Once Upon A Stranger's Crime

II. Welcome to Inferno

Mason’s POV:

They say that human beings differ from majority of animals to ever walk on Earth because of deep and genuine emotions. Birds do not grieve when their eggs fall from the height of their labored nests, reptiles and amphibians only recognize fear and pain when the predators of the food chain arrives. And fishes, insects, and jellyfishes only rely on instincts to survive.

As I sit here inside my humid shop to observe the crying kid outside my window, I learned that I am no different from other animals. The kid just dropped his ice cream on the ground and I don’t understand why his face suddenly wrinkled before flooding out tears. I don’t get it why he has to be upset about such a small thing. I can’t comprehend sit because I as atypical as I am, anger is the only emotion I am capable of feeling.

“What’s wrong?” I heard a woman who hurriedly sat beside him spoke and dried his tears away.

I am assuming that she is his mother because she has the same look of sadness and concern in her eyes that I will ever feel in my entire life.

“M-my ice-cream…waaaahhh!” The child only sobbed louder before grabbing the thin edge of his mother’s purple cardigan and burying his face in her stomach.

“It’s okay, I will get you another one.” She reassured him before brushing her callous palms on his back.

A sense of security.

I am pretty sure that is what I am seeing right now. After his mother got him another cone with double scoop of blueberry ice cream from the truck, the kid’s used to be wrinkled and tomato-red face suddenly brightened up. His eyebrows are no longer furrowed and his lips are not sunken anymore.

Is that it? Is that how easy it is to recover from something sad?

As I witness them slowly disappear from my sight, I took a deep breath and refocus my attention on my sculpture. Suddenly, I remember that the small town of Sherwood Ville where I am currently situated in is in demand of wooden signages. Several store owners are contacting me for my service and I am more than willing to do so. Not because what I do makes me happy or fulfilled, but because I earn a living from here.

“Bzzt, bzzt…”  Suddenly, I heard my phone vibrate from the pocket of my silk and worn out apron.

I lifted the screen up to see that the realtor agent is calling me. I closed my eyes. I find it really hard to interact with people. Everytime someone is about to speak to me, I need to muster up and remember all the lessons on how to display superficial emotions in front of the people that I watched countless of times. It’s kind of exhausting to be honest.

“Yes, ma’am? This is Mason Lancaster.” I decided to pick up the call as I count to three. I prepared to lift up my lips in an upward concave manner to give an illusion of a happy and bright tone of voice.

“Good day, Mr. Lancaster. I am just calling to remind you that this is my fifth time of telling you to pay your mortgage.” She replied in a sarcastic pitch. I know that she is being sarcastic because I spent my whole life analyzing people like her. Specifically, I am learning how to manipulate people like her.

“I’m so sorry, ma’am. Please give me some more time. I just need a few more clients and I promise I will pay half of my due.” I explained with a concerned voice.

I almost forgot to that my shop isn’t really enough to support my house. That was one mistake I overlooked when I decided to…change my identity.

“Oh no, Mr. Lancaster. You don’t get to negotiate with me. My name and my career are at stake here so listen to me closely.” She uttered, trying her best to intimidate me.

I did not respond, I only waited for her next words in silence.

“Since you have a 2-bedroom house with a spacious living room, I suggest you open the other room for rental so you can pay finally finish paying the damn house.” She insisted.

For some unknown reason, I felt myself laughing at what she said.

“Is something funny about what I just said?! I am trying to help you here.” She yelled.

No, nothing is funny at all.

“I…I like your idea, ma’am!” I lied. I have no choice but to do what she says. I know that if I refuse to her wants, then she will be a threat along the way.

“Good. I will advertise you in the Town Plaza. I will inform you immediately when someone is interested to check.” She added.

“Two things, ma’am…please make sure to advertise only to men. I also want the probable tenants to talk to me firsthand if they are interested.” I countered before she pressed the end button and cut the call.

Soon after our call was disclosed, I threw my phone at the old sofa resting randomly in the corner of my shop. I suddenly felt a burning sensation building up my stomach…anger.

As if it isn’t hard enough to force myself in socializing with one person since I moved here two years ago, now I have to learn how to interact with someone everyday. Hell surely doesn’t want to leave me alone.

