Page 35 of Straightjacket

As I round the counter, I wipe off the stray crumbs and head into the hallway, stopping at the locked door just beside the spiral staircase and knocking, waiting a moment to see if I get a response.

“Your lunch is ready, sweet.” I say softly through the door. “I know I usually leave it out for you but... would you mind having a little chat with me?” It stays quiet behind the door for a moment, then I hear footsteps coming up the stairs, the key in the lock turning slowly.

You must think I’m crazy, allowing this silent stranger to live in my house but there’s no way I could have just left him out there, fighting for his life and even though he doesn’t say much, I quite enjoy his company.

Stepping back slightly to give him his space, a crack in the door opens, his masked face peeking around it.

“There you are, sweet. Come come, follow me.” I urge him with my hand, turning my head towards the kitchen but he remains standing behind the door. “It’s alright, you’re safe here. Granny ain’t gonna let nobody into this house who can hurt you.”

His shoulders visibly drop, then he opens the door wider and ducks underneath the door frame before following me into the kitchen. Walking back around the counter, I put the needed space between us, allowing him to stay on the opposite side, the small plate sitting in front of him. He looks down at it, almost like he’s waiting for permission to eat.

“Eat up, boy. I promise I won’t be looking at ya. How about I fix you a drink too?”

I catch the subtle nod as he lifts the bottom of his mask to bring the sandwich to his mouth. A fizzle of warmth fills my chest at the sight, a happiness blooming in my heart knowing that I’m helping someone who really needs it.

Leaving him to eat in peace, I take a glass from the cupboard and place it on the counter then head over to the fridge for my homemade lemonade. Bright yellow lemons swim around in the sweet, cloudy liquid, a fresh smell wafting into my nose as I take the jug and pour a healthy amount into the glass.

“Here you go,” I say, placing the glass next to the plate. “Freshly made yesterday.”

The silent stranger quickly finishes eating around the crusts on the bread, then takes a massive gulp of the lemonade.

“Would you like some more? There’s plenty to go around.”

Placing the glass down, he fixes his mask into place and shakes his head, lifting his hands to deny my request.

“Well alright, you know where everything is if you get hungry again. A strapping man like you needs his energy.” I say with a smile, knowing there’s also one behind the mask that covers his face, then I watch as he takes the plate and glass to put them in the sink, returning swiftly to his place on the other side of the counter. He digs his hand into the many pockets on his trousers to pull out a notepad and a pen, flicking to a clean page.

“Ready?” I ask and he nods, his hand firmly holding the pen. “Alright, there’s something that I need you to know and don’t be getting all upset cos you’ll only make me cry.” I laugh, feeling the swell of tears in my eyes and I blow out a heavy breath, one that’s been sitting on my lungs for a while. “I have cancer, sweet. I found out two months ago and... well, let’s just say that the old hands of death are catching up with me.”

At my words, his hand begins to shake as he scribbles across the paper before showing it to me.

How long?

I shake my head whilst attempting to put a brave smile on my face. “I’m not sure, could be a couple of months or weeks but I’m alright, I’m ready for whatever happens.”

His shoulders hike up, the pad trembling in his hand as he continues to write whatever he needs to say. I wait a moment, allowing him to have this time then he turns the notepad towards me again.

But I don’t wanna be alone. You’ve done so much for me and now I won’t have anyone. All my family is gone, and I only have you left.

Sweet Jesus, this is harder than I thought it was gonna be.

Wiping the tears away from my eyes, I slowly walk around the counter towards him. He grips the notepad and pen tightly, but that doesn’t stop me from placing my hands onto his arms, holding him together.

“You ain’t gonna be alone, sweet, I can promise you that. There’s someone out there for you, I can feel it in these old bones and I might be dying, but this mind is wise. And let me tell you something, I’ve never been wrong about anything. You gotta trust granny on that, alright?”

Slowly, he nods his head, and I give his arms a reassuring squeeze before taking the notepad and pen from his hands to write down an address.

“Here,” I say, handing it back over to him. “This is a house way outside of Salem, it’s fully stocked and there’s a safe in the bedroom. I've written the code on the bottom. If you ever don’t feel safe here or anything happens where you need to get away, go here. It’s safe, I promise you.” He takes the notepad and runs his thumb over the address, nodding, showing me without words that he understands what I’m saying.

I know he’ll remember the address, and if the time ever comes, he’ll know what to do.

Something isn’t right. There’s a part of me missing and I can’t find it. I should’ve woken up in the cell, but I haven’t and my little demon isn’t here.

How the fuck could I have been so stupid, to let myself fall asleep with her, leaving her unprotected whilst those fucking guards came in and separated us, again.

Shaking the cloudy haze from my mind, I clamp my eyes shut for a moment, forcing whatever sedative was shoved into my system away until I’m able to think clearly. I pry my eyes open, the bright lights of the stark white room blind me instantly and I have to drop my head for a moment until I’m used to the intrusion.

“Where the fuck am I?” I groan out, rolling my head to ease the ache in my neck, and just as I’m about to lift my hands, they clang behind my back. “Motherfucker.” I spit out, frustration coiling in my veins as I continue to pull against the handcuffs that keep my arms bound behind the chair.