I woke up in a cold sweat, gasping for air. Pushing aside my blanket, I got up from the bed and drew the curtains open and saw a few police cars parked right in front of an alleyway beside the liquor store in front of our coffeehouse.532Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGGwPaK3KTQ
I wore a bathrobe around me and went downstairs to the customer's area, where I found Aunt Inara and Chaeyeong sitting beside the shop window, staring outside. "Did someone die?" I asked, sitting next to them.532Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeMgxH0IE5u
Chaeyeong bobbed her head. "Yup," she sipped her cup of coffee. "This time, it's Farmer Joe."532Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTKKb6RzijW
"Oh, that poor old man," I sympathized. "He was such a kindred spirit."532Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3PoIiJ8gz8
Aunt Inara sighed. "I know, Bugsy. It's always the good ones that die first."532Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhyGDyd351q
As we glanced at the detectives examining the dead body behind the yellow tape, Carter approached us, holding his Teddy bear. "Hey Bugsy," he said, climbing on my lap. "Can we do something fun today?"532Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDVhU7j8Kdj
My hand's steeple as my pupils moved upwards, wondering what kind of fun stuff can I do with my little brother. "We can go to the beach today," I suggested. "How about that?"532Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxofd1HB7e
"The beach is boring," he commented, shaking his head. "I want to go somewhere fun."532Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ2F4A5x74V
"Fun, eh?" I scratched the back of my head. "Well, how about the lake? It sounds like fun."532Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQoo9LUowM
Carter nodded, gleaming. "I want to go to the lake, can we, can we, Bugsy?"532Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzl9OvvsK5k
"Of course we can," I got up, lifting him with both arms. "Now let's get Em and your swimsuit ready."532Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk9Cha56CKZ
Walking out of the Little Owl Coffeehouse, I held both Em's and Carter's hand as we strolled along the tar road, filled with the usual crowd. I stumbled upon one of my classmates, Archie, skateboarding on the road. As he glanced at me, he gave me a Vulcan salute.532Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVvxvsZwnx
"Hey Bugsy," he greeted, in a warm tone. "Where you off too?"532Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJc4GcVSdjk
"To the lake," I answered, taking a glimpse on his skateboard. "Are you here alone?"532Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxtZlUIiGlD
He wiggled his head. "Nah, I'm with Raj and Amra."532Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIwD4RKfvZ0
"Hi Bugsy," waved Amra. "I see you're going for a swim, yeah?"532Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh0WTH3rqoc
"Nope, I'll be drowning to death."532Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeLvjCm5HKQ
Em, let out a high-pitched whistle, to my annoyance. "Oh, you just got burned in the butt."532Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjKSc94ThTd
I slapped her arms and glared in a menacing way. "You watch your mouth, you prick."532Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUIkjMJMfBk
Archie tried to hold his laughter and shook his head, before giving me a wink. "Have fun."532Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHyzoN3EUDb
I chuckled and continued our journey into the woods. The ground was dry as the sand as I noticed some leaves on the ground were dying of thirst. Carter looked up and saw a hummingbird hovering near the lilac, sipping the cool with its straw-like beak.532Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYMV7mYDaI6
Giggling, he broke free from my grasp and began to chase the hummingbird, who was then joined by Em. Those two. Reminds me of the time when I was around their age. Chasing butterflies on the grassy field, hoping to catch them with my tiny hands. Such simpler times. If only I could relive the good old days again and again.532Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE2DLLw3Mqe
As soon as we arrived at the crystal, clear lake, Em and Carter held each other's hands and jumped into the water, splashing around. I dropped my denim shorts and my white T-shirt, revealing a black swimsuit underneath. I took a step into the freshwater and held my breath, sinking myself underneath.532Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ84AfN3Yxtw
Looking at the collections of rocks underwater, I was welcomed by a school of small guppies swimming around me in circles. Gliding like a mermaid, I explored the depth of the reservoir for treasures I could bring back. Picking up a couple of rocks with my hands, I tossed them aside and uncovered a shard of a beer bottle, before putting it back where it belongs. Sheesh, who threw this in the lake? Someone could get hurt just by stepping on them.532Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5N3vw2I2aR
