The fog grows thicker with the passage of time. James stood or perhaps froze in his current state – a thought strike pass his mind but he try to calm down and kept his composure. He hadn't noticed earlier but a student was already present inside the classroom – almost hard to make out, quiet and observant as she watches James with an ominous look and stillness in her face.
Suzi maguire was her name if James remembered correctly, by her composure it seems like she knew something about it.
Outside the window, stood a figure watching the scene from a blank view. It was foggy and almost impossible to observe what is going on the environment outdoor.
But James knew who was it. She was the guardian of Suzi, Mary maguire. She quickly noticed James's Stare and wave at him and it seems as though she smiled at him and disappeared into the mist as if she was never there in the first place.
The bell rang, bringing James back into his small world. Students gathered into the classroom with usual expression though bringing little difference against the eternal silence that surged the place.
The day went in a haze. It was a blinked of eye experience for him. The word written in that letter still stuck at him, pricking a terrible part of him that wants to forget it – to move on with it. But he disregard the thing as a prank from the students, afterall everyone loves to poke a newly appointed teacher and let's not pretend like we don't. But considering the atmosphere inside the classroom, it becomes very unlikely. Still he couldn't get out with that uneasiness.
As he walks passed the market from ward 2, he coincidentally met with Mrs keen who was returning home after a quick shopping.
Mrs keen put some things into her shopping bag and warmly greeted James.
" Oh! Mr Wakson, returning from school? Why the long face? Wants to do some shopping with this old woman?"
" Oh... No. I am fine."
" Hmm.. You shouldnt let yourself worked out too much. If you have troubles, it's best to consult it right away! Did the students pull your handkerchief and declare it as a cheap one? "
" Well.... It's not that. But let's say I need some time to freshen up a bit. "
" Oh! Mr Wakson, you shouldnt gatekeep this things. If that was so, you should have tell me right away! "
" Oh.. I apologise, I was slow to realise things. "
" No young man, I know that in this town everything seems colourless that makes you feel that you are fighting a lone war but no! The truth is what beholds here is a facade. And you can put your whole hearted trust to his old woman. "
She continues when James search for words.
" Well it's a nice opportunity for us or more precisely for the citizens of the town . Tonight will be the beginning of the town's annual fair. It's a great experience for all and I think it's also best for lifting up your stress."
" A fair?"
" Yeah a fair. It's gonna be long and rewarding. Normally is last for a week but now it's gonna last for a month. There is gonna be many events and plays. I hope you will be interested enough to invest your time there? "
James wanted to refuse but thought he should go with it and nods in assurance.
----
After that they walked home together talking about various things about their past life and hobbies. But oddly, Mrs keen never mentioned anything about her husband in their conversation. Maybe it was too hard and painful for her to talk about her precious life with her husband. She did say he died in one of the town tragedies – though not clearly and specifically but most likely it could be that he was killed by someone instead? Moreover, in ward 5 it's only Mrs keen and James living together but James only came here like 4 days ago and before that she must be living all alone. Considering her age and the gap between the tragedy , it could be possible that she had been living more than a decade straight in isolation. Well that's quite an achievement considering she is really talkative and optimistic.
Maybe her smile and cheerfulness hides much dark side than it looks.
What can this town be hiding?
Soon after a short while, they reached their home. They parted their ways and James went into his own world. Tonight he is going to wash his sins.
He steps into the perpetual fog again. This time it was night but what makes the difference? He decided to escorts Mrs keen but she had already left by the time. The fair was echoed with noise and excitement which seems oddly unsettling for this town.
Inside the whole town had gathered. The fog seems to lost its way inside it. Some faces he had never seen before. He feels relaxed for some reason. The fun had already began, music echoing, little kids getting along with their family, vendors shouting around to sell their stuffs and...
And?
