Condemned

The aftermath

         Elise:

       The morning sun fluttered through the large bare glass windows that lined the apartment’s eastern walls. I opened my eyes to the blaring sun, took a deep breath, and smiled.  This was going to be a good morning I thought to myself. The smell of fresh flowers overtook the apartment.  I stretched wearily in the bed before tossing the covers aside and locating my slippers. The apartment was engulfed in the warmth of the sun and I found myself oddly a morning person, whereas this was normally not the case. I stretched again now standing. I felt so good and completely refreshed. I honestly couldn’t remember going to bed last night but picked up the book laying face down on the bed and returned it to the shelf. I must have fallen asleep reading I submitted… but then I couldn’t remember reading last night either. I shook off the strange feeling and began searching for Jasper my cat, and only housemate, who was usually annoyingly hungry in the morning. So much so that he was often the reason for removing myself from bed rather than the morning sun.

              “Jasper?” I called out reaching for a can of cat food. I snapped open the lid and pulled it back gently hoping that the familiar sound would draw him out of hiding. But still Jasper was nowhere to be found.  “Here kitty kitty kitty!” I called again searching the small studio apartment. When I finally found him he was on the top shelf of the small closet near the front door. “Jasper! You silly thing. Get down from there!” I  ordered. But the cat hissed and swapped at me. I held up the bowl of cat food and the he hesitantly took a wiff. “What has gotten into you!” I wondered aloud.  But still Jasper protested. “Fine!” I finally submitted. I took the cat food back to the kitchen and hesitantly pondered the strange events. Maybe it had rained over night? There must have been thunder. I finally decided. And with that I started my own morning ritual. I started the coffee pot and jumped in the shower.

    It always took about 12 days before I knew who I was again. Before the magic seemed to unveil itself. Unraveling like a thread around me. The first 3 days were happy, blissful, I was completely unaware. Life seemed unimaginably easy.  And then… it would slowly creep in.

Day 1: The calendar.

              Drinking my coffee, I looked up at my fresh white calendar. Unusually plain and ordinary. I didn’t remember picking out this calendar. Also, there was an art benefit this coming Sunday that I was almost positive I have penciled in. But there was nothing on my calendar. Not for Sunday. No birthdays, no events. My life has never been this ordinary. I thumbed through the calendar quickly…. Nothing.

              I closed my eyes rubbing my temples in confusion, trying to rid the strange sticky feeling that had come over me. No one would steal a calendar… A bright Red X flashed before my eyes. A circle on the 31st. I reached up onto a close by ledge where I kept a red marker. It was gone.  I gasped.  I ran into my room where I kept my art supplies and took another from my desk, quickly returning to the calendar. I circled the 31st. I couldn’t remember what it meant or why it was important. But I circled it anyway. A breath caught in my throat. Whatever its meaning, it frightened me.  The calendar always seemed to be among the first few signs.

Day 2:

              Walking in the market, I was caught off guard by a sickeningly sweet smell that I was undeniably attracted to. Feeling almost dazed I couldn’t help but turn towards it, jetting through the crowed, weaving, and turning until I finally found its source. I walked into the flower shop looping through the aisles until I stopped in front of a bouquet of small white star like flowers.

              “Can I help you?” A woman in front of me asked, waking me from my trance.

              “Oh, um…” I stumbled over the words; feeling like my world was fading back into view. “What are these flowers?” I asked

              “Jasmine.” She responded “they are lovely and very fragrant.”

              “Yes, I agreed.” Then I purchased a small bouquet and went home.

              At home, I stood by the counter putting the jasmine in a fresh vase. Still feeling entranced, I thought of how I tracked down the smell… like a bloodhound. Thirsty, hungry, completely not myself.  I set the vase in the center of the island and took a seat away from it. Staring at the entrancing jasmine… wondering why it was so familiar to me. The bright red circle stared at me from the other side of the room and a chill ran up my spine. I removed myself from the small table, practically shaking and ran towards the vase. I ripped the flowers out of the vase and threw them in the trash. My heart beat so rapidly against my chest I thought it might explode. Sweat was suddenly accumulating across my forehead. What the heck is wrong with me? I wondered, deciding to go to bed early. The smell of the offending jasmine still emanating throughout the room. The smells were almost always second.