--

The following week, similar routine filled up my boring yet peaceful life that is soon to be shaken up if I am not careful with the stranger that will come and enter my home. My eyes slowly opened to the sight of the sunrays coming from the partly lifted curtains of my room window. I rolled over lazily to my left side before looking at my phone to check the time. It is already 8:00 in the morning. I realized that It’s been two years now since I am waking up at the same time in the morning everyday, which is a good sign.

I bolted up my bed and get ready for another day of restless sculpting. I went to brush my teeth and eat breakfast but instead of reading newspapers to be updated of what is going on in the world, I grabbed my phone to watch another tutorial of how to show emotions through the face.

After munching my last bite of homemade banana pancake, I proceeded to stand in front of the bathroom mirror as I master how to manipulate my facial expressions. I followed the video thoroughly and took pictures of my face at each emotion instructed.

“In this video, we will learn how actors show the feeling of “sadness”, “hunger”, and “butterflies in the stomach” The instructor directed. Carefully, I shifted my face in accordance to the specific emotion he is explaining.

I imagined myself with a crumpled nose and a squinted pair of eyes as I picture myself being desperate of hunger. I emptily stared at the mirror before slowly furrowing my eyebrows as I practiced sadness. Finally, I smiled widely and blinked fast at the portrayal of “butterflies in the stomach.”

I didn’t polish my facial expressions because I find no necessity in doing such. By the looks of it, I will never even experience such kind of emotions in my life. It’s better if I stick to the basics.

After my morning ritual of staring in the mirror and acting like a fool, I immediately proceeded to open my store and start the business hours. I tidied up the place where small debris of wood are scattered all around the floor. When I finished cleaning for about thirty minutes, I decided to turn on the television.  

“Attention Shwerwood Ville citizens…a serial killer similar to the Butcher of Sherwood Ville was reported to be on a spree, targeting teenagers around the town. We advise children to limit their time outside…”

I froze.

I did not expect that such news will hit me in the face like this. Just by hearing THAT alias, makes me tremble and crash in agitation. Suddenly, I felt an eerie sensation fill up the room. Cold sweats started to drip down my spine and my heart began to race. I closed my eyes, trying to recognize this feeling. But as soon as darkness enveloped my sight, vivid memories flash through my mind.

Horrific pictures of jarred human organs flesh soaked with blood began invading my head. I remembered hearing a woman and man scream while being slashed and smacked out of consciousness. I felt myself starting to breath heavy as I couldn’t hear the sound of the television anymore.

It felt like I entered a new dimension on the spot. I couldn’t move nor speak. I became a traveller visiting my ugly past, the nightmare I tried my best to forget.  

The moment I got the chance to escape from my thoughts, I opened my eyes forcefully. Out of the blue, I found myself slouched to the ground, having difficulty breathing. I am now panting so hard as I felt suffocated. My limbs are starting to get numb and my feet couldn’t hold me uptight anymore as well.

I decided to lay on the ground beside one of my unfinished works. I remembered it all now, I remembered everything.

“The victims’ wrists are broken and both their eyes are missing. The police attest that such horrendous acts could only be done by a single person who finds gratification in getting trophies from its victims’ body parts…”

The sound of the television came back. I can hear it again. I closed my eyes as I tried to control my breathing pace. I am finally back to my senses.

After some time of trying to calm down, I brought out my phone in my pocket and dial the number of the person whom I think could help me the most.

“Maddison Psychiatric Clinic, how may I help you?” The voice responded quickly.

I cannot believe I am contacting her again after promising to myself that I will never need help once I moved out of that hell.

“Is….Is Doctor Allina there?” I asked softly, trying my best to sound normal over the line.

“And this is?” The voice countered cheerfully.

“Mason…Mason Lancaster.” I replied, slowly standing up from the ground.

“Wait a minute sir…” The voice responded.

A few seconds of silence that shrouded our call. I took that opportunity to fix my clothes, wipe away my sweats, and fiddled my messy hair.

“Hello? This is Dr. Allina, speaking…Mason?” Finally, she answered.

“I have a problem…” I muttered nervously the moment I heard her voice.

