102. Ghosts and demons

Actually, I should have called this chapter Friendships and Demons, because the chapter describes true friendships, but it also describes the demons that exist outside and deep within a human. Fabio wakes up after his sleepover at Jayden’s and despite them being best friends, Jayden has a hard time believing that Fabio has seen a living zombie. Don visits his friend Rasmus and there he sees a demon…or something resembling it. He also cleverly avoids talking about what really bothers him. Besides demons, there are ghosts, and eventually something even more dangerous destructive will be revealed.

NB: I have considered dividing this chapter into two chapters, but I have instead chosen to divide it into two acts : Sunrice and Sunset. This would be a good place to take a break from reading.

*****

Act One – Sunrise

Early morning in Copperdale

It’s Sunday morning and all members of the Price household are having the day off.

Jayden’s older sister Savannah is mixing eggs, salt, and pepper together for scrambled eggs.

Jayden is woken up by the noise. Fabio is still asleep, but he really needs to go to the bathroom.

When he walks towards the toilet he sees that Miko is already awake.

After he’s done with his business, he talks to Miko about how much fun this sleepover has been.

“We should do it another time,” Miko suggests.

Jayden absolutely agrees.

Both Fabio and Billie are woken up by all the voices.

For both girls, the sleepover ends here, but Fabio stays for breakfast.

*****

Soon they are all flocking to Savannah, lured by the smell of frying bacon.

“Can’t you hurry up? Someone’s starving here!” Sidney wails.

“Shut up Sidney and do something sensible. You can set the table instead of wasting time with all your whining,” Savannah says.

Fabio looks at them in surprise. He’s not used to the blunt tone in his home, so he quickly offers to set the table.

As he places plates and cutlery on the table, he enjoys the smell of roasting bacon. Jayden is lucky that he isn’t forced to eat vegetarian food for every meal.

Sidney sits at the table before Savannah calls everyone to the meal.

“It’s typical of you, Sidney, that you don’t show any table manners,” she says.

“Won’t you stop pecking at me, I’m just hungry,” he says to Savannah.

No one else seems to care about their mutual quarrel, so Fabio chooses to concentrate on the delicious food like everyone else.

*****

After the meal, Jayden wants him and Fabio to take a photo together.

Despite their differences, they are such cool boys together.

“You are my best friend forever,” Jayden declares while giving Fabio a big hug.

It’s really nice to get such a statement from a friend his own age, so Fabio agrees completely.

When Jayden’s mother tells Jayden that the family is planning to go to the Plumbite Pier, she promises to ask Fabio’s parents if he can join the trip.

It’s actually Fabio’s scout day today, but it’s probably okay to take the day off for once.

*****

Early morning in Brindleton Bay

Rasmus stretches and sighs with well-being. Breakfast is finished and the twins are asleep. Now he and Izumi are sitting and sharing their impressions from Marcus and Jade’s wedding party.

“Wonder how Fabio has been doing? Did you make an appointment with Marcel about when you can pick him up?” Izumi asks.

“No, we just talked about taking it as it comes. I think we’ll hear from him when they wake up,” Rasmus replies.

“Well, yes. They don’t have any babies so they’re probably still sleeping,” Izumi says with a laugh..…

“It makes me think of our little buggers. They are finally sleeping. I’d like to go for a run down to the beach before you leave. Would that be okay, Rasmus?”

“Sure, no problem. I’ve got them under control,” he says.

At that moment, his cell phone buzzes.

“It’s a text message from Janae Price, Jayson’s mother. She’s asking if they can take Fabio to the Plumbite Pier,” Rasmus says.

“I think we should say yes. It sounds like Fabio is going to have so much fun. I’m so glad he’s got a good friend his own age, aren’t you?” Izumi replies.

“Yes, absolutely,….She writes they’ll drive Fabio home afterwards,” says Rasmus.

“I’ll text her to say we’re in agreement,” Rasmus says.

“Yeah, we should probably cancel the scouting as well,” Izumi adds.

Rasmus goes to the bathroom before Izumi gets ready to run.

He has just closed the door behind him when his cell phone rings.

“Hi Don!…Yes, we have been awake for a while.….Of course…. You’re welcome to come by whenever you want,”

*****

Morning at the Secret Lab

The sun is baking hot over the part of the desert where the secret laboratory is located.

Tusnelda has just arrived at work and she quickly heads towards the protective coolness of the building.

She takes the short walk through the foyer towards the laboratory reception.

Masato has already arrived and he is sitting behind his desk, tapping away at his keyboard. She stops to greet him.

“Good morning Masato! I hope you are fresh and in good spirits for a new day?” she greets kindly.

“Yes, thank you, I’m doing great, Tusnelda, but I can see you’re still suffering,” he says, looking at her with his X-ray eyes.

“I’m not suff…” she begins, but she can’t finish the rest of the sentence.

“I know, Tusnelda, sometimes I feel very lonely and abandoned too,” Masato says compassionately.

Why would he say that? She’s not lonely. She has Martin and good friends. She’s not abandoned.

Still, she searches for privacy in the toilet.

Her cry comes with tremendous force and cannot be stopped.

She’s broken and no one seems to notice.

*****

After the crying has subsided, she manages to gain enough control over herself that she is able to face the day.

Masato gets up from his chair as she tries to pass him.

Fortunately, he doesn’t say anything. He doesn’t have any witty comments about how easily he can free her from her pain.

He just holds her in a long hug.

“I know, Tusnelda,” he whispers.

Masato looks after her as she continues into the laboratory.

No one recognizes loneliness better than he.

Fortunately, she doesn’t encounter any other colleagues when she enters the core of the laboratory.

She walks straight towards the large Invention Constructor.

Here, protected behind the high glass walls, bent over the Invention Constructor keyboard, she feels most at ease and in harmony with herself.

