Chapter 30: Beer After Beer
Chapter 30: Beer After Beer
I felt a heavy weight inside me, almost like an invisible sadness that made me want to cry. Tears started rolling down my cheeks, but I quickly wiped them away, trying to regain control of my emotions and stay strong. I couldn't comprehend what Joday had said to Miss Linda. Was it connected to everything Joday had told me last night? I decided to visit them in the kitchen to find out. When I arrived, both of them were washing the dishes. I went over to help, but Miss Linda spoke up. "Hey Lyka, you can go back to your room now. Joday and I can handle this. You don't have to work every night," she said, her voice filled with annoyance. "Miss Linda, it's alright... I can't sleep—" "Ugh, Lyka! Just go! Miss Linda and I can manage," Joday pushed me gently. Feeling defeated, I reluctantly walked away and found myself standing in front of my beloved plants, Datdat and Dodong. I grabbed my cell phone, intending to call my mother at home. I needed someone to talk to and help me redirect my sadness. I hope my mother and siblings can ease my sadness right now. But as I tried to make the call, I received a message saying I didn't have enough load or data to proceed with the call. It was another unfortunate incident adding to my frustration. Frustrated and lost, I stared blankly into space. The questions in my mind multiplied, causing me to gasp and return to the mansion. Miss Linda and Joday were no longer in the kitchen. I knew they were in our room. I didn't feel like sleeping because my thoughts were racing in my mind and I didn't want to go in because I knew Miss Linda and Joday would only be annoyed at me. The place used to be a friendly and welcoming space, but now it felt tense and uncomfortable. It seemed like I no longer belonged. I decided to avoid the maid's quarter because I knew that the two were still not asleep. Instead, I looked for a quiet spot in the mansion where I could find some peace and comfort. I walked to the kitchen, searching for wine to drown my sorrows. Perhaps that was my only solace for now. With nothing else to say, I decided to drink. I found what I thought was beer and started drinking it. I ignored the burning sensation in my throat and quickly finished the can. Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.
I grabbed three more cans from the refrigerator and consumed them one after another. I felt a sense of relief with each sip, even though my heart still aches when I think about Miss Linda's distant behavior. But I pushed those thoughts aside, as the unanswered questions continued to haunt me. After consuming four cans of beer, I began to feel its effects. My head started spinning, and I felt like my brain was about to explode. I desperately wanted someone to talk to and cry with, but who? Without fully understanding why, I found myself climbing the stairs. I knew where I was headed, but I felt hesitant and embarrassed. I ended up standing in front of Kiro's door. The alcohol in my system made me lose my inhibitions, even though it was the middle of the night and everyone in the mansion should be asleep. He was the only person I could think of who might listen to my questions and provide some comfort. Or at least, I hoped he would. I gathered my courage and knocked on the door, feeling surprised when it suddenly swung open, revealing Kiro's shocked face. He seemed bewildered by my presence at such a late hour. "Lyka?" Kiro spoke my name, sounding surprised. I smiled at him and entered his room without any hesitation, as if it belonged to me. I plopped down on the couch next to his bed. "What brings you here in the middle of the night, Lyka?" "And... are you drunk?" He furrowed his brow, concerned. I flashed a wide, intoxicated smile, unaware of my own state. "What? Don't tell me... you're going to ignore me, too? Did I do something wrong? Huh? What did I do?" I stumbled over my words, bombarding him with questions. He stared at me in shock, taken aback by my inquiries. "What? What are you talking about?" I could tell he was unsure whether to approach me or stay where he was. He chose the former, moving closer and sitting down next to me. "W-what's happening, Lyka? Why are you here?" He turned to face me. "Is it forbidden? I just... have this overwhelming feeling that if I don't share my thoughts and emotions with someone, I'll burst." That was my only response as I gazed into his eyes. "Then share them with me. Tell me about it, I will listen to you," he urged me. For some reason, his
words made me want to cry. Kiro's reassuring words echoed in my mind, bringing a wave of relief that washed over me. In that moment, I realized how much I had been longing for someone to truly listen to me, to understand the weight of my emotions and the confusion swirling inside me. It seemed like everyone in the mansion had turned their backs on me, even Miss Linda, whom I never expected to avoid me. It might sound like an exaggeration, but the feeling of being abandoned and ignored cut deep. The pain of loneliness and uncertainty gnawed at my heart, making me question my place in this unfamiliar environment. Yet, when Kiro promised to listen, it was as if a lifeline had been thrown my way, a glimmer of hope in the midst of darkness. At that moment, I realized that I wasn't alone. I had someone who was willing to hear me out, to offer support and understanding. Finally, I had someone to confide in, someone who would listen to my thoughts and answer my questions. I recounted everything that had happened since last night: Doday's departure, Joday's behavior towards me, the inability to call my mother due to lack of load, and Miss Linda's sudden change in attitude. Tears streamed down my face. "Why did everything turn out like this? Why does it feel like something has changed? D-Doday left... and now Miss Linda... why is she suddenly so distant?" He continued to look at me, listening attentively as I poured out my thoughts. "Why is it all so sudden? What did I do wrong? What am I doing? I haven't done anything to deserve this... Maybe something is really wrong with me?" My voice trembled as I spoke, still choked up from crying. But I wiped away my tears and took a deep breath. As I did, Kiro reached out and held one of my hands that was resting on the couch. "There's nothing wrong with you, Lyka. From what you've said, you haven't done anything wrong. If they choose to ignore you, it's their fault... there's something wrong with them." He turned to me, and we locked eyes. His simple words eased some of the anxiety I was feeling.