Fragile Snow

By Mood Killer

A thick glass plane separates the city up above, from the city down below. The royals from above observe the criminals down below go about their daily lives, finding pleasure in their misery. Their footsteps casting long shadows on top the forgotten people. Meanwhile, down below, beggars, thieves, and killers lurked around every, stalking their next prey. After all, it was survival of the fittest down here.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Apr 4, 2022
• ISBN: 9781665556163

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2022 Mood Killer. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

Published by AuthorHouse 03/31/2022

ISBN: 978-1-6655-5615-6 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-6655-5616-3 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2022905855

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Contents

1 The City Below

2 The Branders

3 A Silent Movie

4 Johnny’s Bar

5 Distant Dreams

6 The Games

7 Plans for Change

8 Forgotten Tears

9 Black Roses

10 A Happy Reunion

11 The Hunt

12 A Festival for Heroes

13 Gray Snow

1

The City Below

I walked through the messy crowd, struggling to push past the waves of people. Their eyes were glued to the glass ceiling, the people walking above casting shadows onto their grim faces. They desperately clawed at one another, trying to push their way into the massive tower that led up to the glass ceiling. The rich fellows looked down from above, laughing as usual. Horses’ spiked hooves sunk deep into the glass as guards carried prisoners to the tower. Skyscrapers ascended even farther past the distant tower, their foundations standing on top of the glass ceiling, casting massive shadows on the dirty ground below. Sunlight struggled to make its way down to our grimy city. The few rays that were able to shine through had a faint tinge of warmness, which was drowned by the wintry air. Church bells rang through the city skyline, their peals forcing their way through the spotless glass ceiling until the dampened sound finally managed to reach us. The uniform footsteps above us stopped in unison as the people there turned to face the white cathedral, which lay at the center of the city.

Everyone’s eyes became glued to the pristine cathedral. Long, slender pillars held up the massive building. Hints of gold lined the pillars, highlighted by the glimmer of sunlight. A massive balcony protruded outward from the cathedral, overlooking the glassy structure below. The city above went quiet as they all stared up at the spotless balcony. Suddenly, a red-gauntleted hand stretched outward as a speaker addressed the crowd below. The people above bowed their heads, intently listening to what the Savior was saying. A muffled voice demanded the people’s attention.

Why don’t you pray along with them, oh Holy One? Edren said in a sarcastic tone.

Yeah, yeah. That was a long time ago, I said, trying to move past the embarrassing subject.

Nonsense, Hans. You were so devoted. It was honestly inspiring. Edren gave a slight chuckle at the torment he was causing.

Will you shut up? I replied with a venomous hiss.

Oh, no. Please forgive me. I didn’t mean any harm by it.

Edren got onto his knees, his black hair dirtied by the same ground he pretended to pray on. His furry gray jacket was tattered, allowing strands of fur to escape their confines chaotically. The very bottom of the jacket was tinged with dried mud. Edren took a deep breath, forcing his head upward, as he stared at the protruding balcony.

"Oh, dear Saviors, can you forgive me for my blasphemous deeds? I have deeply and terribly hurt Hans’s feelings. Blah, blah. You’re amazing and all of that other stuff. Oh, shit, I almost forgot to thank Lady Fortunate—eh, whatever." Edren got up from his mockery of a prayer and dusted off his black pants, which complemented a plain red shirt.

Are you stupid? What if Lady Fortune heard you? I asked in a quiet whisper.

Oh, come on, man. So what? What is she gonna do? Come down here and throw us out? People up there don’t care what we think, Edren said with a bored expression.

His brown eyes surveyed his surroundings, stopping to stare at the massive pile of people attempting to head into the tower.

Are you serious? More newcomers. They better hide before the Branders get ahold of them, Edren said, smiling at the newcomers’ ignorant actions.

I could understand how they felt, though; it was a different world down here from up there. But no one made it out of the tower.

Hey, did you manage to catch anything good from the shop? Edren asked.

Yeah, I got us a few pieces of bread and some vegetables. I’ll make a soup or something.