As I continued to wade around, I noticed something shiny illuminating my eyes. I paddled my feet towards the object in a flash and picked it up, only to find another piece of a beer bottle. I popped my head out of the water and sneered. Seriously, who the hell would throw a beer bottle into the lake? So selfish and inconsiderate.532Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPR614EnoFz
I looked over my shoulder and watched my two younger siblings squirting water at each other, laughing at each other. I snickered and swam in their direction quietly, hoping that they won't notice me. Em and Carter continued to play around with each other when I pulled my sister's leg, dragging her underwater.532Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWdkiOvLL72
I burst into laughter as she popped up on the surface, her face flushed. "I'll get you for this, Bugsy," she raged, as she jumped on my back and hit my head with both her fists. I twirled around in a vigorous manner, making her fall.532Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzYV6xRsdah
Baring her teeth, she pushed me with both hands, only for me to deflect her blows with my mighty strength. "Let's face the fact, Em," I placed both hands on my waist. "You know I'll always win."532Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSokF5Bs9s7
I blew a raspberry at her as she splashed at my face, pouting. I offered my hand and helped her stand up, only for my sister to spill freshwater on my face. "Got you," she smirked. I wiped my face with the back of my hand and crossed my arms, trying to hold my emotions intact. As she tried to swim away, Carter and I started to chase her as fast as we could.532Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf8xWA0CyEh
Carter managed to get a hold of her while I felt my arms and legs began to ache, slowing me down. My breathing heightened as my heart was beating more rapidly than usual, and my lips and throat feeling a little dry. I crawled out of the lake and lied on my back, my eyes squinted at the rays of sunlight.532Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQfGFVBwcW
My head turned to my sister, who was wiping herself with her green towel. "Hey Em," I croaked. "Could you toss my towel to me?"532Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKB8E230dSq
My sister's lips curled into a mischievous smile as she grabbed my navy blue towel and covered my face with it, trying to hold back her laughter. "Don't tan yourself, Bugsy," Em's voice shook. "Or you'll look like a raw chicken."532Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy6Qpemy6Ul
"Shut up, Emma," I grunted, taking off the towel from my face. "At least I'm not as dumb as you."532Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXcqdVv1vis
Em stared at me with a blank face. "Whatever," she spat. "At least I'm not dull and boring as you. I mean, what did Ferdinand even see in you anyways?" 532Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1aGfWmQNuy
My eyebrows furrowed. "What are you talking about?"532Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7p39C1wB2S
"I'm talking about how did a party pooper like you would end up with a cheerful and bubbly guy like Ferdinand?"532Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUFOpscrF7i
I gave her a light punch on her shoulder. "Whatever, Em. We're not even together."532Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuMD19MYPgB
"Well, I bet 20 dollars that you two will get married and have cute babies together."532Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ14vGlltooX
I wiped Carter's hair with his pastel pink colour as Em kept on rambling garbage out of her mouth, which figuratively hurts my ear. Then, I heard a rustling coming from the bushes, prompting me to cover Em's mouth.532Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM2RUFvROFH
"Shh....someone's coming."532Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDen6IQJKj
My worst fear came true when Jimmy, who is also known as James Larthow, who goes by the nickname the Ripper, appeared, waving at the three of us. "Hey Maria," Jimmy beamed. "I see you and your brother and sister went for a swim."532Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlpx42S7Zm9
"Who's Maria?" asked Em. 532Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMLwsUQo4n2
I shushed her and gave her a death glare as he slowly approached us, making me bite my lip. "Hey Jimmy," I chuckled, attempting to hide my nervous tone. "I see you're here to collect water."532Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡScqyRimElw
"You know me well, little missy," he scratched the back of his neck. "Water and electricity haven't arrived at my house yet. Strange, huh?"532Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3GhohrItVu
"Yeah, I guess so."532Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUA9tX8w5L8
"So who are these two?" he pointed at Em and Carter.532Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCieuQQSL05
"They're my brother and sister, obviously," I scoffed. "I mean, you did guess it earlier."532Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl8yq3dz4YM
