Bloody Encore

Thomas Black

Fremantle, Western Australia

Year: 1880

Cold breeze blew across the stone cobble streets, gathering up leaves and spreading them about the township. It was another night at the theater as my parents were preparing for tonight’s orchestra pieces. My father, Emanuel was having his tie adjusted as he peered out through the heavy red drape curtains. The theater was filling up with all the aristocrats, opera lovers and people who like a palette full of texture in sounds. My mother, Ellen was a harp player it was interesting how my parents seemed to brought together through one thing, one thing that dominants their lives. Music.

Though being a family like this, they were expecting me to join the monstrous ride of instruments feeding the ears of the world. They say if noise wasn’t present, the world couldn’t survive nor would the people without being able to hear and be treated to sweet music. “Thomas, are you considering joining us?” My mother came up behind me and I turned around to face her.

I was dressed respectively-like, black suit, white tie, and my blue hair was covered by top hat. I felt like a penguin, and then again it made us look important. The public seemed to mean a lot to us, and we entertain them as much as we could.

“I’ll be fine here mother, you just go and play to your audience.” I said as my light blue eyes gleamed and I noticed she wasn’t taking no for an answer. My parents want me to join them, I only play the violin and let alone I’m trying to master that well. “Thomas, please you know how much it means to us for you to become part of it. I know you’re trying….” She said then I took control of it. This constant persuasion, it’s not just the music my parents are not happy if I don’t do it or match up to their expectations.

“I will not follow you. I’m much more interested in the constructive side of music. Not playing it!” I said as I headed out the backstage door. It was until my father popped in to hear the door bang. “He is still refusing, isn’t he? He better come around, that boy.” He said as he took my mother away. I watched through a window as the cold autumn night graced me with its arms.

“Why, why can’t they let me do what I wish to do? Nothing makes them satisfied.” I thought as I headed along the small alley way. The occasional cat digging in a garbage can and the odd leaf strikes me like soft knifes. It wasn’t as cold as it was in England, though at least no snow. I tried to convince my parents to let me build instruments, I hoping they will let me work, its still part of their music feast. I’m only eighteen year old who has over-protecting and over-reacting parents.

Both from England, I was born here from what I learnt they tried not to lose their passion for what they do best. I took turn and arrived in one of the roads and continued walking along, I haven’t made many friends here.

I loosen up my tie as I arrived at the house we lived in, surprisingly not so far from the theater hall. Digging into my jacket pocket, I found my house key and opened the door. As I entered, I flicked the gas lamp on.

Sighing to myself, silence was welcoming to my ears. Hanging up my hat on the hat rack, I walked into the kitchen and boiled up the kettle, before sitting down loosening up my collar and undid the cufflinks. I could have worn my normal clothes but no, parents want to look important and rich to the rest of the community. Not all of it was picture perfect; there were slums and convicts that are locked up. Seems that this place; was a pit for the criminals and dangerous foes that England decides to dump on some vacant land.

Taking upon some interest in a book I had been reading, I keep it away due to its content about death, conspiracies and other things. In between educating and violin practice I do have a side I want to explore.

I almost dozed off before the kettle bubble loudly shooting steam through the sprout. “Well, make good of this silence, because they will be home soon.” I groaned, I never felt so alone. Yet part of me wanted company, one that isn’t obsessed with music. Pouring the water through the strainer; the aroma enough to calm the nerves that were edging up inside me.

After the tea silvered inside me, I changed into my nightgown before curling up in my bed. I was soon asleep, my head wanting utter silence but the loud catastrophe of noises and music just roared along like steam train. I just wanted it to stop; it seemed I was never going to escape it.

I was tossing and turning before I woke up to see my mother at the foot of my bed. “Mother…” I gasp sitting upright to see her; she moved over to the side of my bed and sat down. “Thomas, what is wrong?” she said as I seemed to become the child that always had nightmares. Mother took me into her arms and held me. “I can’t sleep…..” I said as she stroked my hair for a bit. “Thomas…you’re too old for me to comfort you. I can’t stop helping you settle” she said.

“I know…this seems to be the only time, we can be close together” I replied sitting upright. I stared into her eyes, black hair was unraveled from the tight plat do she always has. “Can’t you accept me? You always want me to do what you want. You never want me to do what I like.” I said as she stood up from the bed. I watched her leave towards the door; it’s like she can’t swallow what I just said. I’m just the pill that won’t go down and accept its fate.

She turned around and looked at me “Thomas, you know we love you. But we want you to be happy and safe. I think it’s about time you started making friends and find someone to love you.” she said. I had the feeling that there was something she was going to add, that pause was playing on me. It was then father appeared, tall dark and proud. Too proud to accept anything less than what he had done. I could see he seemed made, the ocean of roughness in his eyes, dark and cold. It was like I was drowning in the storm. “Ellen, please let me talk to him, I’ll see you in bed.” he said, planting a kiss on her cheek.

My mother was like the boat that could sail over this ocean and some how survived it without a battering. He closed the door leaving her outside alone. “Son, I know you been resisting to follow my footsteps. Yet your interest in crafting instruments is one I’ll happy to have you pursue. Which is why I met up with Mr. Terrace Mcgrune, he is opening up a workshop. Fashioning instruments even violins.” he said with a small smile.

Was that going to convince my feelings, the ocean had died down to comfortable swell. He was matching what I want, for the first time. “Mr. Mcgrune?” I quirked as he handed me a piece of paper with an address on it. “Very rare that craftsman of this comes all the way over here to set up business. You will see him tomorrow.” he said as he headed towards the door and opening it.

Watching him leave I felt like a wall seemed too crumbled, are they realizing they can’t control me much now. I lay back down on my bed and looked over the piece of paper before setting aside. “I wonder what happened….” I thought as I tried to settle into a sleep, though forcing my head not to hear the raging of sounds and crazy noises. I, at least thought the tea would put it to rest.

The night was long; the wind kept rustling the trees that dotted our small yard. Soon enough it would calm down and let the morning slowly creep in, a new day, a new turning point. The one I been waiting for, I woke up still feeling my insomnia pulling my limbs to stay flat in my bed. It hard to move, those moments scare me. The false illusion of being between awake and asleep drove me crazy.

