Going on, Kyle made his way to a secluded part of raccoon ridge, it wasn't the best but it was far better than the other parts of Raccoon ridge as it was less crowded. Getting into the building, he walked through some flight of stairs before stopping at a door. Knocking on the door, he waited for a reply.
"Whose there?" came a voice from the other side.
"It's me, Ma" Kyle said. Waiting outside he could hear footsteps approaching and unlocking the door. The door flew open and in it was a woman who was in her fifties. The gray on the roots of hair spreading wildly to the tip of her hair. But the grey couldn't swallow up her whole hair, as her melanin resisted too some degree.
Looking at her, Kyle couldn't help but smile. His smile brimming, his teeth all out.
"Hi ma," Kyle said as he reached out and hugged her. Engulfing her in his embrace. Ma was smiling too, and hugged him too.
"That's okay now, Ky" Ma said "If you don't let go, I'll be suffocated"
Smiling Kyle let her go, before coming in and shutting the door behind him.
Sitting down on a seat opposite Ma, who also sat down on the bed. The room was quiet for a while, with Ma looking at Kyle intently but saying nothing.
"So, how have you been Ma?" Kyle started a conversation.
"I have been fine, as you can see. My back still hurts though, like from time to time and yes it seems death has been avoiding me too" she sighed.
"Come on now Ma, I thought we have been over this now? No talks about death"
"Ky it's fine you know. I am old now, I have nothing left to live for, I am just a burden to you and we both know that. So, it will be best if I just go. At least then both Conan and I can watch over you" Ma said.
Not saying anything Kyle kept staring at Ma, his face expressionless.
"Come on now Ky. It will be alright; it will all work out" Ma said. Even after saying this Ma was still not getting any better expression from him. Ma then sighed.
"Okay, I'll stay around for a while longer" she said but still got nothing from him.
"Okay, I'll stay for as long as I can"
Hearing this Kyle's expression became lighter and not as expressionless as before.
"So, tell me" she said. "Are you still with those your friends?"
Not saying anything for a while, before his eyes fell and he wasn't looking at her directly.
"So, word flies Kyle and I really don't like that you are hanging around them. Not after what happened to Conan. I can't afford to lose you too"
"Ma you don't have to worry I'll be fine. I just needed to do some work for them. It's not like I am trying to get in or something"
Rising up, Ma left her seat and came towards Kyle. Resting his head on her bosom, I know you are trying hard to provide for both of us but even if we have to live together so you stop working with them, I don't mind she said still holding his head.
Because I really can't stand the thought of losing both my sons, I know we aren't in the best of situations but I don't mind if we have to manage.
"Ma, is going to be alright; I'll be fine. So, you don't have to worry about anything" Kyle said before getting up. Now tilting his head down to look at Ma, Kyle reached into his pocket and brought out some money that he placed within her hand.
"I have to be going now Ma; I have people to meet" he said.
"Don't you want to stay longer though? You are always in a rush; I could find something we could munch on"
"It's fine, I really have a big day today" Kyle said. Giving her a hug again, Kyle left the apartment heading out into the streets. As he stepped out, he took a deep breath, releasing his breath and immediately his cold demeanor returned. His eyes having no trace of emotions.
Walking down the streets of Raccoon ridge, Kyle wasn't bothered by anyone but instead it was all calm and quiet. Strolling he walked down the familiar streets till he reached a spot with a sign. It read 'Mo's spiced rodents and soup'. The familiar scent intoxicating, stepping forward Kyle took a step forward and sat down observing the place. Mo then came over all smiles to meet him.
"So, what do you want to be served today" Mo asked.
Turning to look at him expressionlessly.
"Just the usual I presume" Kyle gave a reply.
Walking away Mo went in and came back with a bowl with him. In it the innards of a rodent. Ever since the death of Conan, Kyle has been doing this. Turning it to a kind of a ritual, coming here to eat in remembrance of him. As the memories flash through his mind, the blade, the man and Conan's blood all so vivid in his mind. His resolve strengthening as he thought about it all. With every taste of the soup, it wasn't a rodents soup he tasted but instead blood.
Taking his soup quietly, Kyle kept observing the place, nothing had really changed he thought. People still waiting for someone to throw a piece of food or meat to them. Also, those who were here just so they could scent something different other than the scent of Raccoon Ridge. Amongst them too where also the kids who were hungry and admiring Mo's place.
In their eyes one could see it shining brightly, with their mouths drooling. Looking at them Kyle stopped eating, analyzing them. He noticed how frail they looked. Though, everyone in Raccoon Ridge was frail, the kids looked like they could be blown away by the wind.
Looking at them, he motioned for the youngest to come over, the boy at first didn't move till Kyle stretched the bowl out to him. Immediately the boy walked over and reluctantly collected it. But immediately he collected it, he walked away from Kyle. As the boy walked to where the other kids were and he saw the gloat in their eyes. He immediately tried to gulp down everything.
Quarter way through, the bowl was snatched away from him as the other children had rushed over. As they scrambled and fought each other, Mo started walking towards Kyle. One of the Kids now finally snatched the bowl and started running away with it.
"It seems you now owe me a bowl and money for a meal" Mo said as he stood in front Kyle. His face all smiles as he said those words.
Placing some money on the table, Mo then picked it up and started counting. When he was done his face changed to that of shock and surprise. But gaining back his composure, his face now with his usual smile.
"Oh, thank you and nice doing business with you" Mo said as he started walking away. But was held firmly by a tight grip on his arm. Turning to look back, was now facing Kyle whose eyes were as lightless as ever.
"We need to talk"