I heaved a deep sigh as I am contemplating with what to say. I just can’t tell my parents directly but we are already facing crisis. I am now 20 years old and so I just feel that thiss is the right thing too do. I’ve been living with them in my entire life and I just can’t watch them suffer. They say that ‘together we stand, divided we fall’. But sticing together at this times of crisis is a big no, no. I gathered all my inner strength as I tried to convince myself that they will agree with my decisions.

“Mom,” I said. I held her hand that was atop the table and I looked at her dull brown eyes. We are having our dinner right now. In this circular table, only me, Dad and Mom sat. She looked at me with questioning eyes. My nervousness doubled.

“Ahh… I just want to tell you that I – I will not stay here tomorrow,” I informed them. Dad shifted on his seat before he picked his steak using the fork. At times like this, when Dad never answers a word, that means that my reasons are ridiculous or bothersome.

“Don’t go outside tomorrow or even today Eviarah. It is dangerous outside. We never know will happen in a snap,” says Mom while she was pushing her plate towards the middle of the circular table. I know that she already lose her appetite. I guess this conversation is just a wrong move. But I still need to do this. The reasons are so heavy that I need to argue my point.

“You are pretty anxious Mom. Police officers patrol here even we are in the rural area. I need to go to the city tomorrow. I will pass my resume on one of the best companies here. It is not everyday that they have hiring and besides, we need money for your maintenance medicine. The cost of living is constantly increasing Mom. The farm is still not recovering from the strong storm a week before. We need to have extra income to save everything. The bank keeps on sending us messages telling us to pay for our debts. Mom, I can manage to be safe outside. You just need to trust me.”

My Mom sighed and then she looked outside. The full moon really enthrals me. It’s beauty is incomparable. The faint glow that it gives in the surrounding is magical. The bluish-white light that it emmits is still one of the things that makes me smile for no apparent reason. I know that Mom is still thinking deeply about it. I wish they agree with me. I will still be going home weekly tho. There is nothing to fear. The world outside is manageable.

When the dinner is over, Mom and Dad went to their bedroom and I was the one left in the kitchen. I washed the dishes and fixed all the clutters here and there. I am an only child and my parents are getting old. I don’t want to put them in homes of the aged because I love them so much and for sure, I will miss them. As a sign of my gratitude to them, I am the one who personally take care of them.

The clock striked nine. I went to check my parents and I found them in the living room while playing their favorite board game – chess. I know how to play the game but it never interests me. I am more interested in medicinal plants and medical procedures that have been used in the early times. It fascinates me. But I never entered a medical school because it needs a lot of money and we don’t have that. All we have is a small amount, just enough to send me to a community college to study my BS in Agriculture.

I went to the shower to take a warm bath. I closed my eyes as the water cascaded into my body, soothing the soreness of my muscles. I’ve been working non-stop since early this morning at five. I have been clearing the farm and trying to repair the barn. I am humming my favorite tune. I’ve been searching for this over the net but I can’t find the song. I don’t know how it became possible but I know a song that is not even sang by others.

Wrapping the thick towel around my head so that it will absorb the excess water from my hair, I proceeded inside my room and I wore my usual night clothes, aa pajama and loose shirt. I looked at the surroundings around and I saw the dark forest beyond. Even the moonlight did not illuminate the place. It shouts mystery that is needed to be unfold from within. I closed my window and pulled the curtains down. I turned of the main light and switched on the lamp shade. I should go and check my parents. They need to sleep now.

I walked towards the door then I heard muffled sounds. My forehead knotted and I sprinted towards the living room. I shouted and I was horrified to find my parents bathing in their own blood. My limbs weakened and slowly, I dropped. I went beside them by crawling and I was trying to wake them up but they did not even moved. My heart is slowly dying as I hugged my parents lifeless body. Moments later, a loud banging on the door made me alert. Then it fell open the police barged inside and was horrified by the scene before them. They aimed me their guns and my heart almost dropped on the ground in shock and fear. I raised both my arms showing no resistance.

“Sir, please let me explain. My Mom and Dad…” I trailed then I looked at my parents again. Tears started to fall from my eyes again.

“They were murdered. I was inside my room when I heard muffled sounds. Please help us.” I was on the ground, kneeling. Both my palms are rubbing against each other. I am desperate.

“You are the suspect of this crime. We saw you here in the crime scene. You have the right to remain silent and your words can be used against you in the court. For now, you are arrested for the murder of Alejandro and Sabina Mulfy.”