I thrust my limbs soon enough broke out of it to see morning. I grabbed the paper with the address on and smiled, finally climbed out of bed and started getting dressed. “Thomas!” I heard mother bark from the other room, I pocketed the address and headed towards the kitchen to have breakfast. “You know Mr. Terrace is expecting you there at 9am. I suggest you eat now.” My mother chirped as I grabbed the bread and butter to slap the two together.

“So I can see your eager to go.” My father said to me as I smeared the jam on and started to eat. “Of course I am, finally I can explore my talent” I muffled through chews. Mother shook her head at my poor table manners. Deciding to let it slide for once I finished my meal and went to the bathroom and clean up a bit. Not wanting to look like a slob, father waited outside patiently looking at his pocket watch. “Thomas you better get going, you don’t want to be late!” Mother cried from the kitchen as I swoop out the front closing it loudly.

“Let’s go.” I said as father and I begun the brisk walk up the street and further into the center of town. The coldness seemed to allow the autumn sun to shine what little heat it has upon the township. “How did this Mr Mcgrune come about?” I had to know at least, as we walked along.

“I saw him at the show last night. We both knew you wanted to work; we aren’t stopping you from earning your keep. Mr. Mcgrune is the only instrumental maker in Fremantle. It will be nice to make an alliance with him.” He said as we crossed over to the other side of the street. “Drumming up free business I guess” I muttered to myself, father gave me the eye and picked up the pace. There have been many times I wish we had a buggy and a horse.

A lot of the people seemed to have them, but for us it’s been mainly walking. I swear at the end of the day my feet swell up inside my shoes, never the less father seemed to show no pain when it comes to that. I don’t understand how he could be so strong and never show a sign of emotion. I don’t think I’ll ever see him being sad or not a lot with happiness. He seemed stern, blunt and angry.

Soon enough we turned off the path way down a small alley and then arrived at Mr. Mcgrune’s workshop. “Mr. Mcgrune!” My father called as a rather broad shoulder, red-haired man with a long beard came out of the darkness into the daylight that filter into the room.

“Good Morning Mr Black, I see this is Thomas.” he said in a strong Scottish accent, I couldn’t help finding it hard to make sense of what he said. He presented his butch-like hand and I shake it, my soft violin hands and elegant fingers getting crushed by him. “So you’re coming to learn the art of making a good violin?” he asked as we entered his workshop. “Mr. Mcgrune, when will you like me to come and collect Thomas?” My father asked as the red-headed man looked over the array of tools and other objects.

“About 4:30pm be great I got to spend time with the misses.” Mr. Mcgrune snuffed as his wife gave him the eye before walking away. “Mr. Mcgrune, I was hoping we can make an arrangement.” My father causal slides into the conversation. Mr Mcgrune moved away from me as father talked to him outside the workshop. Waiting patiently his wife came up and study me for a bit

“Oh you’re a pretty boy, aren’t you.” she said in a thick Scottish accent she grabbed my hand and felt it all over. I pulled it away “Thank you madam, how long have you been in Fremantle?” I asked as she brushed a hand through my hair roughly. “Oh about couple of months, I should warn you though.” She looked outside at the men, still talking; she pulled me inside the house before closing the door. I looked at her oddly; she seemed to have something secretive to tell me.

“My husband, he is crazy man. Plays the same instrument you do, but in a more disturbing way. Now listen to me. Don’t let him get to you.” She told me in a husky tone it wasn’t until he came inside to see us together. “Dear, what’s going on here?” he looked at his wife like he was going to hurt her; she remained contempt as she went back to preparing food.

“Well… lad, time to start showing how to make fine instruments” he said as we left the kitchen back into the adjacent workshop. I could tell his wife seemed to have grave fears of him. Looking into her eyes, I could see it she was scared at him

“Boy, here are the basic pieces in making a violin. The wooden body that needs to be fitted together with the arms.” he said as I study over the pieces that soon form a new violin. He coughs groggily as he faced away from me and wiped his mouth with a handkerchief. It was enough to put me off standing near him.

“Sorry kid, anyways I’ll start you off just learning how to put it together. I have most of the parts made up and sent here. I just put them together.” He said as he coughs again into his handkerchief. “Right, Mr Mcgrune. You ok?” I asked him politely as he finished having a fit “I’m fine kid, just bit of a cough.” he said giving a horrible looking grin.

I was wondering if I was going to survive the first day without Mr. Mcgrune keeling over, at least his wife seemed to hope he wouldn’t touch me, I tend to wonder what it was that she was speaking about. With some of the glue I began piecing the body of the violin together, Mr Mcgrune stood over my shoulder.

“Slowly kid, don’t want to muck up it.” he blurts as I felt my hands shake. “Yes Mr. Mcgrune” he said as he soon grabbed my hands his grip felt like his cutting into my flesh. “No! Get up and watch me” he spat as he pulled my hands away by the wrists and flung me against the bench behind.

“Oh god….” I thought as I whirled around trying not to look scared. “Pay attention kid, and watch.” He barks as I stood up and looked over his shoulder timidly. Watching him piece it together seemed to like I was robbed of a chance to learn something hands on. Though being my first day, I guess observation made sense. “You know kid, your parents and their orchestra could make this a very rich business for me.” he said as he put the arm onto the body of the violin.

“What about the other instruments? They could need repairing and that too.” I said as he turned and stared at me before bursting in a crude laugh. I didn’t understand why he found that funny as he slapped a gluey hand on my shoulder “They will be all attended to. I’m just showing one part of this thriving entrepreneur business.” he said as he showed me to a wall of hanging brass instruments.

After admiring the trumpets and that he explained that he was there to polish and put new reeds into them. “So a lot of the stuff is just sent here? From where?” I asked as he looked at me before he went back to his work bench “Overseas kid, I can’t manufacture everything.” he said as he clamped the violin together.

It was hard to tell whether Mr. Mcgrune was crazy man or not. I survived the first day roughly doing not much at all. Father collected me from the workshop at 4:30pm, he was curious to know why I didn’t seem to be thrilled with it all. “How was it?” He said as we walked along through the working crowds heading home.

