Blackhaven

“She left the window open again,” Adrian sighed as he walked over and slid it shut. He reminded his mother every night before bed to close the window, yet somehow she always forgot. Sometimes he wondered if she left it open on purpose—just to tease him. Shaking his head with a faint smile, he latched the window and looked back at the small house. It wasn't much, but it was home. And as long as his mother was in it, that was all that mattered. He opened the fridge to see if she had kept food for him. Luckily, there was a takeaway containing pasta. He brought out the food and put it in the microwave while he sat down to rest after a rough day at work. He had been at DeLuca Holdings for just over a month. Most days were routine—shipping reports, delayed deliveries, inventory checks. But today had been different. An entire shipment had gone missing, and for the first time since he was hired, the operations floor felt like it was on fire. Nevertheless, he was determined to work harder to give himself and his mother a better life. “It will be better soon,” he muttered to himself. He had always believed that he would get a good job and take himself and his mum out of the Hollow and away from their suffering. Pimmm! He was brought back to reality by the sound of the microwave. He quickly ate his dinner and went to his mother’s room to check on her. He entered the dark room but was able to spot his mother lying on her back on the thin bed. Beside her was a cupboard with a faulty lamp and her handset on it. He headed to her side across the hollow room and kissed her on the forehead while adjusting her blanket. “You're back later than usual,” Clara murmured without opening her eyes. “Busy day?” she asked, still with her eyes closed. “Yeah, I had to cover for my colleague,” he said as he stroked her hand. “You eaten yet?” she asked, this time with her eyes slightly open. “I was about to ask you that question,” he said as they both chuckled. “Get some sleep,” he said as he kissed her hand and stood up to leave. “Love you, Adrian,” she muttered. “I love you too, Mum,” he smiled, then went ahead to his own room to retire. He took his shower and changed into his nightwear while thinking of his mother. He was the only child born to his parents. His father died when he was five years old, leaving his mother to take care of him. She always made sure he never lacked anything he needed and showed him love as both a mother and a father. He lay on his bed, facing the peeling ceiling above him, in the hope of getting enough sleep. He was, however, disturbed by the heated arguments of the neighbors next door. He had gotten used to their constant midnight quarrels, but that didn't mean they didn't disturb his sleep. He hissed as he tossed around on the bed hopelessly. “Mum has an appointment with the doctor tomorrow,” he remembered suddenly. His mum, though in her late forties, was suffering from arthritis, and he had made it an obligation to always be with her during her doctor’s appointments. “Well, all the more reason to get some sleep,” he whispered as he closed his tired eyes. --- Morning light slipped through the curtains, falling across Adrian's face. He opened his eyes reluctantly and stared at the wrinkled ceiling for a few seconds before remembering the appointment. He jumped to his feet and hurriedly took his bath before putting on his corporate suit and trousers. As he made his way to the kitchen, he was greeted by the sizzling sound of sausages, and the aroma of coffee filled the air. At the center of all the commotion was his mother. “I told you I would handle breakfast,” he said as he greeted her. “Am I not allowed to cook in my kitchen anymore?” she replied cheerfully. “Well, you're getting kind of old, you know?” he joked back with a grin. She smiled. “Careful. Old women still know how to throw slippers.” They both laughed. “Did you sleep well last night? I heard Mr. Owen and his wife at it again,” she continued as she placed a plate of fried sausage and eggs, along with a cup of coffee, before him. “Yeah, they weren't as loud as last Sunday,” he said, slurping his coffee. His mother shook her head. “Those two will argue until they're old and grey.” Adrian smiled as he reached for the sausage. “Pretty sure they're already halfway there.” “Adrian!” “What? It's true.” She tried to look offended, but the corners of her mouth betrayed her. For a moment, the kitchen was quiet except for the clinking of cutlery against the plate. Adrian glanced at the clock hanging above the doorway. “Don't worry about the time,” his mother said. “You'll make it.” “I know. I just don't want to be late.” “You've been working there for a month. They won't fire you because you're ten minutes late.” “You don't know that.” “I know more than you think.” Adrian chuckled and took another bite. His eyes drifted toward the small pill container sitting beside the sink. “Did you take your medication?” His mother sighed. “Mum.” “I'll take it after breakfast.” “You said that yesterday.” “And I'm saying it again today.” Adrian reached across the table and picked up the container. “Take it now.” She stared at him for a few seconds before reluctantly taking the pills from his hand. “You're becoming too much like your father.” Adrian paused. He rarely heard her mention him. “Is that a bad thing?” A faint smile appeared on her face. “No. Your father worried too much too.” Adrian smiled and looked down at his plate. The clock caught his attention again. He pushed his chair back. “We should leave soon. Your appointment is at nine.” His mother looked at him. “You don't have to come with me.” “I know.” “Then why are you coming?” “Because you're my mother.” She smiled. “Go get ready before you start giving me another lecture.” Adrian stood and picked up his empty cup. “One day, I'm going to get you out of this place.” His mother watched him carefully. “You've been saying that since you were seventeen.” “This time I mean it.” “I know you do.” He disappeared down the hallway. Clara's smile slowly faded as she looked around the small kitchen. For a moment, she said nothing. Then she whispered to herself, “I know you do, son.” --- “She’s pretty much fine for now. She just needs rest and to take her medication as usual, but there was nothing out of the ordinary in the test results,” Doctor Ryan concluded. “See! I told you I'm fine,” Clara said. They were five minutes late for the appointment because the bus didn't come early. Luckily, Adrian had noticed the abnormal bus schedule over the past week and taken an alternative route. Adrian let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. “That's good to hear,” he said. Clara gave him a satisfied look. “You were worrying over nothing.” Doctor Ryan smiled as he closed the file in front of him. “Just make sure she gets enough rest. And please see my assistant on your way out, Adrian.” Adrian looked at his watch. “Okay. Thank you, Doctor.” They stood and made their way out of the room. As they stepped into the corridor, Adrian quickly checked in with the assistant at the desk, where he was given some documents to sign and the bill for the tests carried out. He paid and was given a receipt. “Anything else?” he said as he looked at the receipt. His salary wasn't much, and after food, rent, and hospital fees, there wasn't much left. Outside the hospital, the morning sun had climbed higher, and the streets were already filling with people. Clara adjusted the strap of her handbag as they waited near the entrance for a taxi. “You should go to work,” she said. Adrian looked at her. “I can take you home first.” “No. I'll manage.” “Mum—” “Adrian.” She gave him a firm look. “You already came with me to the appointment. Don't risk your job because of me.” He hesitated. She was right. He checked his phone. He had already received two messages from his supervisor. Where are you? Adrian sighed. “Fine. I'll get you a taxi.” Clara smiled. “That's my boy.” He flagged one down and helped her inside. Before closing the door, Clara looked at him. “Don't work too hard.” “I'll try.” “And Adrian?” “Yeah?” “Tomorrow will be kinder.” He smiled. “Yeah, Mum. Tomorrow will be kinder.” The taxi pulled away, and Adrian stood watching until it disappeared into traffic. Then he looked at his phone again. Another message had arrived. URGENT. REPORT TO DELUCA HOLDINGS IMMEDIATELY. His smile faded. --- When he arrived at DeLuca Holdings, he went to the operations floor. His supervisor marched towards him anxiously. “The shipment still hasn't reached the docks.” That was weird. Adrian checked the system. Something was definitely wrong. Then he spotted the issue nobody had noticed. The destination code had been changed.