*****

Morning in Copperdale at the Plumbite Pier

The Price household has gathered at the Plumbite Pier’s waterfront fairground

Marcel immediately goes to a stall and orders a cup of black bubble tea with mocha syrup. He woke up late and he hasn’t had time to drink his morning coffee.

All the kids are standing in the middle of the square, discussing what to try first. A ride on the Ferris wheel or ordering some burgers from the food stand.

“What else can you do here?” Fabio asks.

“Have you really never been to the Plumbite Pier before?” Savannah asks.

“I have lived in Willow Creek and Brindleton Bay and I’ve been to the Celebration Center in San Sequoia. None of those places have a Pier with a Ferris wheel,” explains Fabio.

“We can visit the haunted house, it’s so fun,” suggests Fabio.

“What do you mean by the house is haunted?” Fabio asks, a little skeptical.

“Have you never been to a haunted house before? It’s a spooky house full of goblins, zombies and monsters,” Savannah says, throwing out her arms in despair.

“Should we go there first?” Jayden asks.

“I’m not sure about those monsters,” Fabio answers hesitantly.

“They’re not real monsters. They’re just puppets and costumed actors. You know, makeup and lighting effects and stuff like that,” Jayden explains.

Fabio has never really told Jayden about his fear of the monster under his bed and he doesn’t want to back down from his best friend.

Puppets don’t sound that dangerous, so he follows Jayden who is already ahead of him.

Savannah stands back, looking at herself in her phone screen. She’s about to take a selfie when she notices something on her cheek.

It’s a pimple! How gross!! Now the rest of her day is ruined.

Fortunately, the boys don’t have the kind of worries that come with puberty, so they run on carefree.

Or almost carefree…

Fabio gets a sinking feeling in his stomach when he sees the pitch-black entrance to the haunted house.

“Are you scared?” Jayden asks when he senses a change in his friend’s body.

“No, I’m not,” Fabio denies, while he stares straight ahead without blinking.

When he sees Jayden disappear into the darkness, he quickly follows.

He trusts Jayden not to put him in any danger. They are, after all, best friends and best friends look out for each other.

*****

Morning in Brindleton Bay

“There’s a bottle ready for her. I’m just going for a short run down to the beach, so I’ll be back soon,” Izumi says and gives Rasmus a light kiss on his cheek.

“I’ve got it! There’s no need to rush. Enjoy your run,” he replies.

“Thank you Rasmus,” she says with a smile.

Outside the door, freedom and a cloudless sky call to her. She loves the feeling of finally being able to run, unencumbered by the heavy weight of pregnancy.

Rasmus turns to Sif in the cradle. She is definitely the most restless of the twins. They have moved her cradle into the living room so that she doesn’t disturb Sune, who is still sleeping. Two crying babies at once can be quite a handful to handle.

Rasmus enjoys the sight of Sif as she eagerly sucks on the bottle. Becoming a father is certainly one of the most meaningful changes that has happened in his life.

Don arrives just as Izumi starts her run.

“Hey Don! See you later,” she cheerfully shouts after him the moment she runs past him.

*****

Don finds Rasmus next to a cradle. They greet each other with a big hug.

“I see Izumi has left the maternal duties to you,” Don laughs.

“What do you mean? They’re my duties too, aren’t they?” Rasmus replies, not understanding.

“That reminds me, you’ve never been properly introduced to the children,” Rasmus says as he bends down to pick the baby up from the cradle.

“This little beauty is called Sif,” says Rasmus as he proudly shows the baby off to Don.

Don stares at the baby in disbelief. He has never seen anything so hideous before….

“Isn’t she lovely?” Rasmus asks, eyes swimming.

Don has no doubt that his friend must have lost his sight or all common sense…this little bald ugly creature makes him think of a gremlin.

“Well, she certainly is…absolutely lovely,” he manages to stammer out.

“That’s your Uncle Don. He’s a very nice man,” Rasmus chattered to his daughter.

“Would you like to hold her?” Rasmus asks kindly.

“Hell no, Rasmus!” Don says panicked.

“I mean…there’s nothing wrong with her, but you know me and kids…we just don’t work together,” he tries to explain.

“I’m not used to them… I could lose my grip on her and drop her to the floor….I really don’t want to hurt her,” he continues, smoothing over.

Rasmus holds Sif close to his cheek while gently placing his hand over her ear, as if trying to protect her from Don’s insensitive words.

“We don’t want to risk that, right?” Rasmus says gently to his daughter, without looking Don in the eye.

“I’m sorry Rasmus, but I’m not that good with children,” Don says, knowing that he has probably hurt his friend.

“It’s okay, Don…But we both know you’re wrong in that assumption. You just have to get into it,” Rasmus says.

“Can we please talk about something else now?” Don asks, cringing under his friend’s gaze.

******

Copperdale at the Plumbite Pier

Both boys emerge from the haunted house with their gaze fixed straight ahead.

The haunted house had lived up to its promise. It was filled with scary pirates and gestalts, but the worst thing was the zombie who had stared Fabio straight in the eye with his luminous gaze.

“Did you see the zombie? I’m sure he’s alive,” Fabio says with fear in his voice.

“It’s just a doll Fabio. You’re not afraid of a doll, are you?” Jayden says, wondering.

“But I swear he’s alive. I saw him blink his eyes and hiss as we passed by,” Fabio says.

“Ha, ha Fabio! You’re such a joker,” Jayden laughs.

“There are no living zombies. They’re just puppets that are there to scare us for fun,” Jayden says.

“But Jayden. I know what I have seen,” Fabio insists.

“Didn’t you see him when the light was flashing? I swear there was no string controlling his movements. He was blinking his eyes and showed a scary mouth,” says Fabio.

“Ha, ha Fabio! You’re such a chicken. So easy to scare,” Jayden says, laughing out loud.

“I’m not!” Fabio replies angrily.