“It was interesting….” I said as we seemed to bypass the markets, the sea air had blown in cold as my father paused to buy some vegetables from a stand. “I hope you like it, don’t worry you will be getting into the whole thing soon.” he said as he handed the man money for the vegetables he picked out.

As we headed back towards home, I couldn’t help to still dwell upon what Mrs. Mcgrune said. I decided to give it time, if it will only keep my parents off my back. Though I tend to worry about them discovering my other obsessions, I was wrong about them letting up on me.

“Thomas, you’re going to be late for work!” Father called out, it had been about a month and now I’m starting to see the signs of Mr. Mcgrune’s insanity. It was starting to gnaw at me; I couldn’t tell anyone in fear of my parent does not believe a word that comes out of my mouth.

What started off a minor shoves and occasional harsh tones, was building up. I buried my head into my books yet father came in and hauled me out of bed.

“Come on Thomas, I don’t want you to slump” he said as I put my book down and grabbed my clothes “Father please, can you wait outside?” I said dryly as he left my room. Mr. Mcgrune was hurting me; I had a bruise on my hip after the slam into the work bench. “Thomas! You’re doing this all wrong, I can’t afford mistakes!” he yelled and threw me into the bench.

I don’t understand why his wife didn’t come out to stop him. I couldn’t defend myself; I was scared that he will some day really hurt me. “Thomas; come on.” My father barks as I finished up dressing myself and walked out pass my father in anger. “Mr. Mcgrune isn’t going to be happy with you.” he said as I tried not to bite back.

My mother would come out of the kitchen and notice the state I’m in. “I’m going work, pick me up when I’m done.” I grunted as I matched out the door slamming it behind. I didn’t want father to come with me, I wasn’t a child and I wasn’t enjoying being call kid by Mr Mcgrune.

I was trapped into a world where I can’t escape the music that surrounds me. Silence is no longer quiet cause of the noise trapped in my mind. Mr. Mcgrune, Father, Mother the orchestra everything was closing in on me. I breathed in some of the sea air and watched it tug at my jacket. I want to release some tension yet I have little choice, walking all the down to Mr. Mcgrune’s house I was faced with the man himself.

“Sorry I’m late.” I muffled as he grabbed my arm and pulled me into the shed. “That’s not good enough.” he yelled as I went to work. My hands were shaking; I couldn’t help but look to the kitchen window that peered into the workshop, Mrs. Mcgrune looked different some what hurt. She looked at me occasionally when her husband eyes weren’t connecting to hers.

“I’ll tell you about that world, the world where music alone exists.” He said as he grabbed his violin and started to play a haunting song. I couldn’t work, that song was horrible the sharp drags on the wires with the bow were spine tingling. “This song calls upon the spirits….the music intertwines with them become one.” He said as he coughed and he paused his playing. I feel my ears like bleed, “Please, Mr. Mcgrune can we work on these instruments?” I suggested anything for him to stop playing horribly. He put his violin down and stared at me.

“You don’t understand Thomas, this is real….death… dances to one song…” He said as he moved towards me. His eyes were not normal I could almost see hell in them, the whole make believe tale is one I don’t believe. I don’t want to believe him as he grabbed my wrist and clenched it hard in his hand “To see you suffer…because you don’t believe me. I’ll be happy to end your existence!” He hissed and he flung me into the wall I fell to the floor.

Mrs. Mcgrune gasped from the kitchen, as he plucked me back onto my feet. “You better not tell anyone what I do. Say to your family that you got beaten up by some street gang.” He said as he shoved me back towards the bench. “Work!” he said as I tried to continue but my head throbbed I slumped down against the bench.

“Please sir…can I rest?” I gasped as he gave me a cold glare, it was then Mrs Mcgrune came out. “Terrace, please leave the boy alone” she said as he turned and faced her. It was a brave move, as he soon drawn his attention to her while I got to my feet “My dear, don’t meddle with my work.” he said as he slapped her across the face. I wish I could do something, but I couldn’t and I got out of them quickly yet he notice me escaping. “Come back here you!” he cried as he raced off after me.

I ran as fast I could off down an alley way lead me into the square I fought through the crowd as he was gaining on me. I shoved pass a bunch of people and kept running before turning into the next street and ran up towards the round house. My lungs were straining as I reached the prison before by passing it and ran onto the beach before collapsing in a heap.

The waters were rough as a stiff breeze blew in the spray. I laid there for a while, I felt the sand climb into my clothes, and it wasn’t until a figure stood over me which I was quick to react “No!” I cried as my eyes saw a lovely woman “Oh I won’t hurt you.” She said as I slowly sat up, sand in my blue hair and stuck to my face and hands.

“Hello, I hope that man isn’t going to hurt me.” I cried as I looked around wildly the woman helped me up I slumped against her. She was very beautiful, blonde hair, blue eyes and soft skin “You’re hurt, who did this to you?” she asked as I tried to put some words together.

“I can’t say he is after me…” I said as we walked along the beach together.

“I’m Margaret, you’re lucky I’m a nurse, you are?” she asked, her voice almost washed out by the wind that swept along the shore line. “How about we go somewhere inside please…he could find me.” I said as we continued off the beach and towards some shelter as it looked like it was going to rain.

The clouds gathered over and the rain soon fell at least me and Margaret was dry. “You haven’t told me your name.” she said as we sat down, I winced in pain “My name’s Thomas Black.” I grunted as she gently touched my side I moved. “Who is beating you?” she asked, I didn’t feel safe out here at all. “I’m too afraid to say.” I replied as I stood up from the bench under the verandah. The rain wasn’t falling down hard

“Please tell me, you can’t keep this bottle up, Thomas.” she plea to me as I looked at her holding my wounds. I wanted to tell, but I felt too ashamed to do so. I didn’t want to see less than a man, as I was already too vulnerable and weak and not able to stand up for himself.

“Look come with me to my house, I want help you.” Margaret offered to me, trying to keep me from running away. I wasn’t going to go back, I couldn’t go back home face my parents. I had made little attempts to try and make friends, obviously I was in pain I need to rest. “Ok.” I said before I felt like was going to pass out, she caught me but everything from there was blank. For that moment, it seemed like forever I was in utter silences.