James who was smiling softly a moment ago, the smile froze in his face, his eyes wide open. Among the crowd even just for a moment he saw it–surgical, silent and perhaps something out of a digit. A figure appears before him though expose in full view, James could only make out a black thin outline. Perhaps due to dizziness or some other reason. A cold thin sharp object pierce his heart from inside. Unable to move only sweat drips from his chin.
Then he bummed into someone.
" Hah.."
James crashed into the ground, failing to keep his balance.
" Hey be careful. Some people walks in straight line, you know?"
He heard it, a familiar voice. A voice he just heard this morning. Moreover the same line with almost the same gesture.
He stood up and turned around.
As expected, the same familiar figure that gives the vibes of I own the air, is in life.
Besides from that, what is she doing here anyway? Dating? To meet with someone? To buy things?
Whatever the reason maybe but this time James wasn't even walking aimlessly, he was just standing there left perplexed by the sudden intervention. Couldnt she just walk pass by the side? Is she that stubborn? And talk about the irony, she is even lecturing him about her own fault.
James stared at her awkwardly.
" Why are you staring at me like that?"
" Not sure."
" Huh.. Don't you have something to say?"
" Forgive me and take my heart."
Says one of the guy passing by who was investing a poetry written in black ink to a boy.
James and the women stared in disbelieve at the sight. Come to think of it, the guy only read a line of the poem in hand.
Seems suspicious.
Some spectators were grinning at the scene. Lost for words, James chuckled a bit and move on towards the play section.
He thought he could hear the lady calling out to him but he disappeared from the sight without giving a look.
He soon reaches the play section where a number of games were presented. James didn't have the intention to take part in any but he thought maybe it could help him relieve his tension.
" Hey young man!"
Just then someone call out to him.
James shift a bit.
" You look like you are here for something entertaining, did my words hit the answer?"
"Uhh.."
" Well no need to rush a word. Just make your hands to work and win a prize. Easy as it is being said."
James thought for a bit.
" OK so a game? What type game it is?"
The guy grinned in malice.
" Easy. It's a ring toss up. Just throw the ring and get your prize."
An awkward Silence surged between them.
" Wow so it was a promotion." James speak in disappointment.
" Well yeah you can say that. But don't dare to make it look easy, none of the citizens has ever touch the first prize. Maybe you could break that unauthorised rule by achieving that but I highly about you would. "
" Well, I don't care if I could achieve any prize or not. What matters is how everyone are aligned in a tag of achieving that prize. That makes it worth trying."
" oh sure. Though positivity can only plaster your lose not your desires. "
Says the vendor in a mockery tone.
The vendor seems to be really professional in provoking people into taking the task in hand.
James stood there, he realised the fog is slowly making it's way onto the ground. Sweat drips from his neck.
The vendor waits with a sadist look in his eye.
" So decided? How about we start now?"
James picked a ring with his motive to try his luck –just then, a familiar guy burst in.
" Hey I heard the service here is cheap. How about taking one more visitor into your account to balance your tummy? I bet you will shave your own pubic hair after getting that first prize being stolen from your own eye. "
Says the familiar figure with sarcasm.
" Huh?"
James frowned when he saw the guy's face. It was the same guy who was selling his poetry a while ago.
The vendor replied in amusement.
" Hah! Young mens are really full of themselves. Try your luck if you can. Raid me of all my possessions and then maybe I will cherish your victory by posting my embarrassment in every corner of this town."
" Sure, be ready to behold your own embarrassment then. "
Says the guy in a grinned.
So the play was already set. The rules were simple. But some thing tells James that it's not as simple as it looks.
First was James. He wasnt used to playing this Game, because in his time there were no festivals and fairs being held. The only thing he remembered is playing it when he was young.
James doubt that the vendor was playing unfair tricks behind the scene, like attaching strings above the top prizes or putting air fan or perhaps the ring itself is defective. But he had already checked it and there are no such signs. So was he just bluffing?
Trying not to overthink much, he threw the ring and it perfectly landed on the third prize – which was a... A needle??
Upon seeing it James got strike by a sudden headache. He put his hand onto his head. A familiar yet strange sensation engulped him once again.