Fabio is definitely not a chicken and no one should tell him that he didn’t see what he saw. That zombie was definitely alive. Fabio had spotted him when the light flashed, even though he was trying to make himself invisible behind some large reeds. Perhaps he was a vampire hunting unwary guests.

The two boys stand in silence, looking at each other. Neither of them wants to continue the argument and jeopardize their friendship.

“What should we do now?” Fabio asks.

“Maybe we could get some ice cream. There’s an ice cream stand over there,” Jayden answers as he looks in the direction across the square.

“Hey Fabio, where are you going in such a hurry?” Jayden asks as his friend runs away.

“Didn’t you say we were going to eat ice cream?” Fabio shouts back.

He’s more than busy trying to distance himself from the haunted house and the monster hiding inside.

The ice cream shop is right in front of him. Unmistakable with its enticing signs and red-and-white striped awning.

The rest of the Price family is far less busy. They sit and enjoy themselves together at the counter behind the bubble tea stand.

Savannah is in the process of ordering a burger at a kiosk nearby.

“Come on closer, my friend. Here you can get popcorn, doughnut and ice cream in all flavors and colors. How can I entice you?” the ice cream vendor shouts welcomingly.

Fabio quickly crosses the short distance he has left and stands breathless, reading the sign.

“You look like a boy who likes peppermint,” the ice cream vendor says kindly.

“Yes, I can! I would like to have an ice cream cone with two scoops of peppermint ice cream,” Fabio says eagerly.

“As you wish. An ice cream cone with delicious peppermint ice cream with a chocolate crunch,” says the ice cream vendor, handing the ice cream to Fabio.

Fabio turns around when he hears Jayden has finally caught up with him.

“It took you forever to get here,” he laughs.

“Gosh… Fabio!…Have you never…. eaten ice… cream before?” Jayden says breathlessly.

Jayson orders a chocolate ice cream with two scoops.

The boys go to find a seat together.

They sit together in silence, eating their ice cream.

“I’m sorry I made fun of you,” Jayden says.

“No reason Jayden. We’re friends and we can joke around,” Fabio says with a laugh.

They measure each other with their eyes again.

“Did you really see a living zombie inside the haunted house?” Jayson asks seriously.

“Yeah, I think I did,” Fabio says.

They continue eating their ice cream without pursuing the subject any further. Suddenly Jayson lets out a wailing sound.

“What’s happening Jayson,” Fabio asks, startled.

“Brain freeze. That ice cream is too cold,” Jayson complains.

“Oh, that sounds terrible,” Fabio says with compassion.

*****

Morning in Brindleton Bay

Izumi enjoys being able to stretch out at full speed across the sandy beach.

As always, there are quite a few dog walkers in the area.

She makes a detour towards the jetty when she gets that far.

She sits on a bench to enjoy the view. A divinely rare break all to herself, without duties or interruptions.

In front of her she sees a cloudless blue sky and Deadgrass Isle with its lighthouse in the distance. Not a wave stirs the sea. The entire scenery promises peace and beauty without anything to fear.

At this moment, she just feels life is good.

*****

Back in the house, Rasmus and Don have sat down on the couch to talk.

“I couldn’t help but notice you were a little touched at Marcus and Jade’s wedding. You know I’m your best friend, so we can talk about anything, right?” says Rasmus.

“Well, yes, I appreciate our friendship,” Don says seriously.

“Sometimes I envy you how you seem to have found your path, Rasmus. My love life is a mess. You know I’m called society’s most notorious womanizer, but that doesn’t really work for me anymore.…I’ve got a, well… problem,” Don admits.

“If it’s something physical, maybe you should see a doctor, but it could also be something psychological…Are you still thinking about the Sulani woman?” Rasmus asks.

Don feels his pulse increase, giving him an irresistible urge to run. He takes a deep breath to force himself to stay. He wonders how Rasmus often ends up pricking him where it hurts the most.

“Well, you know, not something I have time to get involved in. I have won this travel grant and I’m going to Selvadorada very soon to support a professor during his jungle expedition,” Don replies evasively.

“Oh, is he someone famous? What’s that professor’s name? ” Rasmus answers with interest.

“I can’t remember exactly, but it was something with a D and an e…Detlev…Dennis… or maybe it’s Derek?” says Don.

“It could also be Dean, Devin or maybe it’s Diderik” he continues.

“Diderik doesn’t start with De…maybe we can look it up on the internet.” Rasmus says.

“I don’t actually remember the name that well,” Don apologizes.

“No problem Don. How many jungle explorers can there be?” Rasmus replies as he walks in the direction of his desk.

Don stands behind Rasmus and watches him as he turns on the computer.

“A professor with a first name that starts with a D, and what did you say his last name is?” Rasmus asks.

“Oh, I didn’t say anything about that, but something with an O…O’donnell, O’neill…O’sullivan…” tries Don.

“Please Don, stop. Now you’re confusing me too,” Rasmus mutters as his eyes search for information on the screen.

“Well, maybe you’ll recognize the name if you see it. Here comes a list of explorers with a D…David Livingstone…. Diogo Cão….. Diogo Gomes…. Dinis Dias……” Rasmus reads aloud.

“Unfortunately, all these guys seem to have died hundreds of years ago” says Rasmus.

“Oh, then it can hardly be one of them,” Don says hesitantly.

“Let’s not give up yet,” says Rasmus.

“Well, here’s one….His last name doesn’t have an O but he’s still alive… “

“Douglas Curious! He is very famous for his finds of some very priceless potsherds and artifacts on his travels through the jungle over the past few decades,” says Rasmus.

“Is that the guy you’re talking about?” Don asks, looking uncertainly at the image on the screen.

He’s sure to be an interesting acquaintance. He can probably tell many exciting stories about his discoveries,” Rasmus says encouragingly.