Finally a break from the horrible noises that riddle my mind, though one thing did come to me. Was I dead? No, I can’t be dead, though I started to hear Margaret’s voice followed by my parent’s. Oh no…. I don’t want to wake up and explain. Though eyes refused to do so and soon enough; I awoken to see them there looking at me.

“Son what happened to you?” my father asked as I wanted to go back to deep sleep, I couldn’t at all. “I found him on the beach, he was badly bruised and big gash on his head. Someone must have attacked him.” Margaret said to my parents. I don’t understand how I ended up at home; I don’t recall telling Margaret where I lived.

“Thomas, please tell us who did this to you.” Mother asked me again, I didn’t want them to shun me when I gave them an answer. Father was getting a little impatient with it “Darling we got a party to attend tonight. Thomas needs to rest, maybe you can tell us who did this later.” He said as he took her out of the room leaving me with Nurse Margaret.

“Thomas, your parents allowed me stay with you for the night. I have to go to work in the morning.” she said as she sat down in a chair next my bed. “I’ll be fine, I don’t need a babysitter.” I grunted to her and turned away.

“You are right there, yet what if that person comes after you?” she said which sparked fear in me. I prayed every whim that Mr. Mcgrune doesn’t set foot inside the house. I turned back to face her. “Margaret, I’ll want you to stay please….I can’t face him alone.” I whispered to her. She could see how scared I was, “Thomas…you can tell me…please!”

She replied as I swallowed my stubbornness “I don’t know if you would know him…but he is a man with horrible temper. He beats me, his wife is scared of him and she gets hurt. She doesn’t tell anyone in fear of being…..killed.” I said as Margaret eyes wonder to the violin resting on the table.

I didn’t want to look at it, thought it was my own I been trying to force the horrible noise from my subconscious “You play violin?” she asked I just nodded and turned away from her. “Don’t make me play….I’m terrible violinist.” I said to her as she placed a hand on my shoulder “I won’t. You seemed very frightened. You haven’t told me who this man is.” she said to me. Should I tell her or not? Well if I tell here maybe it is easier on my parents learning it from someone else.

That violin was bothering me so much; I never realize an instrument could cause so many disturbances inside me “Can you please put that violin out of sight for me?” I said to her as she got up from the chair and gather the instrument up in her hands. She looked over it; it was driving me crazy seeing it still in my sight.

“I remember, I had my grandfather play a violin and it sounded so sad, though I haven’t seen him in a long time” She said as she put the violin into a draw and closed it up. Turning around again I climbed out of bed and stood close to her “You shouldn’t be up away from the bed.” She said but I didn’t want to go back to bed. “I’m ready to tell you. I don’t think I could tell my parents they have too much trust in him….” I trailed off as she placed her hands on my shoulders.

The moment of silence I could tell was making Margaret impatient. I took in a deep breath and then told her “His name is Terrace Mcgrune….he runs this instrumental workshop my parents sent me to go there.” I felt a little lighter in weight, though more vulnerable to Margaret’s care. Her blue eyes flickered at the name and looked away like she was shocked.

“Margaret what’s wrong?” I asked as she let go of me and wander towards the window, the rain was still pouring into the night. “That name….it can’t be true Thomas….it can’t be.” She said as she looked at me with mixture of sadness and hatred. “Why?” I asked as she put me back into bed and pulled the covers over me. “Get some sleep.” she said as she left the room in a hurry, the whole motions seemed to leave me wondering even more.

Nurse Margaret seemed to be distraught, what was it about this man that made her run away? I tried to go to sleep, I didn’t know if Margaret going to come back or not. Mr. Mcgrune, he had got a lot worse in health over the period I knew him. At least the coughing, but that didn’t stop him from throwing me around like a pair of old shoes. There had to be some major childhood issues, his stories he believes in them so much that I couldn’t swallow its tripe.

“I have to end this….even it means putting him into permanent state of death” An evil smirk crept along my mouth. How will I do it? I’m not one to become a murderer instantly, though my mind was racing out of control. Images of him hurting me, the music he played everything, it was enough to get out of bed and grab my book about murderers from the box under the bed. Looking around I could see Margaret must have left.

“Margaret?” I called into the hallway, I decided to put the book down and go and find her. I heard shuffling in the bathroom as I reached the partially opened door I peered in.

“Margaret?” I said and she jumped at the sound of my voice. Her eyes were wet with tears; she wiped them with a towel before opening the door outwards. “I’m sorry if I upset you.” I said as she looked out the small window the sudden rumble of thunder and clash of lightening. “Well my parents are going to enjoy the ride home.” I said as she regained her composure before looking at me in the eyes.

“That man…I know who he is…I’m aware of his actions, Thomas.” She said as we left the bathroom together and headed back to my room. “You do…I thought…maybe he was your grandfather…” I said as she sat down again and straightened out her skirt. I sat down back on my bed, she saw the book I tried to hide it but she grabbed it from me “Oh it’s just something I read in private, return it back please.” I said she handed it to me. That was close; she didn’t look inside the cover. It was just a black cover no writing on it.

“How could he hurt you….why Thomas?” she asked me as I shifted a bit in my bed. It was becoming more and more of a twisting issue “He has a horrible temper; I’m just trying to learn how to become a great instrumental craftsman. He would always bombard me with his stories, threatening me if I don’t believe in it he will hurt me. He does.” I said as I lay down again in bed.

“On a night like this….it would be scary if he was walking about. I know he is dead, why would my parents lie to me about him?” She said as she still thought I’m lying to her. “He isn’t dead! He is alive, he is even living here!” I ranted to her but she shook her head madly.

“He is maybe a wonderful grandfather who made instruments, but I’m sure he wouldn’t hurt a fly.” She cried out at me before she buried her head in her hands.

It just gets worse and worse, yet both us jumped at the sign of the front door opening and closing. My parents must have returned home from their show, Margaret quickly wiped her face and curls up in the chair pretending to be asleep. I followed suit so that they think we been sleeping for most of the time they were out.