This is the third time.
The guy, the fellow partner of James. Look at him strangely and then pointed out to the vendor.
" Comeon mister. I know your shop is cheap enough that spectators would missed it with their open eyes. But please, I don't want to believe that it's condition has come down to that level where a mere sewing needle would sit as a prize possession. Look the man is broken by seeing the absurdity that has come to life. I bet even he is laughing from inside. "
The vendor looked equally surprised. He scratched his head.
" Look, I don't have a minute idea on how that needle appeared here. But honestly young man you can picked any other prize if you want. Of course excluding the first two prize. "
James still lost but tried to cope up.
" OK so I guess things are settled. So lets not delay the time for my win. In the end, someone still has to live up to his words. "
" Well that's not gonna be me. "
The guy and the vendor exchange words one last time.
Now the guy picked a ring and launch it with swiftness. Instead of the first prize, the guy aimed for the second one.
It perfectly landed on it, relatively with much ease compared to James. The second prize was a silver coin. Extremely rare for their time.
The vendor shrugged a bit.
" What happened Mr big mouth? Something seems off in your face. Did the bell rings this time?"
"....."
The guy mocks the vendor and finally revealed the premise.
" Your prize pattern is set on a sequential algorithm term, am I mistaken?"
James who was sick a moment ago frowned unable to comprehend his words.
" Let's say, in a game you need to clear specific levels to reach the boss level or any alternate levels. You can't slipped through uncover levels to make a short route. That's the common rule. I don't know what technology or magic you have used to achieve that but mister you seemed to have taken that rule too seriously. You provoke people by gaslighting your terms and seduced them to take the challenge. The people in blank disguise would obviously go for the first prize, as every human wants to achieve something big in one go. To be able to do something others can't, to be the first one, to be admired by others. That's human nature. They don't grabbed how many prizes they can win but only the prize that is highly valued. Pretty well done, I would say. Your deception works well with those. But unfortunately, your tricks have expired by the time I stepped my foot here. You really thought, adding some sugar in a bun makes it a cake? Oh please, don't make me laugh. My suspicion were still uncleared until the young man grasped the third prize. That helps me to construct my own reasoning to validate my claim.
Now let's say for the sake of generosity, if I grasp the prize —which I would — then you gonna paint your name in black all around the town with rest of your agreement, how would that be? "
The vendor gritted his teeth.
" There is no way, it could turn out like this. How do you even grasp the second prize?? "
" Well you saw it. "
" No no.. Not that. I saw it but you shouldnt be able to get it when the man hasn't even accepted the needle!"
" Huh? You have eye defection? He didn't even change his prize. "
The vendor turned towards James. It was true James hasn't change the prize. The needle is still lying there.
" Oh wow you thought just by adding, he can picked any prize other than the needle would have change anything? Besides it literally proof my suspicion. But let's say even if he did chose an other prize I would still figure it out. So stop whining over him. "
" No way... "
" Yes way. But hey, the game ain't even over and you have already admitted your defeat. Oh that's pathetic. But let us save the laughter for the later part. "
The guy picked another ring and this time with a calm gesture, he launched it once more. It ascends through the air closing the gap between the guy and the prize.
As it got close enough to touch the prize — then an another ring made it's way towards the prize, swift and fierce, it cut its way on the prize before the first ring could reach.
The guy and vendor turned towards the ring launched direction in amazement. It was threw by non other than — James himself.
James look at them and gave an awkward smile.
" I apologise. Actually I wanted to disprove the shopkeeper. I wanted to show him that real prize is not earned by deeds alone but by merits. I am not even interested in taking the prize, I mean you can keep it if you want."
The guy sighed.
" Hey mister, looks like you are being spared by the young man this time. If it is what he desires then I have no reason to keep that prize. "
James frowned.
" What you don't want the prize! Is the reason being that I stole it before you?"
The guy laughed.