"Touché. Just out of curiosity, but are you guys mixed-race?"532Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOyocgkxwTD
I bobbed my head. "Yeah, we are. Mom's German while my dad's Chinese."532Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUW3U8iUaa6
"Cool. You know, Maria, I happen to have a little sister just like you."532Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5ZG3WxE98
"Really?" my eyes widened.532Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO9fQpbBT9k
"Of course," he began to sit near the lake, admiring the calm waters. "She was the only friend I ever had."532Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl9CwEUz2BE
I sat beside him, hugging my knees. "What happened to her?"532Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡggpk0kMtCP
"She drowned in the river one fine day. I was never the same after that."532Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW91e6d2b8K
"What about your parents?"532Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTBJamlPnze
"Mama was kind and beautiful as a peach," he rested his hands on his cheeks. "Papa, however, was a drunkard. Cheats on Mama regularly with some redhead. Whenever he's in a bad mood, Mama and I are usually his punching bags."532Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡduON0uHzm4
I pressed my lips and exhaled. "Where does he hit you?"532Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd81DF4rS47
With his fingers, he pointed at his forehead, then his shoulders, and lastly, his stomach. I closed my eyes and imagined the excruciating pain Jimmy and his mother had to endure at the hands of his father's wrath. 532Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyfHFYOL8uw
"One time, Papa hit me so hard that I ended up peeing in my pants right in front of him," he bellowed. "He just slapped me for ruining his carpet."532Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOBeVmlvhiD
"What kind of monster would do such a thing to an innocent child?"532Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlhVQXWoMCT
"The worst part is, Maria, no one stepped in. Not even the goddamn police or priest would dare speak out against his father," he wept. "They just told me to have faith in the Lord instead."532Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkT7PRyd8mf
He broke down in tears and covered his face, avoiding eye contact with me. "I hate the Lord," he shouted. "I hate Him. He took away Jenny and Mama. He made my life nothing but pain and suffering."532Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6HW8oBi4sZ
I swallowed a huge lump of saliva as I stared at the picturesque scenery, hearing him whimper. "I get angry at the Lord sometimes," I confessed. "He was loving, but he killed Jessie right in front of my eyes. He was merciful, but he took two of my toes away. Because of Him, I became a laughing stock in school. I want to hate Him but I'm always reminded to count my blessings each day. Goodness me. Why can't something good happen to me once in a while?"532Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGq6wLN9VJQ
Wiping his tears with the back of his hand, he stood up and grabbed a pail beside him, filling up with water. "I should get going," Jimmy cleared his throat. "I might get heatstroke if I stay a little longer."532Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ttDAdsngt
I nodded and was about to call Em and Carter when Jimmy placed his hand on my shoulder. "Be careful out there, little missy," he advised. "The world's not safe for a girl like you."532Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyR33AIP32t
"You too, sir," I shook hands with him and grabbed my siblings, leaving with haste. We headed into the forest, not looking back at him. Carter and Em were silent during the whole trip, giving me a cold shoulder. Huh, I wonder what's on her mind. Does she recognize the serial killer? Is she mad at me for not telling the police about my encounter with him?532Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0lZG4xYUhy
As we took a step into civilization. Em finally broke her silence. "Who was that guy?" she raised her questioned, making me sigh in relief.532Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBw16XJ8TEx
"He's just some farmer," I lied, crossing my fingers behind my back. "His name is Jimmy."532Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCE0qdYZ5O4
"He looks pretty familiar," she pointed out. "I think I saw him somewhere on a poster before."532Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡahu6UN1Jul
"It's normal for someone to look familiar, Em," I argued. "I mean, have you seen the similarities between Aunt Inara and Grandma in her younger days?"532Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV4fWc6hXDV
Em acknowledged my answer when Carter raised his index finger and spoke up. "He seems creepy. You should avoid him, sis."532Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH3jguyatDp
"Don't worry about me, little brother," I stroked his straw-coloured hair. "This will be the last time I see him, anyway."532Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeHOzLSaV9D