That was it, if Margaret thinks he was dead, then there was no harm in killing him. After my parents bypass and looked in on us, I pulled the book out and by the light of the lamp, I began reading.

At some point I had to fall asleep, because I was woken by my mother’s voice that was standing over me. “Thomas, wake up dear.” She said stroking my forehead. My eyes fluttered open and looked up at her. “Morning… I don’t want to go to work today…please!” I cried to her which stirred Margaret awake.

“Oh it is morning. Oh dear, I better go!” she said as she left the room before thanking my mother on the way out. “You don’t have to…it’s the weekend. Besides Mr. Mcgrune isn’t expecting you in until Monday; by then you will be a lot better.” She said and she left me alone again.

Great, two whole days of no torture; perfect time to plot a murderous plan and put it into action. My parents were in the kitchen having breakfast as I soon emerged and joined them. The rain seemed too died off since last night, hopefully the sun will break through once again.

“Well today, I’m going to go out for a walk” I said as my Mother shook her head “I don’t want you doing too much today. You can stay home and help with the house work.” She said I groaned at the sound of it.

“We saw Mr Mcgrune last night. At the party.” father said that made me froze, what was he doing at a prestigious party for the upper crusts? “He said you’re doing very well at his work.” Father said. I was confused; he was bluffing the truth to my parents. I knew it I wasn’t going to deter their hopes.

“Is there any errands I can do for you mother?” I’m waiting for a chance to get out of the house, though it would be safe for me to do so. What if Mr. Mcgrune was out somewhere waiting to finish me off? “Though Mr. Mcgrune wasn’t looking too well, I hope his wife is taking care of him.” Mother said as she handed me a plate so I can put my bread and jam on.

“Well, he has high hopes for you to take on his business, Thomas, that’s why he hired you.” Father said as I was feeling more uncomfortable with the situation. I finished up and moved out of the room.

“Hey Thomas, where are you going?” Mother said to me from down the hall. “I’m out for a walk mother, I’ll be back; don’t worry.” I said as I closed the front door. The weather was withholding up, I decided to avoid the busy town centre go towards the beach again.

Being weary still from not so comfortable nights sleep, my mind started coming up with possible murderous maneuvers. I thought I never had to ever do this, but it was driving me insane. Keeping a sharp out, I crossed the pathway and eventually had the sand under my shoes. The waves weren’t as choppy as other days yet small waves hit the sandy shore line.

“I must think how am I going to do this?” I thought sitting down onto the sand. That violin was Mr. Mcgrunes weapon of torture that and his story. I remember it all too clear. He claims that, his music bring spirits from the others to here. The music forms an invisible barrier to give a silhouette to the spirits body.

He never seemed to preformed it at all, it all seemed insane act to scare me. Though his tune started to rise up inside my head and play its eerie melody against the sound of the ocean.

I can see him also talking about this world he goes to, it sounded like chaos. No one cares there, noises fighting noises it was a battle of which people are dying through. The pain plus him beating me, it was all building up inside me I had to take it out on something. I had to get up and let it out, yet tonight I hope my parents will be preoccupied.

Hopefully I can slip away and end this tremendous thorn in my side. Standing up, I started kicking the sand. Then I was digging up stones and throwing them into the sea. “I got to end this… You hear me! I’m not taking anymore of your horrid abuse!” I cried out. There weren’t too many people out on the beach today, though I did wonder about Margaret.

I didn’t get to learn much about her except for slight misconception on her grandfather being dead. As I walked along the shore edge before my loneliness was startled by someone, one that made me almost runaway. “Thomas, I’m glad I found you!” My mother said as she pulled me back towards the township.

“What’s wrong?” I said as she as pulled me aside, “You shouldn’t be out here; you’re supposed to be laid up. In fact you owe us some violin practice. Thomas, please, you have been holding that violin your father use to play. We haven’t seen you play it.” She sighed as she looked away.

The violin I own was sentimental to my parents; apparently it was part of how they fell for each other. They passed it down to me; it was suppose to be a way of wooing ones fair heart. My parents seemed to strive so much to stay on top of everything, though we don’t live a rich lifestyle they have to make it they do for others.

They seemed unhappy with masquerading themselves; it was all boiling down to the money and respect. They want me to not blow them into the waters never to be seen equal again.

“I haven’t been feeling like it lately….” I said as I realize I haven’t heard asking me about how I got hurt. “Mother, I’ll come home and play for a while.” I said then she cut in sounding a little panicking “Thomas, we are having some friends over, they have been wanting you to play for them, we thought you were ready.” She gritted her teeth looking like she over done it. I wasn’t happy; my parents were over stepping lines

“Mother, you know I’m not fit to play!” I yelled at her and started walking away she raced after me. “Please son, you know how many this matters, we want the best for all of us.” She said as she jumped in front of me trying to hold me still. I shoved her away, it wasn’t gentle, it scared me how hard I threw her away she almost fell to the ground.

I kept walking, my heart was racing the sudden burst of anger I inflicted upon my dear mother. She remained barely on her feet and raced back onto the path as she was almost mowed down by a carriage.

“Thomas!” She yelled as she stormed after me, I started to run away fast. I could see she wasn’t going to catch up to me but my running was soon haunted as my father and a friend of his blocked my path away.

“Father.” I said as he grabbed me by the collar and pulled me inside “What did you do to your mother! You almost got her hurt!” He cried and slung me through the hall way. My mother came in and closed the door saw father roughening me up “Just leave me alone!” I cried as I shoved him away and went to the door, slamming back.

“Thomas, you get in here right now!” He barks as I shifted my desk to barricade myself inside. “No father! I’m done trying to be your perfect son.” I yelled through the door. I could see he wasn’t going to start bashing my door down he tried opening it before he soon gave up.

Couple of voices and words exchanged in before I soon left the hallway into my room. What was there left for me to do, I wanted to throw stuff around, scream and yell to my lungs that hurt. But no tonight I was going to commit something devastating and the weapon in my hands will be the one thing that my parent’s care more about than me. The violin.

I went over to the chest of draws and opened up the second one to reveal the wooden instrument staring up at me on top of my clothes. Running a finger along the wire string I notice out sharp it was, I removed my finger to see the skin had broken and the blood flown to the surface.