" No no. It's not that. I just came here to troll a bit and washed up someone's scarf. Really I don't have any motives to robbed others."
" Oh I see."
The vendor sat on the ground in defeat.
" Hah, I thought I did better. "
" Yeah yeah you did better in whinning around with that embarrassment. "
James smiled softly, he was feeling better.
" Anyway, I just wanted to ask a question. If the premise of the game had to be on sequence wise then doesn't that means we have to first grabbed every other prize to get the first three prize? "
The guy replied firmly.
" Nice catchup young man, but the answer to that is simple. Most prize here have same values. They all are in one sequence. Thus, grabbing anyone of this prize would be enough to move to the next sequence. "
The guy looked around the shop and continues.
" And here, most prizes are already being sold. You can even replace these prizes with other things. But not with the top prizes. "
He stared at the needle lying on the table.
" However, that needle must be of higher value as it was able to replace the third prize. "
James turned his head and stared at it.
The guy turned to the vendor who was sitting on the ground in silence.
" Hey mister, mind saying what was supposed to be the actual third prize?"
He replied without looking up.
" A mirror and a watch. The mirror shows people their true face, it tells them their fortune and misfortune. It was perfect. I don't know who stole it in the midst of this fair. I swear it was there an hour ago. It got stolen just like that watch the previous day. "
" Well I expected something better but it seems even cheaper than that needle. "
" No it's absurd. I can't let my belongings vanished away like this! "
" Chill down mister. Nobody is saying of robbing anything from you. Except I will be taking that coin. And you young man, what have you decided? "
James stunned.
" Huh me? "
" Yeah you. "
" Uh... Well I think I will be taking the third prize. I will let the old man have the first one. "
" Wise enough. But hey mister what's in the first prize anyway?"
The vendor stood up and instead of answering he walk towards the prize and unbox it.
James and the guy stared it in confusion.
But all they saw was a frame of no colour or outline. Infact it was blank.
" Huh? What on earth is this? "
The vendor sighed.
" Your time is still running until you see what is happening here. What I can see is how much I can bare. I can't tell you the slightest thing about it."
" Oh ok, a safe way to dismiss the product as detritus. This has to be the epitome of being the cheapest one. "
" Sure say what you want. It's not like I want to concern anyone. "
James sighed.
" Guess it's parting time if things are decided. "
The guy chuckled a bit.
" Yeah I guess so. "
" So it's best for you. You guys ruined my legacy, I won't come here ever again. "
Says the vendor in displeasure.
They parted ways. James left the play section and decided to head home.
Then he heard an uproar whistle from his left.
There was a blue tram being fleshly polished and ready to go anytime. He was delicate by the sight of it. James never rode on one before. He stared at it for a while and thought there was no harmed in riding one. Besides it was for all age. So an adult like him riding on it shouldnt be something to be embarrassed on.
So he reached his foot on it. They dont ask ticket here, Infact identification is more valued than tickets and money in their time. James showed his identification card and was about to move — just then.
" Huh? So you are a teacher?"
James stepped back a bit by hearing the sudden commentary.
It was her again. The woman whose identity is still unknown to him. The one who by fortune is stumbling about him in every odd occasion.
" What you are doing here? "
James asked suspiciously.
" Huh! What is this sudden interrogation? Besides I am the one who should asked it back."
James sighed. There is no winning for him.
" And also I didn't knew grown up teachers are interested in fares. "
James shrugged.
" So I assume you are here maybe with your child or nephew to taste the ride, unlike a certain someone like me. "
" No. I am here alone to ride on it myself."
Damn hypocrite.
James put his identity card in his pocket and turn away.
" OK whatever that is I shouldnt be a stone in your pleasure time. I should disappear at once. ".
" Hey wait! "
" Huh? "
James turned in surprise.
" Let's go together. "
" What's that suppose to mean?"
" Just shut up. Don't let Pervy thoughts take root in your mind. "
" But that's not an answer. "
Ignoring James question.
