Killer's Killer

"New start, new job, new house, new people, and a new life. That’s all I want." She smiled as she spoke to her mother over the phone. "I was appointed as the manager of Hives Computer Officials in my very first interview! It feels like such a big success for me. Now I’m moving to this new city, which is full of cats. Yes, cats! And I love cats." She laughed joyfully. "Oh no, I forgot to buy new shoes!Because good shoes take us to good places.There’s so much to do—I need new clothes, new watches, and most importantly, a new diary to write about my daily dose of depression." She burst out laughing again, her happiness radiating through the conversation. Her mother, on the other end, was thrilled to see her daughter like this after so many years. She knew how much she had suffered and how hard it had been for her to move forward. Now, after five long years, her daughter was finally trying to start afresh. "Alright, I need to pack my things now. Bye-bye, Mama," she said cheerfully. "Take it easy on yourself," her mother replied warmly. "Don’t overwork, and most importantly, stick to your eating schedule. Don’t forget to eat, okay? Bye-bye, dear." Her mother knew her daughter’s love for food but couldn’t help worrying about her health, as mothers always do. After hanging up, she turned toward her closet to continue packing, but her bright smile slowly faded. She had been putting on a brave face to reassure her mother. Deep down, she knew her mother was still worried about her well-being, just as she had been for the past five years. But now, more than ever, she was determined to leave the past behind and start over. --- Two Days Later A beautiful blue GMC Sierra came to a stop in front of a charming little white house. The house wasn’t particularly spacious or luxurious, but it didn’t need to be. “I love simple little things,” she had told her mother during one of their phone calls. The house had three rooms. The bedroom featured a white, medium-sized bed in the center, a closet on one side, and a small table that could double as a study or office desk. There was also a cozy washroom tucked in the corner. The second room was set up as a guest room with a bed and an almirah, while the third room served as a storage space, filled with paintings, extra chairs, and unused furniture. “Okay, Mama. Bye-bye,” she said after a quick phone call, ready to dive into unpacking and settling in. First, though, she made her way to the kitchen—because food always came first. Digging through her luggage, she found a pack of noodles and, luckily, a pan to boil them in. As the noodles simmered, she fell into a maze of thoughts. Her expressions darkened, reflecting the weight of her memories. But she quickly composed herself. This new house symbolized a fresh start, and she was determined not to let the past haunt her. After eating, she glanced at the pile of unpacked boxes and smiled. She was full of energy to begin her new journey. Methodically, she arranged her furniture, which had been delivered earlier, and unpacked her essentials. Some luggage remained untouched—she still had three days to organize everything before starting her new job. Exhausted from the day’s work, she decided to order food through a nearby delivery app. Relaxing on the couch, she heard the doorbell ring. Her food had arrived. As she opened the door, her heart felt lighter. A new life awaited her, and for the first time in years, she was ready to embrace. For the first time in her life, she was ready to embrace it all. And for her, a new life had to start with good food. She opened the door to find a delivery boy standing in front of her. Smiling, she took her order, thanked him politely, and went back inside to enjoy her meal. Two days passed in a blur, almost as if time itself had vanished like a ghost. On the eve of her first day at work, she stood in her room, rifling through her clothes to decide what to wear. Typically, she prided herself on being organized and tidy, but one glance at her room now would tell a different story—it looked as though a storm had passed through, leaving chaos in its wake. Yet, amidst the disarray, she smiled to herself. "This is what I want," she murmured, pulling out a black full skirt and a black full-sleeved shirt. Holding the outfit, she stepped in front of the mirror. She wanted to project confidence on her first day, and this choice felt perfect for the fresh start she was determined to make.