DEXTON'S POV:
The days have turned into a blur, each one blending into the next. It feels like a never-ending darkness has settled upon my soul. The world around me has lost its vibrancy. Its colors are now muted and lifeless. A piece of me has been ripped away, leaving behind an empty void that nothing can fill.
Ever since my mother died, things have been different…. in a weird way. She was my best friend. I wake up every morning yearning for her presence. Wanting to wake up to her by my side, telling me it's all a prank. I remember her gentle touch, her soothing voice that could calm any storm within me. She was my rock, my guiding light. Her absence feels like a cruel joke, a nightmare I can't wake up from. I longed to hear her laughter again, to feel her arms wrap around me in a comforting embrace.
As I walked through Aunt Marie's garden, memories of my mother came flooding back. I could vividly remember the days when she was alive, she loved spending her evenings in the garden. She had a special ritual of enjoying a cup of freshly blended fruits and a refreshing smoothie she made herself.
Each delicate petal in the garden seemed to carry a piece of my mother's spirit. The vibrant colors mirrored her zest for life and the resilience she showed even in the face of adversity. The roses, with their velvety petals, symbolized her grace and elegance. The sunflowers, reaching toward the sky, represented her unwavering optimism and strength.
As I continued my stroll, I could almost hear her voice whispering in the gentle breeze, guiding me through the garden. The fragrance of the blooming flowers enveloped me, transporting me back to those cherished moments spent with her. It was as if time stood still and I could feel her presence by my side.
However, amidst the solace of the garden, my thoughts shifted to my twin sister, Anise. She always seemed to handle our mother's demise with an air of composure, as if she had everything under control. Anise had always been the one to strive to be the bigger person, to shoulder the burdens and responsibilities that came our way. It was no surprise that she has taken it upon herself to work closely with Detective Jake on our mother's case.
While I admired Anise's strength and determination, I couldn't help but feel a sense of concern. I knew that delving deeper into the investigation could potentially unearth painful truths that might shatter her seemingly unbreakable facade. It was my fear, my utmost worry, that the weight of the revelations could overwhelm her, leaving her broken and vulnerable.
Anise had always been the one to protect me, to shield me from the harsh realities of life. But now, I couldn't help but feel the need to protect her in return. I wanted to spare her from the heartache and anguish that might lie ahead, to shield her from the truth that could potentially unravel our world.
As I walked into the house. The aroma of a delicious meal wafted through the air, instantly awakening my senses. It was clear that Anise poured her heart into preparing this dinner. I was grateful to her because she knew what I needed at that time…food. Aunt Marie had a night shift at work leaving I and Anise all alone in the house.
The table was set meticulously, and each dish was carefully placed with utmost care. The vibrant colors of the vegetables, the tantalizing aroma of the spices, and the inviting sight of the perfectly cooked main course all beckoned me to take a seat and indulge in this culinary masterpiece.
The room was dimly lit, casting a long shadow that seemed to mirror the uncertainty in our hearts.
As we sat down together, I sensed the flicker of concern in Anise's eyes. She knew of my worries, my fears, and the unspoken desire to protect her from the truth that lay ahead. Anise's presence beside me provided a comforting reminder that we were in this together.
As I gazed up at her, I could sense the turmoil that consumed her. It was evident that something troubled her deeply, yet she insisted on keeping it to herself, repeatedly claiming she was fine. But her eyes betrayed her, revealing a storm of emotions beneath the surface.
Unable to bear her distress any longer, I reached out and gently took her hands in mine, intertwining our fingers. The touch was meant to convey reassurance, a silent pledge that she could confide in me without fear of judgment or betrayal. "you can trust me, Anise" I whispered with my voice filled with sincerity.
With a hesitant sigh, Anise finally relented, her voice trembling as she spoke. The words that escaped her lips shattered the fragile peace that enveloped us. I found something…something that might help with Mum's case. I saw a video on a flash drive I found in our mother's room and it was a video of dad. I don't want to point fingers but I gave it to the detective and it could be used as a piece of evidence in Mum's case, especially for the fact that they are divorced.
The news struck me like a bolt of lightning, leaving me numb and at a loss for words. I had always known that our father's involvement in the investigation was a possibility, especially since they turned foes after the divorce. But the reality of seeing him in handcuffs was a sight I wasn't fully prepared for. Conflicting emotions surged within me, battling for dominance.
A sudden heaviness settled in my chest, stealing my appetite and leaving me feeling untethered. Without a second thought, I rose from my seat and made my way toward the door, the need for solace driving my every step. Lucas's house, my lifelong best friend, beckoned to me like a sanctuary amidst the chaos.
As I traversed the familiar streets, memories of our shared childhood flooded my mind, offering a temporary respite from the overwhelming reality that awaited me. Lucas had always been my anchor, a steadfast presence through the highs and lows of life. I knew that his company would be a great distraction and that is exactly what I need.
The door to Lucas's house swung open, revealing his warm smile that instantly brought in a positive energy. Without uttering a word, he embraced me in a tight hug, allowing the unspoken pain to be shared between us.
As the hours turned into minutes, and minutes into moments. Lucas and I spent the entire day immersed in the captivating world of a video game. It brought a sense of liberation, escaping the confines of reality. Each button press and joystick movement became an act of defiance against the mundane. The pixels on the screen danced before our eyes, captivating my minds and souls. It was a day when the boundaries between the real and the virtual blurred, and we discovered a temporary refuge from the trials of life.