Dire Wolf

Breaking News: The House Rosenbaum falls in a devastating plane crash. I crumpled the newspaper and threw it under the airplane chair. I’m on my way to Kalalit. I was just about to take my mp3 player from my bag when the stewardess approaches me with a reprimanding look. I quickly stashed it away and decided to look at the window instead. Too much has happened these past few weeks that my mind was having trouble comprehending half of it.     My parents died along with all of my relatives in a plane crash. My cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandmother died instantly. They were on the way to a beach resort in Maharlika when it crashed in the middle of the Maharlikan Ocean. I was saved from the accident when I woke up late, and my flight was rescheduled.     On my way to Scania, I saw fleets of ships converging on a single point, “Another engagement, no doubt.” I thought while eyeing the view from the window of the plane. Immediately after I went to the arrival station, the international police stopped me to tell me the news.     The whole world was shocked when they know that “someone” from the family survived. The noble cadet branch family of the House Faulken, who owned half of the world’s famous casinos, died in an “unlucky” accident. They found out that the “lucky” boy who inherits all the fortunes is cashing on his chips.     No one can stop my decision.      From the start, my family accepted that I don’t like inheriting their gambling empire. Since I was a kid, I don’t want to place bets or make gambles out of things. My parents and my relatives understand this and let me do what I want.     My father once told me that the secret to selling something is to get more than what you are selling. I took that by heart and sold all the properties and shares that I inherited from my clan for a higher price. The price is “unimaginable” so I really don’t want to think about it.      You can say that I can buy the whole Tsardom of Yekaterin with that money quickly, essentially making me a billionaire by the hundreds in the process.     Though philosophers once said that money is never the key to happiness, I decided that it can be the “way” to it. I stashed it separately to different banks worldwide with the help of my dad’s most trusted financial advisor. After that, I decided to lead a quiet life.     Tienan, Bairalia, or Alricer province?     How about Ogawara Province instead? Why not? Though I heard that newly opened specialization schools there are not accepting any outsiders to their premises.      But I’m pretty sure they are willing to accept a new annex to their library or something, I thought devilishly.     As I walk towards the exit of the airport, realization hits me. I’m undeniably, painfully, and excruciatingly alone.     No family, no friends, no pets, nothing, just nothing.      I tried to hold back my tears as I call a cab. I’m just 15 years old, and I’ve been through a lot of things. Did I really deserve this? Did I do something? I silently stare at the window of the car when it suddenly stops.     “Little sir, we’re here.” The driver suddenly interrupts my train of thought.      “Are you sure you will go here? It’s quite deserted.” He adds while eyeing the nearby forest of the wilderness and the few houses that line the street on the other side of the road.     “Yes, I’m quite sure.” I answered while shoving a crisp 1000 peso bill on his hand, ”I’ll like you to keep the change if you pretend I never ride your cab, ok?” I asked while smiling cautiously.     The driver nods and I got out of the cab and ran to the nearest waiting shed I could find.     “Now what?” I asked myself. “There is no point of living here if there is nowhere to live!” I added pathetically.     I’m in the middle of ridiculing myself when a woman in her early forties passed by.     Forgetting any shyness, I quickly walked to her and asked breathlessly, “I’m terribly sorry to bother you, but if by any chance, do you happen to know any house that is for sale or rent around here?”     It took a minute for her to answer. She eyed me from head to toe, and I suddenly feel embarrassed.     I’m just wearing a plain black shirt and a pair of jeans and sandals. I think, judging from my looks, I looked like a teenage runaway.     Thankfully she finished her appraisal, “There is a newly built house down the road from here. I think that one is for sale for vacationers, just take a turn from here and head west of the road; it’s the one with the black roof.”     I finally felt relieved. I quickly thanked the lady and yanked my large wheeled traveling bag, and sped through the turn.     When I reached the house, I gasped and admired its simplicity.     It’s a two-story house with a black roof and white wall paint. I guessed it’s just a year old at most: a porch and a dark-brown door with two grey-colored windows on its left and right side.      On the second floor is a terrace with a small table and chair.     The best part of it was the sign “For sale, price negotiable.”       -0-     “Here,” I said as I gave the check to the woman in front of me.     Her eyes opened wide as she examined the piece of paper. I bet she was surprised because I wrote the whole amount on it.     “Uhm, I can assure you that thing won’t bounce,” I said tentatively after a minute, “We can go to the bank in the capital of Alricer Province right now if you like,” I suggested when she gazed at me stupidly.     “Oh no! That’s not necessary!” she answered suddenly, “I guess you just have to sign here in the deed title, and we’re done.”      She pointed to the place where I should sign, and after that, she was on her feet.     “Wait a minute,” she whispered when for the first time, she gazed at my name.     “I will be truly appreciative of you if you can help me find peace here. I can finally start anew away from meddlesome eyes.” I asked politely.     “Why yes, of course. Privacy is part of the deal, after all.” she smiled at me kindly.     “Thank you. I am very grateful. Incidentally, do you know any good car shop around here?”