The silence in the library was heavy. It was a physical weight that pressed against my chest and I liked it. It was better than the noise of the living. I sat in the high-backed leather chair with a book open on my lap. I bad not turned a page in an hour. I was just staring at a diagram of a nerve-shredding hex and wishing I could cast it on my own memories.
Just let me rot in peace. Is that so much to ask? I am finally quiet. The monster is in its cage.
Then it happened.
A knock.
The sound echoed through the vast room. It grated against my skull like a knife on bone. I flinched. My grip tightened on the armrests until the leather creaked.
No. Go away. I barricaded the front gate. I warded the perimeter. How did you get in?
I didn't move. I didn't breathe. Maybe if I stayed perfectly still the universe would forget I existed. I stared at the heavy oak doors. I imagined the person on the other side. I knew who it was. I could feel the irritating aura of 'good intentions' radiating through the wood. tú.
*Of course it was him. Only a 'hero' would be rude enough to disturb a mourning recluse. He probably brought soup. or flowers. Or some other logistical nightmare that would force me to perform gratitude.
The knock came again. Louder. More insistent.
Parasite. Leave me alone.*
The crypt is closed I called out. My voice was raspy from disuse but it held the perfect temperature of absolute zero. Go peddle your condolences elsewhere.