“Oh dear…potsherds,” Don groans, at the thought of the strange old weirdo who looks set to be his companion for who knows how long….

Maybe he should cancel that expedition before he ends up in a scary scenario.

“Hey Don, be a little positive. You’re definitely going to have some exciting experiences in the jungle,” Rasmus says encouragingly.

“Yes, I probably will,” Don replies.

He lets his thoughts wander to the vision of the bridge and the waterfall and the woman…

Suddenly he has a fantasy about meeting one of the deceased explorers! He definitely prefers the old weirdo instead.

“Well, he who dares nothing never wins,” he says, throwing his arms out in resignation….. “Valentino insists every day that I won’t regret it.”

“A jungle expedition sounds like a rare opportunity so maybe you should listen to him,” Rasmus says calmly.

*****

Afternoon in Copperdale at the Plumbite Pier

“I see my dad coming over now. I think he’s coming to drive you home,” Jayson says seriously.

“Goodbye Jayson, it’s been the most amazing day,” Fabio says, hugging Jayson tightly.

“Goodbye Fabio, we’re still best friends,” Jayson says.

Then Marcel suddenly stands next to them.

“Well Fabio, are you ready for us to go?” he asks kindly.

“Yeah, guess so,” Fabio says politely.

“Dad, can’t we take a ride on the Ferris wheel before he leaves?” Jayden says. He doesn’t really want to let go of his friend yet.

“No Jayden. That’ll have to be another time. The clock is ticking and it’s school tomorrow,” Marcel says, looking at his wristwatch for emphasis.

There’s no way around it. Fabio will have to follow Marcel to the parking lot.

He looks around to absorb all the impressions of the rides. Who knows when he’ll get the chance to come here again.

Then they arrive at the parking lot. He is actually looking forward to coming home. It has been over a day since he has seen his mother and Rasmus and he’s starting to miss them.

*****

Afternoon in Brindleton Bay

The sky has changed color from deep blue to pale light blue as Izumi runs back towards her home.

She still enjoys the unfamiliar freedom of just being able to run.

When she reaches the main staircase of the house, she listens for sounds that might reveal whether all is chaos inside.

There is nothing to reveal that this is the case.

Don and Rasmus are engaged in a conversation and Sif lies calmly in the cradle and makes pleasant sounds.

She picks Sif up from the cradle and looks at her closely.

“You sound like a happy little girl, don’t you?” she says.

Sif gives her a big smile in response.

Rasmus detaches himself from the conversation with Don.

“Sorry Don, I can hear a little boy calling. I assume I don’t need to introduce him to you?” Rasmus says.

“Preferably not Rasmus. I think I’ll save that for another time,” Don replies with an apologetic smile.

Izumi is still standing relaxed and chatting with her daughter when Rasmus goes into Sune in the bedroom. She has no reason not to trust that he has a handle on what needs to be done.

Sune cries with deafening screams.

He immediately calms down when Rasmus gives him a bottle, confident that all his needs will be met as always.

*****

Don and Izumi greet each other with a warm hug.

“How are you, Don? I hope Rasmus and you had a good conversation together,” she says.

“Well, yes we did. We talked about my upcoming trip to Selvadorada. I think he convinced me it would be an unique experience I should welcome,” says Don.

“You should really enjoy your freedom to travel and experience new places,” Izumi says.

“Yeah, I guess so,” Don smiles, thinking that he’s lucky he doesn’t have any children to tie him down.

Rasmus enters the room after babysitting Sune and finds them in what looks like a confidential conversation.

He sits on the couch to listen to what they are talking about.

“You should never write someone off in advance for fear of the consequences. If you meet someone with an open mind, I’m sure you’ll learn something you can take with you in life,” says Izumi.

“Yeah, you might be right,” Don smiles.

“Who are you talking about?” Rasmus asks curiously.

“We’re talking about the weird professor, of course,” Don says quickly.

Somehow Rasmus gets the feeling that Don comes up with an excuse and that he and Izumi have a secret together.

Izumi bids farewell to Don with an understanding smile before she goes into the bathroom to take a shower.

Rasmus sits back and wonders. It’s not that he doesn’t trust Izumi, but he knows Don and even though he claims he’s changed…so?…. No, that thought is stupid.

Rasmus gets up from the couch to say goodbye to his friend.

“Yeah, I guess this is goodbye,” Don says.

He stands there for a moment, hesitating before continuing….”I told Izumi about…well, the woman from Sulani and she said something I need to think about,” he says.

“Oh her!? Yes, I can sense she’s made quite an impression on you,” Rasmus says seriously.

Don quickly gives Rasmus a hug goodbye.

“Bye Don,” Rasmus says and hugs him back.

“Hey Don, will I see you before you leave?” Rasmus says.

“I assume so,” Don answers casually as he walks out the door, with the familiar attitude that nothing affects him.

Rasmus knows him better than that. That’s what true friendship is all about.

*****

Afternoon in San Myshuno

Elijah watches Fatima from a distance. She has been sitting all morning absorbed in her work, impossible to get in touch with.

He looks at Ambrosius, who is lying on the sofa and keeping an eye on him.

“Well I guess that means two of us feeling neglected,” he says.

He caresses the cat, who responds with a contented purr.

He picks Ambrosius up in his arms and the cat lovingly rubs his wet snout against Elijah’s cheek.

“You’re such a devoted little guy, aren’t you Ambrosius?” Elijah says.

He would never have guessed he would become so attached to a cat, but Ambrosius has a very special personality that seems to be able to read his thoughts and needs.

He puts Ambrosius back on the couch and scratches him a little under the chin on the spot he loves to be scratched.

He turned his gaze back to Fatima.

“Since you seem busy the rest of the day, I might as well go for a run,” he says.

“It might look like I’m done for now,” Fatima says, turning off her PC.

“Oh, I didn’t realize you noticed me today,” Elijah says with feigned surprise.