I couldn’t resists tasting its coppery flavour, it made me look into the mirror above it. I wasn’t well my innocent self had left me with this vile monster waiting to unleash its wraith upon its victims. Shamefully it was still bridging into the middle of the day, night was still a wait for me.

I ponder over the violin, what can be the damaging blows that it could do to a human being. It seems the bow could poke an eye or two, the F wire could cut but not if a lot force was applied to it. Even breaking the arm and the body of it and use it as some club might give minor concussion.

Nothing seemed enough to kill a person like Mr. Mcgrune. Then again, his condition could have got a lot worse making him weak. Pouncing on him while he slept I could easily but what about Mrs. Mcgrune? This was getting harder for me to think about. I put the violin under my chin; the small amount of blood had crusted into the gold wire as I started to play.

I started to play a tune I seemed to slowly learnt, I focused into the mirror watching as the bow strikes the wires and sent different sounds out. I would get one bit of it perfect it was some other parts that would be rough to tackle.

I wonder if my parents and their friends were listening to me. I continued I could swear the music was bouncing about the room; I was surprised that it all flowed effortlessly. Watching the mirror vibrate I tend to wonder if the music was that strong enough to do that. Yet something was very not right at all now.

It was like the music possessed me, enough to take me into this rapture that didn’t alert me to my mother’s voice on the other side of the door. Was this what Mr. Mcgrune was having, no it can’t be I quickly ended my playing and put the violin down. Suddenly I thought I saw a vision of how tonight will play out. Though not all of it was shown to me, that was enough to smile, such evil was consuming me.

“Thomas, darling please come out. We all heard that song and we are all out here, we want to see you.” She said in as I turned on my heel and faced the barricaded door. “As long as Father or yourself isn’t going to patronize me I’ll consider coming out.” I joked as I sat down on my bed. There was a slight stirred in the bunch outside my door.

“Son, I’m sorry about before. I hope you have calm down you play that tune so well.” He said trying to sound pleased. It was probably hurting him to hide the anger he still has.

“Please come out dear” Mother added as I was still wondering about it.

What was more of a criminal escape?

Through the window out the back of the house without knowledge?

To play the good guy and fool them all for an easy escape?

It seemed obvious what better sounding to me was. Though to come out in this state of mind I had to revert back to myself again. Taking the violin in hand I went back over to the door and moved the desk aside before opening to door to see them.

“My son Thomas will play that song again to us.” Father announced to the small party of people. This wasn’t good as mother started straightening me up. “Now dear you must have lied about not being able to play.” She chuckles as father leads the visitors back to the sitting room.

“Mother please, I’m not in condition to be on display.” I said to her lightly yet she nudge me along “Do this for us dear.” She said in anxious voice as I was in the room with the rest of them.

All of them waited patiently, occasional cough but it was terrifying for me. I never played to an audience for a long time. I placed the violin under my chin and felt my hand shake with the bow and the violin arm. I couldn’t do this; I felt like I was sweating as my mother got up and stood near me

“You don’t have to be scared of us, please play.” She said now sounding a little more desperate. I took in a deep slow breath and started to play, as usual it started off ok before the nerves kicked in and soon enough mother and father made me stop.

“Ok son that’s enough.” Father grunted as the pair of them escorted me into the hall way. “What is going on? You played that song perfectly fine in your room.” He said as I tensed up with aggression. “Yes why you couldn’t play it now!” Mother cut in as I was against the wall the pair of them preying on me like vultures.

“Stop it please!” I cried at them, the crowd in the room must have heard us bickering. I was breathing heavily as I slid back along the wall into my room to once again barricade me inside.

Once again the emotions were flooding me, the cold evil clashing with the utter fear and anger I had pent up inside. My parents weren’t going to attempt again, they seemed to move away and either had everyone leave so they could fight. I can’t believe how corrupt my family could be, I didn’t know of it until now.

I knew my parents were controlling me but they don’t fight with each other much. This time around I think them faking to be the perfect parents is starting to show signs of tear. What can I do now, just wait in here until night falls or walk into the midst of the stormy oceans rocking the boat about.

The solitude will be enough as I grabbed my book and sunk into the pages of its text. Time seemed to go by a lot quicker as I was in a world where killers walked about and slaughter people in the most intricate ways. After a while of reading the fight seemed to have died down as if I couldn’t hear them.

Feeling rather hungry I decide to make a break to the kitchen and grab some food. By then it was early evening, both my parents didn’t seem to be in the house at all. I searched the place, but no sign of them they must have gone out. The kitchen was empty, so I dug around the cupboards and slap together a sandwich before moving into the front room to eat.

I did bypass a note on the hallway table, a quick read of it saying that they will be out for the night. Chewing on the last of the sandwich I waited a little longer before putting my cunning plan into action. Like I planned I sneak out the back way of the house, to follow some paths that will lead me in the shadows of the night and out of prying eyes. It was pretty dark yet still enough light for me to see my way, with the violin stuck under my arm the time for redemption was looming step by step, soon I reached where the Mcgrune’s house stood.

Dark without any sign of light or movement I had a quick look before darting to the workshop door. Luckily the door was unlocked so I slipped inside the darkness of the shed. Only the moon was out tonight so I had some light upon the path I traveled along.

The roof had small holes where bolts had fallen out and let the light to stream inside the workshop. I crept carefully lucky my eyes seemed to make out the shapes of objects that laid in my way. Soon enough I reached the door that connects the house to the workshop. That too was open, and now with little light inside I had to be careful where I tread.

I had to wonder why everything seemed so easy to get into; no wonder the crime rate seemed high. I got through the kitchen into the front room before turning and heading up to the next level of the house. Keeping the violin tightly against my jacket, I managed to reach the top then heard a door open; I quickly darted back down the stairs and hid away.

Apparently it was Mrs. Mcgrune, must have went to the bathroom yet taken a turn and headed downstairs. This wasn’t good as I was hiding against the side of them, I watched as she stepped down each step before turning around and heading towards the kitchen. I can’t let her know I’m here, she was aided with a lit candlestick the light could revealed me. I had to remain still as she lucky enough bypass me without a look; I let out a sigh of relief as I quickly headed upstairs. I’m glad the stairs didn’t creak, as I reached the top of them and turned to see the bedroom. There Mr. Mcgrune slept; he didn’t look like he was moving at all.