Edren looked down with a disappointed expression. His nose scrunched up as he tried to muster crocodile tears. His smooth, soft skin was dirty and bruised.

Did you get into another fight? I asked.

He stopped trying to muster tears and looked at me with a dumbfounded expression. Noooooo, actually, I went through the tower. Survived that part. Went all the way into the cathedral and then fell down a flight of stairs after having tea with the other Saviors.

I felt the beginnings of a migraine but decided to go along with his woeful tale. Did you actually? No way! What did they say? Wait, I think I can guess. Wait. Give me a minute. I put up my finger, stopping Edren from continuing his idiotic tangent. I think I almost have it. Oh, yeah! They must have told you that you’re moronic.

Edren fell to the ground. He writhed in pain, pretending to be hurt, grasping at his heart.

I sighed in annoyance. Yeah, real funny, Edren. Can you get up? Samuel is going to get mad if we’re late again, I said, half begging Edren to stop being such a bother.

Edren jolted upward with an annoyed expression at the mention of Samuel. Tsk. I hate that guy. He’s so annoying. He cleared his throat and began trying to mimic Samuel in a deep voice. ‘Edren, can you please fetch me that small knife? Edren, you won’t betray me, right?’ Like, shut up.

He looked at me, trying to get me to agree. I begrudgingly nodded my head, feeling a twinge of guilt. An exuberant smile emerged on his face.

Should we wait outside when we get there? I asked nervously. I’d rather not disturb the guy.

Nah, he should be done by now.

I breathed out a sigh of relief as a shiver ran down my spine. I rubbed my arms, attempting to keep warm, as the two of us began to make our way home.

Suddenly, horns blared sharply, cutting through the crisp air. Silence fell upon the city square. Even the newcomers scrambling around the tower stood still for a moment. The obnoxious din of the market had been reduced to a few whispers and whimpers. The only thing that broke the silence was another volley of blaring horns.

It’s the Branders! screamed a man hidden in the sea of people.

Many confused individuals attempted to swarm into the cobblestone tower, but it was too little, too late. The great wooden doors were already closed. The newcomers begged to be let past, but there was no one there who could hear their desperate pleas. Others tried climbing the cold exterior of the tower, but their clawing nails couldn’t grip the sleek stone. They planted their feet on one another’s shoulders as they desperately grasped for something to hold on to, but the tower walls showed no sympathy, allowing for no stowaways.

A car crushed the dirt beneath it, closing in on the tower, its rusted exterior bearing the Branders’ symbol: a monstrous rabbit eating a decaying wolf. The rabbit’s eyes were fixated on the rotting meat, its jagged teeth full of decayed flesh. The rabbit’s jaws were tensed as it prepared for another bite. The wolf’s eyes, vacant and opaque, stared blankly out of the image. Its gray pupils were dilated, as if it took its final breath. The rabbit’s once clean fur was smeared with blood.

Behind the first car came ten more, all bearing the same symbol, their horns blaring loudly. At the very back was an old truck towing a cage behind it. Its horn blared as it and the multitude of worn-out cars came to a screeching halt in front of the newcomers. The bewildered crowd stuck to the tower like glue. The cars formed a constrictive circle around the terrified people, me and Edren among them.

One of the rusted vehicles had stopped right in front of us, barely managing not to run us over. We jolted back in surprise, with Edren letting out a disgruntled yelp. The person behind the windshield was obscured by a glint of sunlight reflecting off the glass.

What the hell, man! Watch where you’re driving, asshole! I said, picking up the few vegetables that had fallen out of my bag.

A brisk, embarrassed laugh came from the open window of the crude automobile. Sorry, sorry. These brakes don’t work like they used to. Honestly, I thought the two of you were practically dead. The voice was lighthearted and carefree.

What! I said, my hands convulsing upward, causing a few vegetables to fly yet again out of my bag. Shit! I reached down, grabbing the practically ruined food, my head pounding with frustration.

Now, now. No need to get mad at what-ifs. All that matters is that everyone’s OK. So, why not live to forget? the man said, opening his door and stepping a leather cowboy boot out onto the dusty ground. His gray sweatpants draped over the top of his brown boot, swaying from side to side as the man attempted to exit his vehicle. He put all his weight on his foot and began to throw his body out of the car, but in doing so, he smashed his face right into the top of the car and then banged the back of his head on the way down. He lay on the ground cursing to himself.

