CHAPTER 8: CURIOSITY KILLS THE CAT

I stepped back. I should never stay here in this little room. A sudden jolt of guilt hit me. It's not proper to invade someone’s privacy but well, if we’re curious, then who can stop us? I knew Mrs. Myles went to the café for today’s event and here I am, bored to death. That's why I also wanted to know what’s inside that’s making her cry. I can’t even talk to my mom because she’s resting in her room right now. She’s also busy with making bracelets with beads because that’s a kind of hobby Mrs. Myles introduced to her. I am happy for my mom because she’s enjoying life here.

Well, I better do this alone so that I will have my answers to the questions that's bugging my mind right now. I slowly closed the door behind me, but before that, I took a final glimpse of the forgotten bachelor…

“You know what? I’ve been admiring you for so long, your songs, movies and you, as an amazing man. I hope you’re happy in heaven.” I softly tell him as if he’s alive right now. I can’t help but hold a sigh as I completely closed the door. I slowly walked upstairs but then, I suddenly felt odd. It’s like somebody is observing me from a distance.

I looked around, hovering my eyes to every corner it reached but all I can feel is the centralized air conditioner in the house. The temperature is giving me an additional chill of nervousness. Is this house haunted? I’m starting to get goosebumps again as I think of these things.

I continued walking until I reached the top floor of the second floor. The sound of my sandals on the tiled floor is echoing the whole place and it’s creepy. I looked from the left to the right, and then doing it the opposite way, and then again and again. I made sure I am walking on the aisle because if I walk near the door, it will suddenly open and somebody might grab me inside again. Yikes!

Well, it’s already half past one in the afternoon and curiosity is killing me. I have to go to that room again. On the second floor, there were five rooms, three regular rooms, and two guest rooms which my mom and I are staying in. I can still remember the guy pulling me in the first room, two rooms before the room where I am heading to.

I stopped on the doorstep going inside my room as I was touching the doorknob. I can't help myself but to take a glance of that room that's I think four meters away from where I am standing right now.

‘Shall I go there and see who's inside?’ I said to myself. As soon as I thought about this, my heart started beating fast. My knees are trembling. Even now, I can still feel the man’s strength as he held my two arms from behind me. I didn’t even have the chance to see what he looked like. I took the chance to go back to where I passed by. I breathe in as I take a look at the door.

"This is it! I will die curious if I will not go into this room. I badly wanted to know who he is and what he is doing in this room.”" I said to myself.

When I turned the doorknob, I never expected that it would open that easy. Now, I can feel my knees tremble because of fear.

I held my breath for two seconds before I stepped inside, with one eye open and one eye closed. I also bit my lower lip because I can feel my teeth chatter because of nervousness as well. My eyes grew open when the room was empty. It’s as if nobody ever touched this room before. I smelled the room as I step further…but there’s no weird smell. Only the air freshener that most of the helpers are using.

Oh my gosh! Did I just encounter a ghost?!

But...but he did touch me last night. His grip is too strong. I can still feel my arms a bit sore because of the way he held me from my back. It was as if I was arrested by two police officers because of a crime I did not commit.

I looked around but no trace of a man…as I stepped further, I felt a tap on my shoulder from behind me.

“Aaaaahhhhh!!!” I shouted as I faced someone.

“Ma’am, what are you doing here?” One of the helpers seemed to be in shock when I started shouting. With a flush of embarrassment, I suddenly faced her and nodded down, as much as possible, not letting her see my face as I apologized.

“Ma’am, are you alright?” She added, looking so worried because I can feel that my face is all red. I am a bit shaky and I think she noticed that small detail on me, too.

“Sorry. I am just looking around here.”

“It’s alright, Ma’am. I thought you’re lost and then you came here.”

“Oh...ah, right! I am lost. I’m so sorry, this house is too big. I can’t remember my room.” I said as I awkwardly smiled at her. I couldn't meet her gaze because what I did was embarrassing.

“I’ll go now. Sorry and please take care. If you meet a ghost, update me.” I said and quickly ran away. When I turned my back, I could see that helper scratching her head. I chuckled as I swiftly went inside my room.

I lay flat on my back. I am really confused now. How did it happen? Who is that guy? Is he a thief? If he is staying there in that room, where is he right now? My goodness, he’s really good at hiding! I can’t believe it! Was he staying in the bedroom? If he is staying there, then I should smell a different smell but my nostrils failed to detect an odd one. There are also lots of trees around the house, especially the larger ones.

Does he have a secret hideout to one of the trunks of these trees? I slowly got up and walked towards my window. I moved the curtain sideward and I can see the bright morning sun peeping through the sliding window. I gently opened it to look at what's around me. I can still see the guards moving around, walking as if searching for something that they will not find forever. Oh, their guards! I hope they will do their job well so that Mrs. Myles’s money will not be put into waste.

Or maybe...are they hiding the man from the house? Are the guards responsible for that stranger? This isn’t right. I have to continue to investigate it to myself. Whatever it takes. My job should start now…