JESSICA

"Welcome to Fifth," Aunt Cora said.

I remained silent, absorbing my surroundings. The sky glowed with the warm hues of dusk, and a cold breeze made the hair on my arms stand on end. The houses, each trying to outshine the next in grandeur, seemed lifeless to me. Beautiful, yes, but empty, like they existed only to be admired from afar.

"So... we're surrounded by La Clarita Cemetery, right?" I asked.

"Yes," Aunt Cora replied, clearing her throat. "I'll take your things inside."

I nodded and took a few steps away from the car. I disliked when people touched my belongings, but Aunt Cora's insistence was unyielding. Defying her would only make this place—her place—even more unbearable.

I stood in the middle of the road, noticing how clean it was, the only litter being dry leaves. "Mom..." I whispered to the wind. "I don't like this place." I stared down the long road to the setting sun. "I don't like it here, Mom."

####

Aunt Cora's house was quaint, with four rooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, and a living room. It was clean and well-organized, and the aroma of her cooking filled the air, reminiscent of Mom's meals.

"Jessica, have some more. I know you're tired from our trip," Aunt Cora said.

I stayed silent, letting the quiet envelop us as we ate. She kept glancing at me, wanting to talk but unsure how. She knew I didn't want to be here, but I had no choice. Mom was buried just yesterday, and the sudden upheaval in my life was still hard to accept.

"You want to find a job, right?" Aunt Cora broke the silence. I looked up, surprised.

"Yes. Because of the debts Mom left behind, I need to pay them off."

She nodded and smiled slightly. "Since you don't want me to pay off my sister's debts, I know of a convenience store where you can apply. But I recommend you don't work there."

"Where is it?" I asked, scratching my cheek.

"It's a bit far, still in Fifth. The store is in an isolated area. The only available shift is the night shift. You'll be alone, and it's dangerous—"

"I like it," I said softly. "I want a place like that."

No. I just want to be alone.

"Are you sure?" she asked, surprised. "I can find other places where you can work. Don't go there—"

"I'll submit my resume tomorrow. It's just temporary while I'm studying," I interrupted her.

Her shoulders slumped. Tsk. She mentioned the job but now didn't want me to take it. She shouldn't have brought it up at all.

After dinner, I washed the dishes and watched TV for a while before heading to my room to rest. Exhaustion and heavy thoughts quickly put me to sleep.

I dreamt. Darkness. Silence. Nothing but an endless void. I felt like I was being rocked to sleep. I could hear my own breathing, unsure if I was awake or asleep. It seemed I was asleep but aware of my surroundings. I heard the hum of the electric fan and the wind rustling the trees outside my window.

When I woke, sunlight streamed into the room. I sat up, feeling unrested. "I don't feel like it," I muttered, walking to the window. The road outside was lifeless, devoid of people.

I went downstairs. Aunt Cora was probably still asleep. I noticed a note on the table.

"Don't go out, okay? You might get lost. I'll be back soon.

—Cora ♥"

I sighed and placed the note back on the table. I turned on the speaker, letting Michl's calm voice fill the house.

"The dust and dirt

Blind us slowly

But give a hint of a view to make it feel alright

And though it hurts

We keep on climbing

Cause our addictions take us from inside

A sturdy back

But brittle bones

Too weak to show."

I made coffee and prepared something to eat, enjoying the music. As I began to sing along, a knock on the door interrupted me. Must be Aunt Cora.

"Just a moment!" I called, hurrying to the door. I opened it wide.

"Aunt—" I stopped. It wasn't Aunt Cora. A man in a thick, loose black jacket, a cap shading his face, pajamas, and slippers stood there. He was tall, skinny, and pale.

"Do you need anything?" I asked.

"It's too early for you to be making noise," he said irritably.

Ah... Shit.

"S-Sorry," I stammered. "I'll turn off the music. I'm really sorry."

I closed the door carefully and ran to the speaker, turning it off immediately. Shit. I must have disturbed his sleep. But where does he live? My music wasn't that loud... Ah, fine, it was really loud.

I leaned against the table, holding my forehead. "I'll just use earphones," I muttered, laughing slightly.

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