“Gosh Elijah, now you are being dumb,” she says.

He kisses her on the cheek and takes in her scent.

“You smell so…irresistible,” he sighs.

I assume it’s no surprise that they end up in their bedroom. They sit on the edge of the bed where Fatima begins to massage Elijah’s shoulders and neck.

“You seem so tense, Elijah,” she says.

“I’m tense to the point where I’m about to burst,” he mutters.

“Poor man,” she says and starts kissing him deeply.

“Shouldn’t we take our clothes off?” he groans as he catches his breath.

She pushes him back on the bed and continues to kiss him.

“Everything in its time, Elijah. We have still the rest of the day ahead of us,” she says.

We will now leave the two of them alone to play their wicked games. I assume we all know how it ends.

*****

Afternoon in Brindleton Bay

Don leaves Rasmus the moment Fabio gets home.

“Hey kiddo, where have you been?” he asks.

“Don! I have missed you so much,” says Fabio, thrilled to be reunited.

“I have missed you too, kid,” Don says, hugging him.

“Have you been to school?” Don asks.

“No Don, you’re crazy, it’s Sunday. I’ve been to Jayson’s. We went to the Plumbite Pier. Are you staying for dinner?” Fabio says in a long sentence.

“Plumbite Pier, that sounds interesting. You’ll have to tell me about that another time. I’ve been at Rasmus’s all morning so I’m on my way home now,” says Don.

“No Don! That’s unfair. I didn’t know you were coming today and I want to tell you about everything that happened.”

“Well, I assume I have time for us to talk a little…. It’s great for you that you’ve made a good friend. Tell me what you two kids have gotten yourself into?” Don says kindly.

“I went to Jayden’s house for a sleepover and we played games and had so much fun. This morning we went to a haunted house on Plumbite Pier and I saw a zombie…. Jayson says he was a doll, but I swear he was alive.”

“It sounds like you have a good imagination,” Don says.

“He was alive! I saw he was alive! He had glowing green eyes and he licked his mouth as we passed. I think he’s a vampire, Don,”

“You almighty. He sounds horrible! You shouldn’t even watch that kind of thing. It might give you nightmares,” Don says.

“I feel safe if you put me to bed,” says Fabio.

“But it’s way too early for you to sleep and I have to go now. You can ask your mom or Rasmus. I’m sure they’ll make you feel safe too,” says Don.

Don bends down to give Fabio a goodbye kiss on the cheek.

“Argh Don, that’s gross, I’m not a baby,” Fabio says.

“Well then, let’s give each other another hug to say goodbye,” Don says, squatting down to hug Fabio.

“Bye Don, I love you,” Fabio smiles.

“Me too, Kiddo. Take care,”

*****

Luckily, Fabio doesn’t have time to dwell on the disappointment of Don moving on.

He’s missed his family, but before he says hello to them, he has to try out the climbing frame.

The climbing frame is one thing Jayden doesn’t have in his home.

*****

Act Two – Sunset

Evening in Brindleton Bay

Izumi has finished her shower and Sif’s cradle is back in the bedroom. Daily life returns to its usual routine.

Rasmus starts preparing their dinner.

A little later, Fabio sits down at the dining table to start his homework.

“This is how life should always be. The family together while the food simmers on the stove,” says Rasmus with a big smile.

“I agree with that, but tell me what are you making for dinner?” Izumi asks.

“I found the recipe for this exotic dish in my new cookbook. Rice with vegetables and lentils, seasoned with a little ginger and Jalapeño rings,” says Rasmus.

“Oh, that sounds…really hot,” Izumi replies hesitantly.

*****

“I wonder if it’s something you can eat,” Izumi says a little doubtfully.

“I’m sure it’s delicious,” Rasmus replies, scooping a large portion onto his fork.

“It sure looks delicious,” Izumi says as she looks at the colorful dish.

Rasmus doesn’t say much at first.

Then he lets out a roar of pain.

“Rasmus! Are you okay?” Izumi shouts in horror.

“I’m burning!!!” he coughs.

Fabio looks up from his homework….”Look at Rasmus, he’s blowing smoke rings,” he says in amazement.

“He really does,” Izumi laughs.

“Well, I guess you and I’ll have a sandwich instead,” Izumi says to Fabio.

“I would definitely not recommend this dish to anyone. It’s going in the trash,” says Rasmus.

Brooke, you really shouldn’t taste that. It could be dangerous! 💀

Rasmus washes his plate after the failed meal.

Then he spots the cat.

“Brooke! You’re not allowed to eat human food, when will you learn?” he scolds.

“As if I could ever think of touching that kind of poisonous food. I’ll leave that to you,” the cat purrs with a wise look.

Rasmus grabs the plate of food to throw it out. He pauses for a moment to look at the view on the other side of the window.

It’s a truly beautiful evening. The sun is shining low behind the trees and there is not a cloud in the sky.

Fabio finally seems to have finished his homework.

NB: I wonder if I’ve removed a trash can because everything gets thrown in the trash can in the bedroom.

“Can I watch children’s TV?” he asks his mother.

“Of course,” she says with a smile.

She really wants to question him how he’s been, but she knows he needs some time to digest his experiences of the past 24 hours. He will tell her everything when he feels ready for it.

Fabio finds the remote control and turns on the TV. He’s looking forward to being entertained.

In front of him he sees dancing figures and happy music.

Rasmus has put together a quick pasta dish and sits down next to Fabio on the couch.

They don’t talk to each other but just enjoy each other’s presence.

A little later, Rasmus gets up to do the dishes and clean up the kitchen.

The kitchen counter needs a good scrubbing.

If anyone is wondering where Izumi is, she is busy feeding and changing the babies. I assume we are familiar with the routines by now.

*****

Late night in San Myshuno

When Fatima later gets out of bed after their game of pleasure, she gets a shiver. It feels like there is something cold and unfriendly in the room.

