Tale of Ephemeral Street

By TkN

A story of hopes, dreams, and aspirations. A story of which purpose is to mirror life and its inhabitants – human beings. Can a soul which never leaves its home since the age of 13 resurrect? Can it find happiness despite its painful past? Can it find resolution despite its unraveling mysteries?

• Language: English
• Publisher: TkN
• Release date: Dec 15, 2014
• ISBN: 9781311378453

TkN

TkN is currently pursuing her PhD in Developmental Psychology with a focus in Cognitive & Affective Neuroscience. When not reading articles, conducting research, or lecturing, she enjoys watching movies, writing fictions, and especially reading novels.

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Tale of Ephemeral Street

by TkN

Distributed by Smashwords

Copyright 2015 TkN

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Prologue

Noises and shades of red whirled around her. Screaming. Blood. She grabbed her temples; her eyes closed in anguish; her head violently trembling. She once again returned to that night - the thief and murderer of her youth.

Two innocent souls survived. Tainted innocence.

Her eyes awoke. She lifted her pen and scribbled onto the margin of her book, The death of night is but the birth of day.

Her eyes were closed again.

* * * *

Everyone within the Lam's household occupied their hours in preparation for the young master's arrival. Maids and housekeepers cleaned the rooms until no dusts were present, until the rooms sparkled, as if no inhabitants had lived within this mansion. Master Lam busied himself with selecting the best paintings to be placed in his son's bedroom. Madame Lam contemplated what to wear, as she looked up and down her spacious wardrobe. Since the early morning, when dew has yet left the petals and leaves, rumors spread throughout the house:

I've heard he's very handsome!

How old?

28.

Girlfriend?

Don't know. But no fiancé for sure.

That proves one thing.

What?

He's too arrogant that no girl wants to be around him.

Oh not at all! Master has been praising his filial son all week! He's both caring and polite. The only reason why he's not married is because he wanted to finish his studies at the States.

For ten years? Did he fail all of his courses or what?

Why! You have a grudge upon young master even when you haven't met him.

Neither have you, Chun Mui. Why praise him so?

Ah Sei! He graduated with a PhD in Psychology. It's natural that the process would take so long.

Dr. Lam, eh? What's he doing in this little town the rest of the world knows not of?

That... That you have to ask young master yourself. Now, is the soup ready?

* * * *

A black car slowly emerged around the corner of the muddy road. Upon noticing an approaching vehicle, the children chased after it, clearly amazed at its speed. Excited to be back home after ten years, Alexander Lam rolled down the passenger's window and inhaled the fresh air he missed when living in the hectic atmosphere of New York City. Fixing his glasses, he observed with a smile at the children playing soccer, amidst the rain.

So much had changed, Wong, Alexander addressed his chauffeur.

Oh indeed, young master. You will soon be intrigued with the events around here, Wong replied with a mysterious twinkle in his eyes that lessen his old age.

Alexander laughed at Wong's comment and said, Intrigued? No haunting ghosts I hope.

Wong, without taking his focus away from the road, said, Precisely a young living ghost.

What do you mean, Wong? Alexander asked as his tone turned serious.

If you insist on knowing... There lives a girl down the street from your house who has never left her mansion since her thirteenth birthday.

Ridiculous! How would you know she's still alive?

Her maid, of course. She goes to the market daily, always buying enough foods for two.

The gate slowly opened and their car came to a halt. As he stepped onto the ground, Madame Lam ran toward her son's opened arms.

Alexander! Oh how you've grown! What did I do to deserve the punishment of not receiving one photo of you during these past ten years?!

Ma! You know I'm not a photogenic guy, Alexander laughed as he hugged his mother.

Master Lam came forward and shook Alexander's hand, Welcome back, son!

Alexander cheerfully followed his parents to their mansion. The story of the living ghost was pushed to the back of his mind...

1 – First Encounter

The moon shone brightly outside Victoria's window, resting itself comfortably amongst the stars. But even the brightest night sky could not illuminate her gloomy chamber. Layers of curtains blocked all possible entrances for the dancing lights. Victoria's shadow walked across the room, toward the only source of luminosity - thirteen dimly lit candles. Bending down, she blew them out one by one and said, Happy Birthday Tori. Victoria stepped back to her bed, as darkness engulfed her soul...

Good night, Victoria, Emma whispered as she witnessed the dim light faded, indicating that the nightly routine was performed. Heaving in a sigh, Emma stepped into her chamber. She untwisted her hair and let the natural curls shape her face. Slowly, her hand took off a butterfly pin that left her hair only at night. The emerald pin only had one stiff wing, unable to roam the sky without guidance, without its other half. Her hands trembled as Emma placed the pin back into its box, a trace of blood still present on its lid...

* * * *

Even before the peak of dawn, before the roosters rise, the young master of the Lam's household awoke. Wearing a big smile, he descended the stairs and was greeted by a sweet aroma coming from the kitchen.

Good morning Chun Mui, Ah Sei, the young master said as he helped himself to the bowls of fruits.

Young master Lam, good day to you as well, Chun Mui replied as she prepared a tray of tea for Master and Madame Lam upstairs. Chun Mui smiled politely at Alexander and left the kitchen.

Do you usually wake up so early, young master? Ah Sei inquired.

Today is a bit earlier than usual, and do call me Alexander. In fact, tell everyone within this household to address me by my first name, Alexander friendly spoke as he sipped the hot coffee.

Perhaps Chun Mui's right about your attitude, Ah Sei muttered.

Pardon?

Oh nothing master... Alexander. Do you have any plans for today?

Hmm... Alexander knitted his eyebrows, I think I'll just make myself at home for the first week. I want to explore this town and get acquainted with the people before I start teaching at the University.

Well, it's a small town but with many interesting occurrences. Have you heard... Ah Sei halted her words.

Heard about what, Ah Sei?

"Oh nothing. Just