“So much for missing me, huh? Do you mind coming here?” She replied calmly and composed as the last time I remembered. I ignored her sarcasm.

“Yes I do mind actually. Listen to me, the last time we saw each other you said that I will be able to forget everything but now…why am I seeing things that I don’t want to recall?” I complained before gulping down my drying throat.

“I don’t understand where you’re coming from…” She stated.

“Doctor, I think I have a memory in the past that I asked you to remove from my head.” I responded quickly.

“Mr. Lancaster…I told you before, hypnotherapy is relative. For some, it requires follow up sessions and for some, it works during the first time.” She said.

I sighed. I knew calling her would be useless.

“Could you at least tell me why am I seeing terrifying sights of human organs and blood?” I whispered.

“Mr. Lancaster, I have no knowledge about your past. You came to me saying that you don’t want anyone knowing why you were afraid at the time. That’s all I can attest to…you were afraid before I hypnotized you.” She concluded.

I slowly lowered down my phone and stare at the emptiness. I felt like my heart dropped to the ground after our call has ended. Hurriedly, I ran to turn off the television to clear my mind. But just as I was about to return to my original post, I heard the doorbell ring repeatedly.

What the hell? Did I forget any appointment with a client today?

I immediately restyled my hair and practiced smiling in front of the mirror before answering the door. Thankfully, I am not really opening the shop yet.

“Coming!” I yelled as I walked fast to the door.

“How can I h—“ I greeted the client vibrantly upon opening the door only to realize that I am standing in front of a person I am least expecting to come in contact with…He is not a client and definitely, he is not here to buy any of my product.

“Hello…” He greeted with his head up.

--

“What are you doing here?” I asked coldly by the time we sat on the receiving table adjacently at each other. I prepared a cup of hot tea for the both of us as I anticipated his honest response.

“What’s with the tensed vibe? I just came here to visit my long lost best friend…Eric Snyder.” He declared.

I blinked at the sound of…my real name. Hearing someone mouth Eric Snyder, sent nervousness down my system…especially when that someone is Lucius Clive. I did not let him catch me off guard. I acted normal in front of him. I showed a smiling façade before lifting up my cup and drinking casually.

“So Lucius…how did you find me?” I asked with a shift of tone.

“Ahh, let’s see. I will soon be a therapist and the world of psychology is not that big. I came to interact with Dr. Allina Dane…not long after, I found you in her files.” He explained.

“Mmm…” I replied, avoiding his eye contact.

He took a sip of his tea before easing up and leaning backwards to his chair. He looks at me interestingly like I am some sort of a subject for him. I copied his insulting gaze until both of us are lost in our own thoughts.

“Mason Lancaster….that name is interesting. It sounds different from whom I remembered being soaked up in blood while running from his father’s secret room.” He spoke with such confidence, causing the pretense of smile in my face to disappear.

Suddenly, I felt myself giving in with anger. He has no right to bring up my past and rub it in front of my face.

“What do you want?” I followed.

“I want you to answer this…Did you do it? Did you kill those poor victims in the television?” He asked with deep gazes. His bodily actions are telling me that he is so interested in confirming his assumptions. Of course, I will not let him experience that fulfilment.

Suddenly, I decided to laugh uncomfortably. I saw him frowning and shaking his head.

“You’re really funny.” I commented.

This brilliant idea soon popped up inside my head.

“Wait for me.” I stated casually before standing up and walking towards the door to shift the signage of my shop from “open” to “close”. Without his knowledge, I also lowered the blinds of my glass walls so people wouldn’t recognize what I will about to do.

“Eric…just answer me. Did you do it or not?” He stated in a serious manner.

I smirked.

“What if I did it? What are you going to do? Diagnose me as a psychopath?” I countered with an eerie vibe. From the corner of my shop, away from his location, I picked up the small knife and hid it behind my back. Slowly, I walked back to his direction while gazing at the wall clock. It is already afternoon.

He then turned his head on me before standing up and placing his hands in his waist.

“It doesn’t matter if I did it or not…you are already thinking that I did it. And who knows…” I started before taking a step closer to his face to level my mouth in his ears…I noticed him stepping backwards. He also gulped hard before clenching his fists.