She goes to Elijah, who is sitting on the edge of the bed, lost in thought.

“Now don’t take me for being crazy, but sometimes I really feel like there’s someone in this room who envies us and wants to take revenge for what we have together,” she says.

“I definitely don’t think you’re crazy, Fatima. The thought has also crossed my mind that we’re haunted by ghosts,” he replies.

“Oh, I’m both relieved and not relieved by that answer,” she says.

She moves closer to him and takes his hand.

“I love you Elijah and I’m so grateful that you always take me seriously and support me no matter what I say,” she says.

He places his hand over hers and looks her in the eye.

“You know Fatima, I still have my lottery winnings. We could find a new place together. Another apartment or maybe a house without ghosts,” he says.

“Yes, we can actually! We can buy a house,” she says, surprised.

“Then that’s what we’ll do,” he replies.

“Do we have a deal? Shall we start looking for a house together?” he asks.

“Yes! We have a deal,” she states.

They seal their deal with a kiss.

They are the sweetest couple together and no one, dead or alive, should be allowed to ruin their lives.

*****

Evening in Brindleton Bay

Fabio still watches children’s TV, but now the program is changing.

The next program is called Professor Vlad’s Math Lesson.

Fie, who has just come from the bedroom into the living room, cowers in fear when she sees the professor on the screen.

“If you have three plasma fruits and pick two more, you get two plasma fruits and an orange,” says the professor in a hoarse voice.

What a stupid calculation that is, Fabio thinks.

“I got you!!” Professor Vlad shouts, laughing out loud.

Fie howls loudly and hisses!

Fabio freezes in fear.

He suddenly remembers the zombie in the haunted house. Professor Vlad might be a vampire like him.

Fabio turns off the TV and he quickly goes to find Rasmus.

“Rasmus, are there vampires? I think I saw a vampire in the haunted house today.”

“The haunted house?” Rasmus asks in surprise.

“I didn’t know you’ve been to a haunted house, but no, Fabio. A house like that is just made to scare people for fun. There are no real vampires,” Rasmus says in a firm voice.

Rasmus squats down and gives Fabio a hug,”…”If vampires really existed, I’d make sure they couldn’t reach you,” he says.

Rasmus feels so big and warm and safe that Fabio’s pounding heart soon calms down.

“What about zombies, aren’t there any zombies either?” Fabio asks cautiously.

“Zombies, vampires and that kind of scary figures are myths from old folk tales. In the old days when things happened that people couldn’t explain, they said it was these creatures who were to blame for the accidents…. However, there are also good creatures like fairies and in these ancient folk tales, it is the little man who ultimately overcomes the evil monsters,” explains Rasmus….”I actually think we have such a tale on the bookshelf. I can read to you, if you want to hear it,”

“Yes, please Rasmus,”

Rasmus goes to the bookshelf to find the book he was talking about. The fairy tale about Little Red Riding Hood and the Wolf.

Luckily for Rasmus, neither he nor Fabio is looking towards the front door. If he had, he would have had a big explanation problem.

The only one who seems to notice the vampire is Fie. She probably has a special instinct for these kinds of creatures.

Rasmus sits comfortably in his large armchair. Fabio sits down opposite on the couch.

Once upon a time there lived a little country girl, the prettiest creature who was ever seen. Her mother had a little red riding hood made for her. Everybody called her Little Red Riding Hood.” Rasmus begins reading with a lively gesture….

One day her mother said to her: “Go my dear, and see how your grandmother is doing, for I hear she has been very ill.”

Fabio already knows the fairy tale about Little Red Riding Hood and the wolf. There are no vampires in that story, but the wolf is just as scary and bloodthirsty.

Rasmus continues reading while banging his knuckles against the hard cover of the book….

Tap, tap, tap.

“Who’s there?”

“Your grandchild, Little Red Riding Hood,” replied the wolf, faking her voice.

Grandmother called out, “Pull the string, and the latch will go up.”

The wolf pulled the string and the door opened, and then he immediately fell upon the old good woman and ate her up in a moment.

Fabio looks at Rasmus as he continues to read in his calm, deep voice. He feels unshakable, like a safe haven in Fabio’s life.

Tap, tap, tap.

“Who’s there?”

“It is your grandchild, Little Red Riding Hood.”

The wolf cried out, “Pull the string, and the latch will go up.”

Little Red Riding Hood pulled the string, and the door opened.

Fabio listens attentively for the happy ending…

“Grandmother, what big arms you have!”

“All the better to hug you with, my dear.”

“Grandmother, what big ears you have!”

“All the better to hear you with, my child.”

“Grandmother, what big eyes you have!”

“All the better to see you with, my child.”

“Grandmother, what big teeth you have got!”

“All the better to eat you up with….roar!”

Fortunately, a hunter was passing near by the hut. He heard the wolf, and recognised him right away. He ran over to the window. He took a good aim, and that was the end of the wolf.

“With this happy ending, the story has come to an end,” says Rasmus and stands up.

Fabio sits back and wonders.

“But Rasmus you’re missing the part where the hunter cuts open the wolf’s stomach to free grandma…and then fills it with boulders,” says Fabio.

“Yeah, but it’s late and it’s your bedtime now,” says Rasmus.

When Rasmus follows Fabio into his room, Fabio sees his adoption certificate hanging on the wall. Rasmus is actually his legal dad now. The best dad he could wish for.

Rasmus stands next to Fabio until he has gone under the covers.

“Don’t forget you have your magic lamp,” Rasmus whispers as he tucks the blanket tightly around Fabio.

“Night Rasmus,” Fabio murmurs.

“Sleep well,” Rasmus says before kissing Fabio on the cheek.

His beard tickles Fabio’s ear, but it feels so familiar and safe.

After Fabio has fallen asleep, Rasmus goes into the bedroom.