With a candle burning next to his side of the bed I had to some how make sure Mrs. Mcgrune wasn’t going to come back. My heart was pounding, though how was I going to perform this murder with an innocent woman in the house. I had to stall Mrs. Mcgrune even it requires putting her somewhere.

I notice the lock on the bedroom door, a key sitting in the hole. I licked my lips cloying and closed the door before turning the key. Let’s hope she isn’t going to come back quickly I though to myself. My attention turned back to Mr. Mcgrune sleeping form. This was it; I moved over towards him and removed the wire from my violin. He didn’t seem to move as I soon wrapped the wire between my two hands so it had a bridge in which I could apply pressure onto Mr Mcgrunes neck.

I watched him carefully slight twitch before I immediately dove downwards and the wire against his neck. I applied pressure yet his eyes soon flung open and horrid glare as he saw me forcing the wire to cut into his flesh. “Arghhh…..” He failed his arms yet I jumped on him straining him down.

Outside the door Mrs. Mcgrune had come back to hear the noise. She tried to open the door but it was locked. “Terrace!” she cried as she banged on the door as I wrestle with the man before one slight move flung me off the bed allowing Mr. Mcgrune to go into a fit of coughing and wheezing. I hit the floor my hands were bleeding and unfortunately I had to use the violin now.

“Why!!! You little….” He swung an arm at me as he wanted to catch me but knocked the side table and the candle fell onto the ground. “Terrace!” Mrs Mcgrune cried as I watched Mr. Mcgrune panic as the fire started to spread wildly. I was trapped as I saw the window and smashed it open with the chair. “You will pay…” he cried as he soon flopped down helplessly in bed the fire crawling up the sheets.

“Oh god what have I done!” I said to myself as Mrs. Mcgrune was screaming wildly at the sign of smoke. I had to escape but the door way was cut off by flames, I had to climb out of the window quickly. I looked out coughing from the smoke inhaling as I saw the drain pipe and made a grab for it as I slid down half way and then landed on the ground below.

Mrs. Mcgrune screaming continued and soon the fire was growing bigger. I had to run out of there fast. Maybe the whole fire will cover my fail attempt of killing the man who drove me to the edge. With my violin still with me and already discarded the wire I ran down the side of the house around and back up past the workshop area into the street.

The blood from my hands coating the violin as I continued running away until the police came. I was startled by them as I ran off into an alley way and tried to make it back to my house.

I didn’t look back, I have no idea whether Mrs. Mcgrune survived or not, I had no plan of hurting her too. Even more so, Margaret came into my mind how would she react to this? Eventually I reached home and climbed into my bedroom window praying my parents were still out. I put the violin down and immediately attend to my hands.

Looking into the hall way I made it across to the bathroom and shut the door. I walked over to the mirror and stare at it. I was no longer an innocent man, now a man who will kill people if they hurt me. I washed my hands thoroughly the blood swirl down into the drain, some how it seemed to make me feel more insane.

Question was will my parents discover about the fire and the death if any of them did die. Everyone was bound to now, yet I didn’t feel so great. I bandage the wounds up; it is going to be hard to explain how I got this way. The haunting sounds of the violin tune that Mr. Mcgrune played was playing loudly in my head, his words flooded the room in echoing sounds.

I was going to get out of there yet one glance at the mirror I could see him there. Fire all around him “You will pay with your life, your life will never be the same!” he would cry at me as I coward out of the bathroom and into my room.

“No…leave me alone!” I would say as I flopped onto my bed, my eyes were red I wanted to pull out my hair. The violin I used to kill him sat on the chest of drawers, it bled like it was alive it wasn’t just my smears of blood it was bleeding more than that. My heart was pounding watching it soon take on its own presence. It rose up the bow and started to play by itself, this time I watched as its tune seemed to develop around some invisible form near by it.

My eyes widen as I soon could see someone there, I was shaking as I buried my head under the pillow and watched it. Everything that Mr. Mcgrune said ones music can form another dead spirit was true.

“You will pay; your insanity will drag you down. You will be pulled into the world you will never be able to stop.” The spirit said coldly, it was him. Soon enough there were noises outside the door, it was then the violin stopped and my parent’s opened the door to see me lying on my bed.

“Thomas what’s wrong?” Mother asked me as I took the pillow off my head and looked at her. “Nothing.” I said to them yet she notices my bandage hands. “Thomas we are sorry about what happened early on today. Both of us are worried about you.” She said as she looked at my father who remained in the doorway. He was still mad at me

“Ok, how was your outing?” I asked trying to cover up the fear in my tone. “It was ok” she said as I sat up worried that they look at the violin. My father seemed too drifted away from the door, I tried to seem calm yet my mother could smell fear all over me.

“Can’t you sleep dear?” She asked as I swiftly got up and headed towards the drawers grabbed my pajamas and put the violin quickly away before she notice. “Mother, can you just go and get some sleep please?” I said as I got dressed, hoping she will leave me alone now, though I didn’t want her to go.

She looked at me before she headed towards the door, “Thomas, I’m still worried about you. I like to know what happened to your hands while we were out.” She asked me as I climbed into my bed.

What was I going to say only couple of not thought well ideas came to mind. I had to respond, to her quickly without dragging it any longer “I cut my hands on some wires while I was trying to fix something.” I said as she looked at me oddly. From there she given up and left me alone in my room.

Taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly I pulled the covers up over me. Moment I closed my eyes, the chaos in my head took over. Mr. Mcgrune was there inside this world, people wielding instruments the tunes were all horrible to listen to as people were being torture with this crescendo of sounds. People’s ears were bleeding, the noises were high unbearable enough to make ones head exploded.

I tossed and turned as I tried to wake up but Mr Mcgrune was holding me down. “This will be your hell, you will die here, and I’ll control your life outside this until you become evil cold hearted man!” He growls he soon leapt off me and the entire world vanished away leaving me to wake up.