Edren and I stood still, unsure of what to do. The strange person continued to curse, his mumbled words slurred and disoriented. I tried to keep from laughing and went to check on this poor man’s condition.

He jumped up in a springy manner, throwing his hands up into the air in a dramatic fashion. He stared at us, his body swaying slightly from side to side. Blood dripped down from his concussed head, his features obscured by what seemed to be a fountain of blood. His dark-brown hair was stained red. The blood dripped over his rectangular glasses and onto the floor. His shoulders were covered by a cotton jacket that fell to down to his waist. The jacket was a solid beige with a section of white fur that comfortably encompassed the man’s neck. Under the jacket, I could see his skinny pale chest, where the logo of the Branders was placed smack dab in the middle. It interrupted a huge scar that ran from the top of the man’s right shoulder to the bottom left of his stomach.

I looked down, holding in my laughter. Then I saw his other … boot? No, not a boot. On his other foot, the man had decided to wear a bright-pink slipper. I turned to look at Edren, and he turned to look at me. We both broke out into laughter. The man gave us a confused expression, while we continued to laugh.

Well, it seems like you two gentlemen are having a nice day the man said in a joyful yet drowsy tone.

He placed his hand onto the car for balance as his legs continuously buckled.

Jackson, I think you may have just made my entire year. Are you OK? Edren asked, still trying to catch his breath.

I haven’t the slightest clue what you’re worried about, mate. I just banged my head, that’s all. So, who’s this fella right here? Is he a fallen? Jackson turned his bloody gaze from Edren onto to me, bobbing his head back and forth.

Who? Oh, Hans. Yeah, but he’s with me and Samuel, so you can’t take him

Jackson held his head down in disappointment, or perhaps he was beginning to fall asleep. He suddenly jerked his head up and began speaking, slurring his words.

Aw. Thaaat’s nooo fun man. I waaanted more people to participaaate in the games.

His posture drooped like a melted cake as he continued to keep himself up with his hand, which seemed to be rooted in the car roof. He had an exuberant smile splattered across his face as he began to speak again.

All right, I gotta go round up the fallen and deal with new … new … newcomers, but you guys stay safe. Oh, and here’s some tickets to the upcoming games. You better come watch. He took two gum wrappers out, scribbled something on them, and then handed them to me and Edren.

On the wrappers were the words VIP pass for Tournament 8. 8:00 showing cause 8 is the best number. At the bottom, CHEAP MEAT was printed in bold letters. Edren’s eyes sparkled as he read those words. It had been a long time since we’d had some meat, so I could understand his excitement. After his delightful greeting, Jackson started stumbling around us to get to the newcomers, who were screaming at the top of their lungs until their throats became sore.

Jackson confidently stepped over the cracked dirt with the foot wearing the cowboy boot but dragged the flip-flop on his other foot lazily along the ground.

What a crazy bastard, Edren said, watching Jackson desperately try to calm the bewildered horde of people.

Is he gonna be OK? I asked. The whole situation was just too bizarre.

He will, but let’s stay and watch just in case. I wanna see what happens. Edren looked in awe at the scene unfolding in front of him.

I figured it wouldn’t be so bad to see what happened. Even the people up above had taken an interest. They watched gleefully, shoving popcorn down their throats. A freckled girl seemed to be having the time of her life. She smacked her friend on the head so that she would pay attention to what was happening down below. Everyone stared, eyes all focused on who the Branders were going to choose for their game.

2

The Branders

J ackson finally reached the terrified crowd that now looked around with frantic eyes, trying to spot any escape. Of course, no one was foolish enough to try to outrun the Branders. Most of them just stood quivering while others puffed out their chests in an attempt to intimidate the dazed man that stood in front of them. Jackson took a deep breath before beginning his explana tion.

Now, liiisten here. His voice was slurred but still calm and collected. I unnnderstand thaaat you might be a liiittle scared, buuuut don’t worry about it. I’ll tell everyone what’s gonna happen.