She reach the counter and instead of showing her identity card or something, she showed her golden bracelet.
The stuff approved her and she reach towards James.
" Now don't think I am have fallen for you or anything okay? This is just a mild experience for young rookies like you."
" Well didn't knew that you have that concern for rookies in this town."
" Obviously, what do you take me for? A witch who would seduce new comers into her mischievous influence? "
" Precisely. "
" Huh? Now is that how you treat someone who have concern about you? Your identity speaks of you as a teacher but your character is down deep reduce to a street picker. "
" Well, I don't mean it. Just surprise at the sight of happening."
The man sitting on the counter soon act at the sight of commotion.
" Excuse me miss and mister if you don't mind my interruption but if you are going together better keep your interactions limited to conversation only. Because well..... We don't keep contraceptives here. If you get what I mean. Still risk is onto you. "
"Huh?"
Both turned towards the man awkwardly and then turned towards each other. There faces turned red.
"...."
"....."
An awkward silence surged the place.
----
After a while, both got together on the blue tram. They didn't speak for a while.
Later, the lady broke the silence.
" Hey teacher."
James turned.
" Yes?"
" You are stupid."
James sighed.
" I know."
" Hey you readily accepted it, I expect you to argue back."
" Maybe if it was some time ago."
" Hm... You upset?"
" Curious."
" On what?"
" About myself, about the things around here, about the questions I would never get an answer."
The woman stared at him for a while but then smiled in assurance.
" Oh so that's the reason why you think you are stupid? Make sense. "
James looked up at her.
" Hey miss, what did you mean back then when you said somethings read you back? "
The woman stared at him blankly. She said after a while.
" Huh? When did I said that? "
James frowned in surprise.
" Wait... Just this early morning in the ward II, you said that when I was holding a journal in my hand. "
" Are you crazy? I didn't even remember going out of my house this morning."
James stunned, that feeling surged his heart again. This time it felt like a truck.
James thought clearly, maybe the woman has memory problems or perhaps she was lying to scared him. But none of that seems to be the case, as much as her statements seems errotic, it also didn't seem wrong.
He tries to remember the conversation of this morning. And comes to think of, the woman already addressed him as a teacher this morning but during the time in the counter she only got to know after sneaking his identity card from behind. She also spoke the same thing when they met. And during their second encounter , she didn't seemed like she knew him.
Sweats started to flow from his head with far more intensity.
The woman stared at him worriedly.
" Hey don't get too wet up. You look you have seen a ghost."
James head started to ache. He put his hand on his head and tries to calm down.
" You are surely stupid either way. I bet you saw a mirage of mine and thought you could make a proposal. How funny is that? "
James thought of speaking something but then the tram had reach its destination.
" OK well, better take care. I am in a hurry right now. But we can talk together next time. "
She picked her bag and hurried towards the exit but she dropped her bracelet on her sit.
James picked it up. He saw a name written on it.
CLARISSA. AINSWORTH.
Funnily her address was also paste on it.
James Wondered if he should return it back to her. The place wasn't far off, by approximation it would be a 15 to 20 minutes walk. But if it is not that far off, why was she in a hurry to the point she would forget her identification symbol?
Was it on purpose? Was she acting all along from this morning? Was the letter this morning on his desk dropped by her? Is she part of something he is unaware of? Or maybe she wanted to give it to James but was shy to do so?
All this dreadful and stupid thoughts covered his mind.
But he decided to return it back in the end.
He stepped out of the fair, the fog thicker than ever, embrace him with cold and blank sensation as if it were waiting to welcome James outside all along.
He started to descend the streets as he keeps looking around as if to expect someone hidingly escorting him. Ofcourse he couldnt see much into the distance due to the perpetual fog. It was all dark with no moon, acting as the second sun to give cold embrace, no stars to ensure that you are not alone. Just one man in a lone maze.
Soon he reached his destination.
The fog seems to reduce a bit as he met his glaze against a giant mansion, possibly a 1000 feet tall with a tower standing right beside it. He can't really make out the whole structure as it is dark.