“Maybe I really did it. Maybe I found joy in gouging out their eyes and breaking their wrists…” I added before glaring at him closely. After speaking that sentence, I didn’t feel guilt. All I know is I wanted to stab him in the stomach and make him suffer for judging me.

“Welcome to inferno…” I added with a grin. My remark sent him cowering in fear. After exchanging death glares with me, Lucius  attempted to punch me but I was quick to fight him back. I finally brought out the knife I was hiding and pointed it towards him. He was completely shocked.

“Murderer! I knew you did it, you merciless prick!” He screamed before flinching away.

I only smiled at his compliment. Yes, I considered what he just said a compliment.

I lunge towards him to envelope my arms tightly in his neck. Soon enough, we are struggling on the ground, fighting each other in a physical combat. His successful punch was countered by my strong headbutt. I admit, he is quite strong so I find it challenging to triumph over his efforts. His elbows landed forcefully down my stomach causing me to loosen my grip at his body. He took that opportunity to free himself and run away but I was fast to catch up with him.

Finally, I found a heavy wooden object randomly at the table. At the count of three, I decided to smash it in his head strong enough to leave him unconscious but not to kill him. When his body landed to the ground, I decided to drag him and tie him up in my basement.

“Help! Help me!” He spoke softly as he is drifting in and out of consciousness. At the moment, we are already nearing the ladder which leads down my secret place.

“Hello? Is anybody home?” Suddenly, I heard a woman’s voice calling from outside the shop.

My heart immediately thumped hard as I momentarily panicked on what is happening. I grabbed the electrical tape and fasten the dragging pace with Lucius’ almost unconscious body. My eyes widened in fear as adrenaline filled up my body.

“Hello? Is anyone in there? Open the door now! I am a police officer!” The woman followed.

Shit, she heard everything. Didn’t this woman saw the “closed” sign?

“I know someone is inside there! If no one opens at the count of three, I will be tearing this door down.” She warned. My heart only raced faster but I did not let it get in the way of accomplishing my goal. I need to secure Lucius down here first. Thankfully, I managed to do so after covering his body with a duct tape.

I locked the basement flawlessly and ran towards the door before she could even speak again. In my head, all my excuses are now formed. I turned the television on and play a horror movie in a low volume. I immediately opened the door only to see a woman wearing semi-formal attire while holding a gun in front of me.

Just like how any other normal people would act upon seeing a gun, I tried my best to show a shocking face.

“H-how can I help you ma’am?” I questioned with a hint of fear.  

“I heard someone scream  inside…Is everything okay?” She responded while frowning and being keen. I can tell that she doubts my fake emotion so I invited her in to make it believable.

“I’m sorry, I am in the middle of my work. I usually play a movie to help me deal with the silence, you see. That’s probably what you heard.” I added as I witness her observe my shop. I completed my stunt by wearing my apron and making it appear dirty.

As I look at her back, I prepared the same knife I used to threaten Lucius earlier in case she found some evidence. I held it tight inside my pocket, anticipating the worst of the worst.

But after a few minutes of holding my breath, I finally calmed down when she turned to me with a smiling face.

“Are you Mr. Mason Lancaster?“ She asked before tucking strands of her hair behind her ears.

“Yes.” I responded casually, loosening my grip at the knife secretly.

“I apologize for my act earlier. My name is Lauren Moore and my friend told me that your place is for rent. I am interested.” She explained while maintaining an eye contact with me.

I thought I made myself clear that I want a male tenant. There’s no way I will accept a female tenant especially….a cop.

“I’m sorry, I—“ I was interrupted

“You asshole! Let me out of here!” Lucius screamed but it appeared to be muffled from our spot.

I was about to reason out but I felt my soul leaving my body the moment Lucius’ voice was heard in the room from the basement. How foolish of me to leave his mouth uncovered. Damn it.

“What is that?” The policewoman asked. Just when I thought that I am done walking on tightrope, the suspicious look in her eyes returned, telling me that my end has come.

My heart beats fast again.

“Welcome, Ms. Moore. You can move in here as soon as possible! I've been waiting for you, my name is Mason Lancaster.” I ended up uttering my name to a police officer lively while reaching to shake her hand before she could give her full attention to that stupid Lucius' voice.