He sees that Sune is crying for a bottle.

Izumi stands up from the bed, sleepy. …”It was quite late before he fell asleep. Is he okay?”

“Yes, I think so,” Rasmus says without taking his eyes off Sune.

Izumi stands next to him and starts breastfeeding Sif. With that, it’s time for us to say goodbye to this little happy family.

******

Late evening in San Myshuno

Fatima sits hunched over the PC at the desk in the bedroom. She still has a few things she needs to get done before she can consider her work assignment complete.

Elijah is hungry and gets a snack from the fridge.

He looks at the photograph he has taken of the blue fountain in Windenburg. He really loves Windenburg…The place will always have a special place in his heart as it is where he and Fatima fell in love.

Maybe he and Fatima can start their house search in Windenburg? He’ll ask her when they begin their housing search.

In the bedroom, Fatima turns irritatedly to Ambrosius, who is sitting there howling for attention.

“Go find Elijah. I have work to finish,” she says.

Elijah is washing the dishes. Afterwards he will go to the bathroom and go to bed. It is approaching midnight.

When he opens the door to the bathroom, he realizes that he won’t be going to bed right away.

The water pipes on every piece of plumbing are broken and water is spraying from all sides.

Those damn ghosts!

In the bedroom, Ambrosius has finally gotten the attention he’s been calling for.

“Okay, you little tyrant. Let’s go into the kitchen and find Elijah. I could use a break and a nice cup of coffee,” Fatima says.

It soon turns out that Elijah is not to be found in the kitchen as expected.

It also turns out that Fatima has to postpone her wish for a cup of coffee.

Elijah has reached the sink, the last part of the bathroom that needs repair. Ahead of him is the task of cleaning up and wiping up large puddles of water on the floor.

“This is the last straw,” he mutters angrily….”Tomorrow we will look for a house without ghosts!”

*****

Late evening in the abandoned Lab in StrangerVille

Allan approaches the laboratory building. He has made this trip alone.

Using the spores he collected, the scientists have tested and approved the breathing filter for his Harman suit. He only has this one suit and this one filter, so the crew must stay home.

He has a feeling that his recruits are not at all unhappy with that decision.

Ezra and Hallie are probably taking full advantage of his absence and Taylor has probably gone to the 8 Bells. He loves hanging out at the bar.

Allan walks down the stairs towards the laboratory’s underground corridors.

It is difficult to maintain enthusiasm and discipline, as most of their time is spent waiting interrupted by boring patrols and hard training to maintain their fitness.

Of course, it’s not just idleness because of the nasty stems that constantly try to undermine their water pipes. They have to be weeded out several times a day to prevent them from taking over.

In the middle of his train of thought, Allan realizes he has entered the hallway with the toxic blue air. Now it will be seen whether the filter is working as intended.

For a moment he considers whether he should have taken one of the recruits with him to stand guard outside. Someone who could report to the Grand Marshal if things went wrong.

The visibility in this passage is very poor, but he eventually manages to grope his way down to the other end of the hallway, where he can see a closed door.

Outside the door he finds a poster ordering employees to always wear Harman suits for their safety.

What a foolish supervisor would choose to hang such a poster on the opposite side of a toxic hallway. If you ever reach it, you are already poisoned.

Fortunately, the Harman suit seems to give him the protection he needs, so he holds his key card up to the scanner, unaware of what might be revealed behind the next door.

He watches carefully for new unknown dangers, but apparently the air looks cleaner in there.

The room just reveals a new corridor and a staircase ahead.

He goes further into the depths.

Another long hallway leading to a staircase.

He goes further into the depths.

Another door opens to reveal another corridor.

He follows the winding corridors forward, wondering if he will ever find his way back to the exit again.

He turns a corner again and sees the lighting change slightly.

In front of him he finds a new door and the room behind this door does not seem to be empty.

As he walks through the door he stops for a moment in amazement.

He sees closed glass cubes with plants in various stages of development. What on earth has been going on here, in terms of experiments?

Regardless of the precautions scientists have taken to isolate these plants, they have demonstrably lost control of the situation.

Allan stops in front of a board that describes the development of plants in every detail. From small sprout to fully developed fruit-bearing plant.

To his right he sees stems that seem to be overgrowing the entire room. It’s probably only a matter of time before everything is covered in this vegetation.

The stems appear to originate from a room behind a sealed door.

Despite his misgivings, he can’t stop his search now. He has to continue. Reveal what lies behind the door.

He angrily kicks at some stems on the floor that are trying to hold him down.

Then he arrives at the door where he finds a scanner almost hidden behind the stems.

He holds the key card up to the scanner and hears a singing sound as the door begins to open.

The sound gets louder the more the door opens.

He looks fearfully through the doorway as a lot of purple air flows towards him.

The sight that unfolds before him makes his blood run cold.

Is it a plant or a creature? Whatever it is, it emits enticingly beautiful tones.

“I am your mother…. I am the beauty…. Fear not my child I will give you peace,” 🎶

The song sounds like a beautiful seductive chime in his ears.

Gosh! He needs to get away from her right now.

*****

Late evening in Brindleton Bay

Martin has just come home from a soccer match. He sees Tusnelda coming towards him and to his surprise she is still in her work uniform.

“Hey sweetie, you look like you’ve had a hard day. Is there anything I can do for you?” he says with a loving smile.

“Martin, we need to talk,” she says in a strained voice.

He feels a seriousness that makes his mood drop as he fears what’s coming next…He takes a deep breath before answering.

“Okay, Sweetie. I can make something for us while you take a shower and….”

“No, Martin. I mean now!” she says firmly.

“Won’t you at least change your clothes? You look so distant in that uniform,” he says

“I can’t take this much longer, Martin. I need it to stop,” she says, without answering his question.

“Please Tusnelda, let’s at least take this conversation inside,” he pleads.