Jackson stopped speaking to look at the crowd through the dried blood that stained his glasses. The crowd stood silent, hanging on to every word Jackson said. Jackson held the silence for an unbearable amount of time before continuing where he left off.

OK, looks like you’ve calmed dooown. That’s gord. Gad. Goo. Shit. That’s good. So, I’m not gonna lie to you, OK. A lot of you are going to—

Jackson fell into the dirt. His body lay perfectly still, almost pausing before he took a breath. The crowd jumped before flying into a frenzy. Many screamed for forgiveness, while others began to pray for help from the Saviors. They tried to see through the glass ceiling. However, instead of seeing the wonderfully light-blue sky, they saw shoes tramping across the glass floor, unbothered by the state of the world below them. The people that did take an interest only responded to the pathetic suffering below them with joyful grins.

Jeez, those guys are definitely fallen. Remember when you did that, Hans? ‘Oh, Saviors, please forgive me. I’m soooo sorry,’ Edren said trying to provoke me.

Yeah, yeah. Whatever, Edren.

Edren hung his head low, showing his disappointment in my response.

In the midst of the chaos, a woman stepped out of the big semitruck. The bottom of her fur boots clacked as she stepped down, graceful so as to not be noticed. Her black jeans had become desaturated, the color fading to a dark gray. Her brown belt held two rabbit skulls on each side of her hip. They bounced around as she descended from the truck, their hollow skulls permanently staring out into the great beyond. Their jaws had been dislocated, so they were stuck in an eternal grin. The woman wore a dark-blue hoody that matched the deep-purple wolf fur that hung off of it, trailing all the way down to her waist. She wore what seemed to be a mask, except instead of plastic, it appeared to be made of real flesh. The mask’s hollow eyes were pits of darkness that didn’t end. Its mouth was twisted into a demented smile as if it were aware of the fear that surrounded it. A crack ran from the mouth through one of the eyes, revealing the dilapidated white plaster underneath. Thick, soft, blue hair fell to the side of mask. The straight hair stopped around her pale neck.

The woman continued her descent, finally reaching the last steps of the truck. She stepped down, dragging a sledgehammer behind her. She held the sledgehammer’s wooden haft sturdy as she slowly pulled it down. The head of the sledgehammer was wrapped in barbed wire, which held on to the truck’s interior. However, the barbed wire’s attempt to stop the hammer’s descent to the ground was futile, as the woman yanked it down one step at time. As the sledgehammer hit the first step, it made a deafening cracking noise, which crushed the terrified voices of the newcomers. The noise it made on the second step made even the obnoxious people upstairs silent, their excited expressions growing anxious. They watched with frightened eyes, carefully crunching on their popcorn so as to not alert that terrifying woman. The third step’s crack rooted everyone’s feet in place. No one dared move an inch as the woman headed toward the crowd. The only noise that was allowed in the vicinity was the eerie scraping the barbed wire made in the dirt. She made her way forward as the crowd stared back with timid eyes. She stopped her approach when she saw Jackson.

Jackson, why don’t you head on back into your car? You seem like you’ve had a rough day. The lady spoke with a soft yet commanding voice. It was a cold order that gently floated down to Jackson ears.

Jackson tilted his head to figure out where the voice was coming from. Still confused, Jackson sprung to his feet and looked at a random woman in the crowd. He put his hand on her shoulders and stared deeply into her eyes.

Nonsense, boss. I can handle this much. I’m totally fine, as you can see, he said, confronting the woman in front of him.

Jackson, I’m over here. I’m going to need you to go to the car. You’re scaring our guests.

I didn’t think she was one to talk, but I guessed Jackson could be a little scary in his own way.

Jackson pouted as he tripped his way into his car, cursing at himself.

Sheesh. She’s one to talk, with that mask, Edren whispered to me.

Shut up! She might hear you, I said, kicking his leg.

Edren looked at me. His neutral expression turned into a sinister grin.

Edren! Don’t do anything. It’s not worth it. Do you understand?