But without giving much attention. He reached the door, some part of him wanted to retreat while he has decided his choice. But before he could open it by himself, something kick him from behind sending him pass the door.
James groaned.
" Ohoho! Look honey what have we got here. A guest seems to meet with our daughter."
James got confused at the words.
" Ha! What do we even say about this? Maybe we should welcome him already."
James stood up keeping his balance and look around the mansion. There was a lady standing a distant beside him, she was dressed in jewels and a dress that doesn't seem of this town. Infront of him, an old man was sitting on the sofa while having a drink with another man— James assumed he must be a friend of his or they were having a meeting. Anyway was he dragged inside the mansion in the midst of an important discussion? But that doesn't seem to be. They seemed like they were waiting for him to show up or perhaps some other person that they are mistaking them for him. There was also a number of maids line up in the hall. This doesnt seem right to him.
Either way, he should be quick to clear this misunderstanding and return back all at once.
He tried to clear his throat and clear the things. But before he could speak the lady interrupted.
" No.. No. Mister. You shouldn't force yourself here. You are our guest, let us take the initiative to speak."
Initiative to speak? Now that seems wrong, now its clear that the terms aren't pure.
" But hey hear for onc—"
" Shut up stalker. You didn't have enough with your wicked desires didn't you? Your acts aren't even fit for life imprisoned inside a dungeon. There should be a separate law enforcement for your crimes."
Speaks a figure behind him. James realises he must be the one kicking him from behind. He wore a batch in his shoulder. And James knew what that means. The guy is a specialist Cop.
" What? I just came here to return thi—"
" Oh yeah, acting innocent all again, aren't you? You are really a piece of crap that should die in an unknown corner of this town. I am gonna break your legs Infront of everyone here."
Everyone in the hall starts laughing. He could see the maids grinning behind the laughter.
James tried to consult things as quick as possible.
" But wait just a mome—"
Then suddenly a scream echoed through the whole mansion – for one second.
Everyone heard it. The laughter surging the house got replaced with silence and tension. They froze in their place, and the commotion got delayed. James wondered whose scream it could be? That's obvious. The one person who is not here, it had to be the woman, Clarissa Ainsworth.
Someone spoke, it was the guy.
" Why the drop in mood? Lets just teach this idiot a nice lesson."
The rich lady spoke in tension.
"But my son. Shouldnt we first make sure what is going on with our daughter?"
" There is nothing to worry mother. She must have seen a mouse in her room. Besides if the trouble is big she should have ask for help instead of screaming for mere seconds."
But soon as he finished his statement, the lights went off.
Fear engulped the place.
Now it seems the guy has surrendered. They took whatever light sources they have indie the house and went to the upper floor.
All the maids spread across the mansion to check the cause for the power cut.
While the main residents of the mansion headed towards Clarissa's room.
James followed them even though he is uninvited.
Slowly as they ascend towards the room, the air goes tighter. A strange cold and hot feeling surged them. The frontline was lead by the man while James followed them behind like a tied prisoner.
They reached towards the door of Clarissa's room. They pause for a bit, tension grows intensely.
The lady starts praying in silence while her husband gave her son the signal to open the door.
With a bit of struggle the man open the door.
It was all black inside. The man directed the lantern inside the room and what they saw shook their souls to the down.
A horrific scene of the woman also name as Clarissa Ainsworth leaned against the wall. Her palm detached from her hand and threads sewn around her body. Her mouth being stitched and her eyeballs missing.
The scene was enough to traumatised the lady and her husband. Screams rush towards the whole mansion. The guy froze in his place, infact he just stares at the sight in shocked or perhaps in nostalgia ?
James was shaken not because of the tragedy that happened before him but because this brings him the same strange familiar sensation he never wanted to came across.
His head started to ache again. In a side glance, he noticed a mouse moving around at one place until it started to suffocate for some reason and died on the spot.
-----