CHAPTER 3
1057 Words
Days passed, and Zeph had tried to put the painful encounter with his dad passing away andAxcel behind him.
One morning, as she stepped out of her house,she noticed a single white flower on the doorstep, the same kind Axcel used to bring her when they were together.
She looked around, scanning the street, but there was no sign of Axcel. The guard approached him, a curious look on his face.
"Sir, a man... he came by yesterday evening. Asked me to give this to you," the guard said, handing Zeph a small note.
Zeph's heart skipped a beat as he took the note.
"I'm sorry for everything. - A"
His eyes widened, and he felt a shiver run down his spine. Axcel was watching him, silently, persistently.
Zeph throw away the flower and warned the guard that if he ever let the man step Infront of her house he will get fired
Hendrick walked out of the house. "What's the problem Zeph.
Zeph showed her the note. Hendrick's expression turned serious.That man if I could see him again I would end up his life he doesn't deserve to live for all what he did to our family and to his own.
Axcel stood behind a tree, listening to Hendrick's angry words. His heart felt heavy, and it hurt to hear Hendrick talk like that.
"That guy should be dead for what he did to us and to his own mom."
Axcel felt like he'd been punched. But then, something inside him snapped. He clenched his fists.
No, I'm not giving up. I didn't kill anyone. I need to prove that I'm innocent,that they were wrong.
He took a deep breath and stood up straight.
I'll keep fighting. I'll make sure the truth comes out.
Axcel put on his mask, hiding his face and left Zephanie's place.As he was walking he bump into someone....
ohhhh I'm so sorry Mr-----Axcel,hahaha look at you still have the guts to go to Zeph''s place his brother said
Axcels eyes was on the ground,and didn't bother to speak
Look at me you monster,his brother said and push him.Axcel groaned because his wound on his shoulder was been touch
ohhh so poor,no one would ever help you Axcel,even this world is cruel for you,you deserve it....I'm so happy to see you suffer,hmmm it's exciting to hear if you're already dead.
Axcel stood up and use his strength to run away from his brother.He went to the old, broken house where he lived.A house where his mother got killed by his lover.
He fell to the ground and cried. It hurt so much.
He checked his shoulder and saw it was bleeding. He needed to clean it.
As he did, he remembered when he was a kid, he was locked in this house with his mom. He didn't want to think about it.
He curled up on the floor, feeling sad and alone.
Mom I wish you were here,he whispered.He fell asleep, feeling sad and alone.
Hours later, he woke up. It was night, and the house was quiet.
Axcel got up, his shoulder still hurting. He was hungry and thirsty.Luckily he still have some water and bread left to eat.After eating he picked up the lamp and lighter.He went out to make charcoal to sell.
He gathered wood, lit it, and covered it with dirt. He waited for it to turn into charcoal.
Axcel sat down, staring up at the stars. He couldn't help but think of Zeph. They used to watch the stars together, lying on the grass, talking about their dreams.
He smiled sadly, remembering Zeph's laughter. She was the one person who believed in him.He stop thinking of the past.....
The charcoal was almost ready. He checked it, the embers glowing.He let it cool down and waited for a minute where he transfer the charcoal into a sack.
The sky slowly became bright as morning came. Axcel hadn’t really slept he only rested a little on the cold floor beside the sack of charcoal he made during the night. His shoulder still hurt, and even small movements made him groan. He sat up slowly and took a deep breath.
“Time to go,” he whispered.
He lifted the sack onto his back. It was heavy, and his body felt weak, but he forced himself to stand straight. He fixed his mask and started walking toward town.
The road was already getting busy. Cars and tricycles passed him. Some people looked at him and quickly looked away, thinking he was just a poor street man. He was used to it but it still hurt inside.
When he reached the market, it was full of noise and movement. Vendors were calling customers, and the smell of cooked food filled the air. It reminded him of the normal life he once had.
He stopped at a small eatery where he sometimes sold his charcoal.
Mang Ruel, the owner, looked at him. “You’re here early,” he said. Then he noticed Axcel’s shoulder. “You’re hurt again.”
Axcel didn’t explain. He just opened the sack. “Charcoal.”
Mang Ruel checked it and nodded. “Good quality.” He gave Axcel some money not much, but enough for food. Then he added a small plastic bag. “Take this. Leftover bread and eggs.”
Axcel hesitated for a second, then accepted it quietly. “Thank you.”
He sat by the side of the road and ate slowly. He didn’t want to finish it too fast.
Nearby, two women were talking.
“Zephanie is back,” one said.
Axcel froze and listened.
“Yes. She’s managing their company now,” the other replied. “After what happened with her husband…”
He lowered his eyes but kept listening.
“I heard the old murder case is being checked again,” the woman continued. “A new investigator is looking at the evidence.”
Axcel’s heart started beating faster.
“Some say the evidence before didn’t match properly,” she added.
He held his breath.
A new investigation meant a new chance. A chance for the truth to come out.
He stood slowly, holding the small bag of food and the few bills in his hand.
“Just hold on,” he told himself softly. “Just a little longer.”
- Writer