He nodded his head in agreement but failed to hide his excitement.

The boss turned her horrifying mask on the audience. Sorry for my subordinate. He’s usually a very kind fellow, but as you can see, he’s suffered a very terrible concussion. Nevertheless, don’t worry. We are not here to harm you—that is, not if you play along with us. Many of you will be forced to join our group. As for your freedom, you will be given a chance to earn it back.

The crowd fidgeted about nervously.

That being said, if you are not a fallen and just happened to be caught in the crowd please step forward.

Four people stepped up. They held their heads down and stood completely still so as not to anger the monster in front of them.

You are free to go she said in her soft yet uncaring tone.

The people’s faces lit up. They began to walk away but stopped when the ghoulish woman spoke up again.

However, if we find out that any of you have lied to us. You’ll all be executed. Understand.

The threat caused the terrified people to look at each other, their eyes wide with shock. They nervously whispered among themselves as the woman patiently waited. Eventually, one of the people took a deep gulp and dejectedly made his back into the crowd of fallen.

Good, said the boss, pleased by their truthfulness.

The other three people quickly ran away, grateful to have made it out unscathed.

Now, I know many of you are scared, but don’t worry. If you follow my orders, you will enjoy life. If not—

Edren interrupted her explanation. Don’t listen to her! She’s gonna kill you all!

Shit! This could be bad, I thought. Edren, what the hell is wrong with you? Do you think this shit’s funny? I said trying to keep my voice down so she wouldn’t hear me.

Edren laughed. He always had enjoyed causing mayhem, the crazy bastard.

The woman’s head turned sharply, and the mask’s hollow eyes glared at Edren’s devious smile. She shook her head as the crowd fell into disorder, wild screams calling out for help. The boss quickly took action by signaling her goons to start blaring their horns. The crowd quickly became quiet again, focusing on the horrid mask.

Don’t listen to him. You’ll be fine, said the boss, trying to calm the crowd of people.

I don’t know. You kind of seem like a wacko. I wouldn’t trust you, Edren continued, ignoring the boss’s annoyed glances and trying to stir up the crowd. I mean, you could listen to her and die a painful death, but that would be such a shame. You’re all such good people. Edren stopped to see the crowd’s reaction.

There was a moment of timid silence as everyone waited to see what would happen. The lady focused all of her attention on the crowd. Before she could get a word in, however, someone interrupted her yet again.

No! I can’t die here. Someone like me dying in a scummy place this? It can’t happen. I won’t let it! The man who had spoken started to run. He pushed through the crowd, desperately grabbing the air to try to gain speed. His fancy clothes wrinkled as he took big gasps of breath.

That’s a shame, the masked woman said, swinging her sledgehammer into the man’s face.

The barbed wire pierced his skin. His hands still flailed wildly in front of him as the weight of the hammer carried his head backward. The boss contorted her arms, putting all of her weight into the sledgehammer and smashed it down onto the cold ground. The man’s head caved inward and burst apart like a watermelon. A vicious crack sounded as the hammer broke apart the fragile bones in the man’s face. His legs went limp in seconds. His face had become an indistinguishable mess of blood and muscle. Blotches of red were splashed across chunks of his skull, which were strewn about the cold ground. Silence. The woman tried to bring the sledgehammer up, but it was attached to the man’s face. His flesh seemed seared to the barbed wire as it stretched out like rubber before tearing. With a yank, the lady pulled the hammer free, and the man’s caved-in head fell to the ground with what remained of his face. The majority of his face hung loosely from the boss’s sledgehammer.

Shit. This is gonna take so long to clean up, she said, bringing her sledgehammer up for inspection. Blood had splattered the crowd as well as the lady’s mask, which made it look even more demonic. Some people started throwing up, while others cried in fear or disgust. Many had fallen due to their trembling knees collapsing beneath them.

I’d thought I would have gotten used to seeing death down here, but it always felt unnerving. Never sat right with me. Just seeing the vulnerability of humans made me terrified.

