C1 CHAPTER

The day was sunny and rather hot which was typical for the early days of June. People were enjoying the pleasant weather, trying to catch every minute of sun and blue sky, as they were so used to foggy weather in their native land. Many children played with the water of a fountain in the middle of city park. Water seemed refreshing in such circumstances, due to beautiful golden sun which was quite strong and could burn their skin if they stayed too long under it. In one word – the day was remarkable and it was impossible not to enjoy it.

But one young woman didn’t seem so happy, no matter how much she wanted to be. Alice Moral was on her way home from University, doing her best to hide the sorrow that was eating her heart from inside. A week ago she separated from her boyfriend, Fred, that she dater for a few months. The reason for that was his cheating on her with another girl. But what’s even stranger – Fred wanted to be in a relationship with both girls simultaneously. Either it was some sick experiment with his own life or he might want to prove that he was a real man, or whatever else. Such things were unacceptable for Alice, and when she found out, she declared about leaving him.

But it wasn’t the end yet – that crazy bastard just couldn’t leave her alone, blaming her for abandoning him like that. He stated that separating from her wasn’t his intention, that it was just for fun and such, but Alice couldn’t bear that the man she loved belonged to someone else beside her. A week has passed but Alice was still heartbroken. It wasn’t enough time to forget her love, and pain from losing him was still tormenting her.

As Alice entered her flat, she was warmly greeted by her mother:

“Hello, dear. How are you today? How are studies going?”

“I’m fine, Mum,” she replied “I spent much time in a library today. Had to search for materials for my thesis. I’m going to arrange a meeting with my professor next week, so we could talk things over, and I could present him the information I’ve found.”

“I see,” Mother said, looking sadly at her daughter “Now, dear, cheer up. I know it was painful experience for you, but you can’t just mope like that every day.”

“I know, I know…” Alice sighed “I guess I just made a wrong choice.”

“Exactly. He’s not your type. But don’t worry, such things may often occur in this life. You’ll find your happiness. Your destiny is waiting for you somewhere.”

“I hope so,” the young woman replied, hugging her mother.

“You’re just in time for lunch,” mother said “it will be ready soon. I prepared your favorite dish, the Enchiladas. Leonard will be glad as well.”

“Oh, he’s home?”

“Sure, spending his time at the computer, as usual,” mother winked.

Alice went upstairs and peeked into her brother’s room. He was sitting at his laptop and searching for something in Internet. She crept quietly behind his back and covered his eyes playfully. Leonard got scared a bit by this.

“Hey, come on, what’s the big idea…” he began, pulling her hands away “oh, it’s you, sis. I didn’t hear you coming. How’s going?”

“Quite ok,” Alice said “I began working on my thesis. Today I spent most of the time in the library. Looking for info, you know…”

“Ah so… Have you already decided what theme it will be?”

“Well, I’d say so. I’d like to write about a specific theme – how horror fiction affects real life” Alice explained, taking a seat on the chair.

“Um… what do you mean?” she noticed a spark of curiosity in her brother’s eyes. “What exactly are you talking about?”

“I’m talking about people who were affected by horror fiction, which resulted in committing rather hideous acts,” she replied.

“Hmm… you mean something like mass murders in schools, like Columbine?” Leonard asked.

“Yes, I want to investigate similar cases. What I want to understand is why those people did what they did and what was the true reason for their acts. I know that many are into horror films, literature and other, so my goal is to dig deeper into it and find out the truth.”

Leonard frowned, hearing this explanation. He looked a bit worried.

“Erm… on the one side, it’s interesting, no doubt… But… don’t you think it’s a bit risky?”

“Why’s that?” Alice raised an eyebrow. “Why do you think it might be risky?”

“Well, I thought, to find out more you have to interview those people. Of course, the ones that are still alive. You know, they are complete psychopaths who killed a bunch of people. That’s what I find risky – talking with psychos that might harm you” he explained.

“Oh, I see…” Alice smirked. “Well, there might be risk in it, but that’s a psychologist’s job. Don’t you think so?”

“Yeah, I guess…” he sighed “all I want to say – be careful. I really wouldn’t like you to get harmed, sis.”

“Don’t worry, I’m stronger than it might seem. I’m sure I can withstand it,” Alice replied while smile slowly faded from her face. Leonard noticed that and frowned.

“Are you alright?” he asked. Alice barely nodded. “Still sad about Fred, aren’t you?”

‍​‌‌​​‌‌‌​​‌​‌‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌‌​‌‌​​​‌‌​​‌‌​‌​‌​​​‌​‌‌‍She looked at her brother with a little surprise in her eyes.

“Come on, sis, it’s clear without words. You’re still heartbroken, I know. But try to throw him out of your head. He’s not worth a single hair of yours,” he said, putting a hand on Alice’s shoulder. “I perfectly understand that he was your first love, but not the last one. He’s just not your type.”

“Well, maybe you’re right,” Alice sighed “it’s just painful to betrayed, you know…”

“Sure. No one likes to be betrayed,” Leonard agreed. “Do you know who’s his new passion? I’m just curious whom he considered to be better for him than you.”

“I was beyond shocked when I found it out,” Alice clenched her teeth in anger. “It’s Gina. I can’t believe he preferred that slut! We were together for a few months, and here we are – a quick swap.”