“I need you to listen to me without interrupting,” she says.

******

At least he persuades her to go inside and sit at the dining table.

“I can’t do this much longer Martin. I need it to stop,” she repeats before sitting down.

“The first attempts failed, and I can feel that I’m not pregnant now either. No need to wait for the test results… It’s time for me to face my defeat. …I don’t want to try anymore, Martin. It’s making me sick. I’m done!” she says

“Please, sweetie, don’t take it all on yourself…. We’re in this together.” he says, pausing briefly before continuing.

“Right now you’re affected by the hormone therapy, and… It’s okay, sweetie. You don’t have to put yourself through this treatment… We have another option, you know,” he says in a soft voice.

“No Martin, you have to stop trying to make me feel better… It won’t help how I feel… Every time I look at you, I feel bad about myself. I can’t ignore it anymore. Don’t pressure me or I’ll end up hating you.”

“Don’t say that… I’m sure you don’t mean it,” he says in an almost inaudible voice.

They both sit in silence for a while, after which she continues hesitantly.……

“You can’t fix me. I need some peace. Time to sort out my thoughts. I want to move back to the abandoned mine in Forgotten Hollow,”

“No Tusnelda, I can’t stand to think about you being that horrible place. I’m moving out. I’ll figure something out,” he says.

“It’s not fair to you. I’m so sorry, Martin. You know I love you, but that’s how it is,” she says sadly.

After this sentence, she stands up.

She feels so bad about herself as she slowly walks towards the bedroom.

Martin sits back, paralyzed by his grief.

How did they end up in this place? What could he have done to prevent it?….He must take the blame for allowing her to push herself more than she could bear.

*****

Night in the Abandoned Lab in StrangerVille

Allan is filled with gloomy thoughts as he walks back along the route he came from. At first he has to turn his back on the problem. He cannot fight this monster alone.

He must try to get help from some of the scientists who helped him develop the filter for his Harman suit.

He must obtain more suits to protect his crew or find them another form of protection.

He looks up with relief at the light streaming down the stairs from the part of the laboratory above ground.

He should seal the door behind him and return to the city as soon as possible and plan a strategy. Tomorrow he will contact the scientists he has been collaborating with. .

It has become pitch black night while he has been down in the depths.

He quickly picks up speed, but stops when he hears an explosion.

Sparks spread wildly as some electrical transmitters explode.

Pink lightning illuminates the sky.

It is difficult to determine whether the lightning comes from the sky or starts from the electrical transmitters.

The noise is deafening, and it seems like the whole world has turned into a pink, burning hell.

Allan looks around dejectedly. How will he ever be able to fix it and bring the world back to how it should be?

******

Night in Brindleton Bay

Martin finds Tusnelda standing as if petrified in their bedroom.

“Hey, sweetie, I thought you were already in the shower,” he says.

“Please sweetie listen to me,” he says.

She remains standing, as if in a trance with her neck bent, completely absent from the world.

“Tusnelda please, look at me,” he says.

Finally, she seems to respond when he says her name.

“There you are,” he says, relieved….”I heard what you said, Tusnelda. I think you have depression. You should seek some help.….Don’t think about me. I’ll figure it out and find a place to stay.”

“I’m so sorry, Martin, but right now your presence just makes me miserable…. I don’t think I can ask you to move out of your home. It should be me,” she says with tears in her eyes.

“In reality, it started as your home and I feel better knowing you have the cats for company…that you’re not alone…. You should take a bath, it’ll make you feel better. I’m going to take a run down to the beach. I need some peace to think through my options too,” he says.

He watches her as she goes into the bathroom. He wishes he could hug her to comfort her, but right now that seems like the worst thing he can do.

*****

As often before when he needs to think, he runs down to the beach.

He finds the familiar bench on the jetty. It’s not the first time he’s sat here with his gloomy thoughts.

He sighs deeply and looks up at the sky.

The clouds gather in the sky and almost cover the lighthouse. The lighthouse that will always stand as a symbol of the beginning of their life together.

He feels so tired and exhausted. So much sorrow. So much loss. This is not how love should be.

He loves her, so how can it be that he ends up hurting her?

He knows he can’t fix her no matter what he does for her. She’ll have to find the answer within herself. Once again, he has to give her space. He feels worn out.

An icy wind sends shivers down his back and bare arms. He has to keep running to avoid getting cold.

The clouds have gathered into a dense fog as he runs on.

The lighthouse has been erased from the horizon.

*****

Martin is a strong man, but even he cannot continue indefinitely.

Exhausted and depressed, he returns home.

To his relief, Tusnelda is already asleep. They don’t have to make a final decision tonight.

As he lies down in bed in his usual place, he finally finds peace in his sleeping oblivion.

*****

Author’s note: I have been planning this chapter and the ones that follow for so long. I’m sorry to have to leave you in such a dark place.
While I was writing the chapter, I considered several times whether I could omit or shorten the section about Rasmus and Fabio, but I feel that it provides a contrast that helps build the mood later in the chapter. Long chapters have become my style, so I won’t apologize for them anymore.
There are some visual errors in a few of the pictures that irritate my eye. I have decided to close my eyes to my perfectionism for this time. Otherwise, I’ll never get further.

I’ll end my chapter with this song. Enjoy ❤️

******

My thanks to these two creators for putting their characters on the Gallery. They both create lots of fantastic personalities that I would be happy to see live in my universe.

I borrowed this lovely Antique collector from Yagatha’s gallery. I gave him a name change for the sake of the story but you can find the original here: Jules Blanc

The zombie Fabio saw in the haunted house was made by Fantasims. Her two amazing mummies took up a plot in my Forgotten Hollow while I was preparing this chapter. Find them here:

Mummy Thoth Mafdet and Mummy Amun Qebui

*****

I have borrowed parts of the Little Red Riding Hood story from the Storynory