" A gentle voice of a middle-aged woman echoed through the intercom.
"Yes, come in," I replied.
With a calm demeanor, the apartment door opened, revealing the figure of the woman. It was Margareth, my neighbor, who never tired of greeting me with kindness and a happy smile. Her curly brown hair and green eyes emitted a charm that was hard to ignore. Each time I met her, my heart was filled with warmth and familiarity.
Our relationship was akin to family. She often brought delicious homemade dishes and took care of me when I was unwell.
"Are you having instant noodles again, Dan?!" Margareth's voice echoed through the room. Her typical motherly mode was evident. I was startled to hear it because I knew what would follow.
"I've told you not to consume it too often. Do you want to leave this world before I do?" she spoke again with deep concern.
Smiling awkwardly, I tried to remain composed before her. "Of course not. I just feel that today is a perfect day to enjoy a bowl of instant noodles," I replied, hoping my response could alleviate her worries.
But her reaction wasn't what I expected. "You said the same thing two days ago," she said with disappointment.
I averted my gaze, trying to avoid her penetrating stare.
Margareth sighed deeply, as though she had anticipated this. Then, resolutely, she moved toward the kitchen to set down the food she brought.
"Dan, could you pick up Ash and Brad this afternoon?" she asked while organizing the food.
"Sure. Don't you know I'm an unemployed person?" I replied casually, while enjoying the instant noodles in front of me.
But Margareth's response was not as delightful as the food she arranged. With a mocking tone, she replied, "What kind of unemployed person can afford to live in a neighborhood like this? Unless you're the lazy heir of some conglomerate. But that's impossible."
Margareth's words were not wrong. The building I lived in was a luxurious apartment inhabited by celebrities and well-known officials. The rent itself ranged from 8,000 to 20,000 pounds. This place offered amenities and security that couldn't be ignored, making it accessible only to the wealthy and influential.
However, the truth I hadn't shared with her was that I wasn't an heir of a conglomerate, a celebrity, or an official. I was just an ordinary individual who happened to be the owner of this building. Initially, when I bought the building, I intended it to be my private research center, but somehow it turned into a luxurious apartment complex with fantastic market value.
"You don't have to say it so loudly. It's true, I am an unemployed person who wants to enjoy the rest of my life," I said with a small laugh.
"Well then, enjoy your life while you're still young. And don't keep consuming instant noodles," she said with a slightly sour expression, showing her deep concern.
Touched by her care, I became curious about that slightly sour expression on Margareth's face. Without hesitation, I asked, "Do you have something important to attend to, that you can't pick up your grandsons?"
"I have an important meeting with that geezer," she answered briefly.
Teasingly, I continued to provoke Margareth, "Is your relationship with your ex-husband still not improving? You still call him that."
"Relationship?! There's no relationship between us anymore," she responded with a slightly raised voice.
Margareth's ex-husband was a politician who once served as the mayor in the area where I lived, and now he held a ministerial position. They never had a harmonious relationship since their divorce. Even when they were married, their relationship was like heaven and earth, unable to be reconciled. Their marriage was a political alliance, where there was no love involved between them. It was all based on professionalism rather than emotions.
When they had a son, a significant problem arose. Margareth wanted her son to be happy by supporting his dream of becoming a film director. However, the father refused and forced his son to enter the political world and be his successor. Margareth struggled to ensure her son could live a happy and free life. Unfortunately, her efforts were in vain. Eventually, their son followed his father's path and became a politician. He also got married and had two children.
However, tragedy struck their family. Their son and daughter-in-law died in an accident that was suspected to be sabotage. It turned out there was a mastermind behind the incident, and strong suspicions pointed toward their political opponent. After that incident, Margareth decided to divorce her ex-husband and take custody of her two grandsons.
I knew all of this because we had been friends for five years. More than just friends, Margareth was like an elder sister to me. The warmth and closeness between us created an irreplaceable bond. We supported and strengthened each other through every difficulty and pain we faced.
"Alright, alright. I understand. So, when will you be back?" I asked as I accompanied her outside.
"I'll be back tomorrow morning. I don't plan to stay long there," she replied with a smile.
"In that case, I'll have Ash and Brad stay over at my place tonight. It'll be a fun night," I said joyfully.
However, before I could fully feel the joy, Margareth firmly warned, "Listen, Dan. Don't play video games until late, understand?!"
I put on a pleading face, trying to coax her, "Come on... Besides, they have a day off tomorrow. What's wrong with staying up late once in a while for some fun?"
Even though I knew she would try to dissuade me, I couldn't resist the urge to plead further, "Oh, come on... At least we won't play until morning."
Margareth sighed, giving in to my plea, "Fine. But only until midnight. And don't forget to have dinner. Also, reduce your intake of sweets and avoid junk food! Understood?"
"I understand," I replied enthusiastically, nodding my head.
Indeed, Margareth was always attentive to us. Although she could be strict at times, I knew she only wanted the best for me and her grandsons.
After that, I went to pick up Ash and Brad from school in my seldom-used car. They were very excited and asked if I had the newly released game, "The Devil Arm." I couldn't hide my pride and told them that I had it. They were surprised because the game was rare and had sold out quickly.
Unable to contain their excitement, they pleaded to play it, and I gladly agreed. As I watched them, I felt happy. Ash with his enthusiasm and Brad, who was quieter but seemed happy in his own way. They were fraternal twins, different but so close.
Before we started playing, I suggested that we have lunch first. I knew they probably hadn't eaten yet. However, I also had to remind them to avoid junk food. Ash tried to request a hamburger, but I gently refused, citing my promise to Margareth.
After lunch, we returned to the apartment and prepared to play. It was then, in the elevator, that I felt like someone was watching me. I tried to look around, but there was nothing suspicious.
I dismissed the strange feeling, thinking it was just my imagination. However, I didn't realize that this strange feeling was the beginning of something that would disturb the peace of the life I had built for so long.