As I was saying, if you listen to me, you’ll be fine. If not … well, I think you get the point. Now, all of you stand still. If you move a muscle, it won’t end well. Just follow orders like good little soldiers and get inside the cage. Oh, and before I forget, my name is Nyx, but you can call me boss. I look forward to working with you, she said in a harsh and uncaring voice, clapping her hands as she finished. There was no sign of anger or agitation in her. She was merely disappointed by the inconvenience that the man had caused.

Branders quickly surrounded the crowd of people, guiding them into the cage. Nyx paused to look down at the mutilated body, giving it one last kick and muttering something under her breath.

Also, can someone please take care of this body? It’ll be inconvenient if we leave it here, she said.

One of the Branders nodded and swiftly dragged the body onto one of their cars by its limp legs. I felt a chill run down my spine as the woman turned her attention toward us. She slowly made her way over to me and Edren, dragging her sledgehammer across the ground. Her dark blue hoody was stained with blood.

Shit, am I going die here? I thought. I was too scared to move.

So, which one of you boys decided to mess with my orientation?

Up close, the mask really did look like flesh. Parts of it drooped down slightly like it had been melted. Splatters of dried blood covered the deformed skin. The smile it wore was the most disturbing part. It had a hideous, hollow grin that was frozen in place. Out of fear, I turned to Edren in search of support. I mean, he was responsible for the man’s death in the first place.

Edren looked at me with a terrible grin on his face. Before I could say anything, he pointed at me while maintaining his smile.

Oh, is that so? So, you’re responsible

The lady stared at me behind the pitch-black eyes of her mask. She leaned in closer and closer as I tried to back away. Edren just stood there as if he weren’t the responsible.

What? No! It was his fault! I said frantically, gesturing at the smug man.

Nyx stopped her approach and turned toward Edren, who maintained his grin. He let out a laugh that came from the pit of his stomach and gasped for air.

Yeah, my bad. I’m sorry for lying, but he had suggested the idea and persuaded me to annoy you, he said, still recovering from his suffocating laugh.

Edren! Stop! I yelled, kicking him in the shins. He fell down, still laughing to himself as he held his shin. The woman placed a hand lightly on my shoulder, which scared me stiff.

It’s OK. I’m actually quite thankful you did that. Thanks to your suggestion, I gained control over the crowd. Some of them must have had some silly ideas about escaping, so I really appreciate what you did, Nyx said, grabbing my hand and dramatically shaking it up and down. Her voice was softer than it had been when addressing the fallen. It almost seemed as if she respected me.

I gave her an unsure smile.

See, she isn’t that bad, Hans, Edren said picking himself up on one leg while rubbing the other.

Edren, you really should stop messing with people. You could get yourself killed, Nyx said while rotating her bloody sledgehammer.

Oh, come on, Nyx. I know you’re a big softie deep down. But I’ll admit, you have a hell of swing. Could’ve made a home run, Edren said, stepping up to her with the grin he usually had plastered on his face.

What the hell was he talking about? What was a homerun?

The woman brought her sledgehammer upward, pointing it at Edren. Bits of skin and muscle were still stretched along the barbed wire. Edren put his hands up, showing that he was not willing to fight the woman.

Well, you’re coming to the games, right, Edren? Maybe you’ll get to see my swinging form up close, offer the people a good show, Nyx said confidently.

Edren vehemently shook his head in disagreement, his shoulders tense with discomfort.

The woman swung her sledgehammer back onto her shoulder and let out a disappointed sigh. Edren’s shoulders finally released their built-up tension and relaxed.

What’s the matter? You scared? she asked, trying to rile Edren up.

The man gave her another smug grin and puffed out his chest in pride. He stared deep into the mask’s dark eyes. Yeah, I am scared, so I won’t fight you. Instead, I’ll enjoy my free meat and watch the other fights, thank you very much. Let’s go Hans. We don’t want to bother the scared woman.

With those words, Edren did a one-eighty and began walking away. Cleary you’re the scared one, moron, I thought.

I turned to Nyx, who started laughing, and I apologized for the inconvenience. She said it wasn’t a big deal and that I should come to the games. Then I caught up to Edren. We walked quickly past the old wooden houses and stopped by Johnny’s Bar.

