MORPHEUS

The Unveiling

Mask falling to the ground in slow motion. My eyes stay glued to it. It hits the watery floor and gradually shatters into a thousand pieces. Each shard disintegrated dancing with a pool of melted ice water. The impact with liquid silenced it. Just like how his presence stopped my heartbeat in anticipation. Weary of what would happen next. Even if he removed his mask, the dim lighted room is enough disguise to taunt my curiosity even more. Only the bottom half of his face is shown, while the rest of his body has been strategically angled for deceit.

“You’ve come this far, are you having cold feet now? Pun damn intended,” I mused.

That must have been effective because I hear his footsteps forward dragging against the puddles. Nerve-wracking. Sanity twisting. Jaw clenching. It’s how it felt as he drew closer while I can barely move a muscle.

Now what? I just taunted the devil and he’s indulging himself.

His eyes finally meet mine. I felt numb. He’s looking at me as if he attended a funeral. Empathetically looking inside my casket. Though it’s creepier since I know I’m wide awake. I can barely move but I’m awake! Why do I feel like I’m having a nightmare and it’s getting worse each passing second? The air inside my lungs feel dry all of a sudden. Not due to the obvious block of ice I’m lying on but I can’t breathe due to shock.

As he leans down to stroke my hair then caress my cheeks, I felt nothing but disgust. I tried my best to look away and thank god I managed to. If not I would’ve died an instant death due to embarassment.

“Where’s the spite you’ve been showing off since the first time we met?” He then eyed me from head to toe. Engraving each stare not on my skin but imprinting it in my soul. I shudder at his last statement.

“Meeting you in a dark alleyway was great, though you were the only one who knows who then,” I mocked him in between my coughs. “I hope it stayed that way.” Then I spat on his face. It’s the least I can do given the circumstances. The freezing environment is taking a toll on my body. The ice burns the back part of my body.

He wiped it with the back of his right hand as if he expected it. Then he began to circle me. “I thought I was the only one crazy about you. But you always kept me on my toes, “ he pauses and turns my way, “now the feeling’s mutual,” he trails off stating a-matter-of-fact.

I can’t take this anymore. “Stop please! Not another word.” Then coughed some more gasping for air.

I can’t believe my eyes this whole time. I’ve known you most of our life growing up. The moment you took off that mask, I knew it! Even if you were far away I could tell it’s you. I just needed to convince myself that what I’m seeing is a lie. But as you move closer that lie becomes the truth. My unsettling reality. I can’t begin to wrap my brain around all this.

“It can’t be you right Tim? Somebody just put you up into this. A threat---yes they’re threatning you right?” Stuttering, I still tried to convince myself with that painful lie. Though I know it doesn’t add up, my heart just won’t accept it. This is a nightmare!

You shook your head and massaged your temples, still calm about the confrontation. Then held out a scalpel. “We’re not supposed to be in a compromised situation but god do you have to be so nosy? I’ve been protecting you at all costs. It was a mistake visiting me at work.” Your dead stare is at it again, scrutinizing my entirety. Laying my soul bare under your enchanting spell. The poison I voluntarily bathe in.

“Work, what are you talking about? It’s just a logistics firm right?” Even I can’t believe I’m saying the dumbest excuse for my own benefit.

You looked at me the same way you did five years ago. When we got trapped. Then said the dreaded words I can’t bear to hear. “Where are we right now? The world is your oyster Bee. Use it to survive.” Right after, you slapped a pair of silicon gloves...treating it purely business.

I know you’re not the most likeable person but that’s the coldest thing you said to me in the years I’ve known you. Why? Because you said it without remorse and you meant it this time.

I can feel my left wrist being cut open but I can’t feel even an ounce of pain. You look like nothing of the boy I knew. Your eyes were sharp and shone a different light as if you’ve came across a treasure. You used to be arrogant but faint-hearted when it comes to strenuous activities. You didn’t even lift a finger bossing me around. Not until the day we got trapped. Because you were left with no choice but carry me over your shoulders for us to get rescued. You were always more interested in the results you want. Even if you have to resort to shady methods.

To you I was nothing but a nuisance. A way to kill time. I always knew that but still I didn’t stop myself from loving you at a distance. You did not allow anybody inside the walls you created, even if it was me. I always know you knew how I felt but you choose to ignore it. Keeping everything at your convenience. That way you won’t get hurt.

“You love me but you love yourself more. Selfish as always. You can kill me now and that will just be our little secret, ” I smiled bitterly.

Your eyes pierced my soul for the nth time. But somehow it felt strange. I never saw it coming---your tears. The frozen wall between us that’s been there for years was thawed by its warmth. I saw your vulnerability. The real you. Or you’re just getting in my head again? Like you always do. You and your superiority complex.

You snickered getting back on your feet. As if waking up from an enchanting dream but you needed to face reality. “Don’t put words in my mouth. I’ll do it even if you didn’t ask, ” now you’re just plain lying, “you won’t be able to fight back even if you wanted to. I cheated and I’m proud of it.” You bragged and you held up my left hand.

I have fresh stitches on my wrist. The thought alone is enough to make my insides turn.

Speaking of stitches I remembered something.

“You gifted me that dress last year only to rip it when I’m eighteen. Is that a pun intended for me to get reckless with you?” You let go of my hand abruptly. Though I can feel the sting this time. Whatever drug you gave me is wearing off progressively. “So you have that cute side in you too?” I teased you even more. Even though I keep coughing once in a while---stupid lungs.

You flicked my forehead. “Are you forgetting something here again? In context you’re a hostage and I’m the killer. At least shiver or something.” You continued to be annoyed.

I’ve got the nerve to roll my eyes on you in this situation. I missed this! I missed you! I missed us! Weirdly put literally and figuratively.

“Whatever you say...I’m the calmest person when you’re beside me. Atleast give me some clothes and stop this farce, “ I said candidly.

Smirking at me again. “There’s nothing to see anyway so don’t bother. You don’t get any special treatment.” Telling me off like we’re just shopping and I’m asking for something expensive.

Are you kidding me? I’m f*ck*ng naked I don’t even know for how long already? You’re definitely trying to get back at me for compromising your plans. I also hate that about you--- childish.

But in a short while you’ve thrown me an oversized midnight- colored hoodie. While I stared at you---begging you to put it on me. Your look of surrender is breathtaking. In fact I could watch it all day while munching on chips on a couch and sipping an ice-cold soda. Which you can’t blame me for. Having such cold fantasies since I’m chillin’ on the actual sense.

You flicked a syringe from who knows where? Releasing a few drops before injecting it on my right wrist. “This will put you to sleep, yes again. Without a heartbeat for a while too.” You smiled as if that’s supposed to put me at ease?

My eyes widened in silent protest but it’s too late. The medicine is already running in my veins. You’ve lied to me this whole time, it wouldn’t hurt to lie again. It’s like I’m walking on thin ice. Yet I curse myself for putting up with my blind faith in you. Something that will screw us both and I know it. After a while it already kicked in. I felt dizzy again. How I hate when this happens. Where will I wake up next?