The building was a mixture of wood and brick. The first floor, which contained the bar and some pool tables, was built out of solid brick, while the second floor, which had the restaurant was built of wood. The horrible design choice led to the restaurant being dead for the most part, since only about three or four people were allowed up there at one time.

I smacked Edren on the head. Why the hell did you try picking a fight with Nyx? Are you stupid? Also, fuck you for using me as a scapegoat! I said angrily, hitting him again.

Listen, all’s well that ends well. Right? I was only joking. Besides, if she tried anything, I would have beat her up.

I looked at him in disbelief and then started laughing. "You would have beat her up? Oh, yeah. No, you definitely would have. The way you made that one-eighty really had her quaking in her boots." I continued to laugh at Edren’s preposterous assumption.

He looked at me, gasping in disbelief, and then did his beautiful 180-degree swivel and stomped away, his feet slamming the ground. His little stomp made his gray fur coat sway behind him like a broken pendulum. I fell on the floor wheezing. My sides hurt, and so did my cheeks. I tried to collect myself, but the image of him doing his little swivel popped back into my head, and I couldn’t contain my laughter.

3

A Silent Movie

W e finally reached Samuel’s after a thirty-minute walk. It was located in a wonderful back alleyway snuggled between two massive apartment buildings. They almost reached the glass ceiling but fell just a little short due to legal constraints. The authorities said we couldn’t build that high because it might allow us to escape. The buildings were mostly made of eroded red bricks, with a seasoning of rusted metal sprinkled here and there to help keep the buildings upright. I hated going to Samuel’s hideout because of how dark it was. Whatever sunlight we got from the setting sun never reached the claustrophobic alley. In its uncomfortable darkness, a reek of rotten food or decaying corpse swirled in the air, till it covered ever inch of the alleyway. The putrid smell blindsided me as I doubled over, holding in the expired apple I’d had for break fast.

You would think you’d get used to the smell, Edren said, offering me a handkerchief in anticipation of my stomach acid forcing its way of out of my throat.

Thankfully, I managed to somehow calm my stomach down. I tried to hand the handkerchief back to Edren, but he insisted that I keep it.

Edren, how are you OK with breathing in this stuff? I asked, puzzled by his unchanging face.

Huh? Edren said as he swiveled around, this time missing his mark a little and stepping on a nearby garbage bag. There was a large crunch of what seemed to be bone and soft flesh. The bag was black, so there was no telling what was in there, but that was probably for the better. Unbothered by the discomforting sound the bag made, Edren continued. Well, I have a horrible sense of smell, so I don’t really mind. Kinda lucky in a way. He forced a smile, his eyes focusing on the black bag, and then quickly moved on down the horrid alleyway.

At the end of the crusty alley, Samuel’s integration quarters lay in wait. The bolted metal door, which had slight hints of rust on the sides, stood firmly unmoving. A dim orange light shone through the cracks around the cold door. Edren took out a silver key from his gray sweatshirt to cautiously unlock it. Samuel was a very jumpy person, so any unexpected noises could leave our heads on the ground. As the door creaked open, it revealed the stones steps that led to what seemed to be a blood-covered room.

A gruff voice called from amid the bloodstains Who is it? it asked, the speaker staying out of our line of sight.

It’s your great-grandfather, Samuel. I’ve come to haunt you ’cause you’re an asshole, Edren responded in a wavering voice.

Samuel made a slight grunt of annoyance. Oh, it’s just you dumbasses, huh? How disappointing. He let out a deep sigh.

We made our way down the steps to see Samuel sitting in a wooden chair, which creaked under his weight. He scratched his gray beard, which was soaked in blood, and let out a puff of smoke. His cheap cigarette was crumpled and jagged. He never kept his cigarettes in packets, insisting on always having them stuffed in his pockets. His exhausted sighs seemed even more tired and drained in light of the wrinkles scattered across his face. His white farmer’s shirt was covered with dried spots of blood, while his blue overalls met black dress shoes down at his ankles. Next to him, in a different chair, was another man. His head was cocked back, revealing a slit across his neck. His fingers were brutally deformed, folded in multiple directions.