“No!” I cried as I sat up and looked around the room, I was breathing heavily as I looked out the window to see daylight had come. I shook my head couple of times before climbing out of bed. I headed towards the door and was about to open it when mother and father came in.

“Thomas, read this please!” mother thrusts the paper at me as I turned it to the front page. There the fire at Mcgrunes house made front page, I put on a horrified look trying not to allow a smile or laugh to crack out of me. “That’s terrible…I guess people aren’t careful with candles these days.” I said as I paused at what I said. Father moved forward and I sat down on my bed.

“Candles….how do you know if it was a candle.” He said his eyes piercing in mine. “I’m just assuming” I said in a huff as I moved off the bed and around him yet he got my arm tightly. “Thomas, you can’t continue your work with Mr Mcgrune due to his death. Since you we were so close and the others of the orchestra. We like you to part take in his funeral.” My father said.

I swallowed as I looked at mother for help. “I don’t think I can, it’s so tragic.” I said trying to mask the utter satisfaction I seemed to felt. It wasn’t me feeling this, it was the fact Mcgrune was twisting my mind and words about.

“Was his Mrs. Mcgrune ok?” I asked my mother as she seemed to have a grim look on her face; I couldn’t bear hurting more than one person at all. “Mrs Mcgrune didn’t make it either Thomas.” She said as she dabbed her teary eyes. The sadness washed over me as my father let my arm go.

“Please son, do this for us.” he said as I walked out of the room in silence. My parents soon followed yet Father must have pulled Mother said to their room leaving me alone. I walked to the kitchen and sat down, and then a roaring laugh came out of my mouth. I couldn’t stop it, though Mr Mcgrune’s words started to give me instructions.

“You will kill your parents; you know how naïve they are. You know how devastating it would be when you reveal they aren’t rich folk” he said as I buried my head in my arms.

“Please leave me alone!” I said to myself as my arms were jerked back to my sides and my head flung upright towards the ceiling. “Now Thomas, you failed to believe me now you will pay!” he said as I was pulled up from my seat and then headed towards the kitchen sink.

There laid one of the knives, sharp and cold waiting to sink and cut into something soft. I tried to keep my hand from grabbing it but it was all too hard to resist as everything that my parent’s done to me rose up like a tidal wave.

I picked up the knife and then spun around and proceeded towards their room. As I walked with a quick paced I was trying to stop I couldn’t, it was then my mother came out to see me there wielding the kitchen knife. “Thomas put that down.” She said as I swung at her almost cutting her.

“Don’t tell me what to do anymore!” I cried as I made another swing yet father saw me and shoved mother out the way and tried to grab a hold of me. “Get the police!” he cried out loud as I attempt to stab him.

He managed to throw at chair at me knocking me down for a moment before I got back up feeling even more in raged. “Thomas, please put the knife down son, you don’t want to hurt us!” He said as he tried to grab me again yet the knife slicing across his jacket.

“I won’t stop father!” I said as I really wanted to end this but I couldn’t stop my motions. The violin music was filling the atmosphere as father managed to make a swift dodge and threw me into the wall, the knife was stuck in deep as I wrestled about to pull it out.

“You’re insane! That’s it Thomas, we can’t have you here anymore” he cried as my mother came rushing back in with some police men who came over and managed to got me away from the knife and slung me face down onto the bed. “He was obviously crazy!” My mother cried in fear as they handcuffed me and pulled me onto my feet.

“We believe we had someone see him fled the Mcgrunes house last night.” The police man said as they pulled me along the hall way out the front door.

My parents were in shock as the paddy wagon was waiting along with a man that looked like a doctor. “I had nothing to do with that!” I plea to them as they looking doubtful at me, “Obviously your son is not well, Mr. and Mrs. Black. We have to take him away!” The policeman said, it all seemed so strange that the authority just came in and now I’m locked up in the paddy wagon.

The doctor joined me in the back “So Thomas, trying to kill your parent’s why may I ask?” he said in a calm tone. I was crying, “I didn’t want to kill them, this evil spirit made me!” I sobbed as the doctor shook his head. The doctor was about in his late thirties, auburn hair, beard and grey blue eyes.

I hung my head as he studied me “Thomas Black, what is this spirit? Are you possessed by evil?” He asked me as I looked up at him “I can’t say…..” I was sweating I felt the hands of Mcgrune strangling me to stay silent.

“I see, did you happen to know Mr Mcgrune?” He asked me as I looked out through the paddy wagon bars. “Will I be able to go back to my family? I deserve a chance to clear my name.” I said to him yet he wasn’t giving me any signs of justice.

“I’m sorry Mr. Black, you’re well, you will be taken to the asylum until you’re better” He said my eyes widen as I was being taken into solitude where I’ll be surrounded by deranged people, murders, rapist so on. “I didn’t want to kill them…he made me do it.” I said as I still couldn’t say whom I was sounding more and more crazy.

“I’m Doctor Morgan Drib; I’ll be taking care of you. You should tell me everything you know. Everything, Thomas.” He said as I wanted to lash out this man. But I was restraint as we soon entered the stone gate way of the asylum. The clouds had gathered over the large building that convicts made, I couldn’t believe I was going to spend rest of my days in this horrible place.

The paddy wagon soon pulled up near the entrance, it was there I spotted a familiar face who was surprised and shock to see me. Nurse Margaret came around to the wagon and glared at me “Thomas…. Please tell it’s not real!” She cried as two male orderlies put her aside as the wagon was opened they grabbed me and pulled inside.

“Margaret… you have to help me!” I cried as I was dragged down the hall way and then turned into a waiting area. She followed behind me as I was sat down for a moment.

“Thomas I found out what you did, I’m surprised my grandfather was alive, now he isn’t. My grandmother is dead too. Why did you do this Thomas?” She said as I hung my head in shame, I couldn’t bear looking into her eyes.

It was then Dr. Drib and two male orderlies guided me along the hallway, Margaret was staying close as it was a dangerous place for a woman to even work. Though very few female nurses work there along side the doctors and orderlies.

“Well Mr. Black you will be bunking with Mr. Dunn, he sees dead people and also killed his wife.” Dr. Drib said as they opened the door to the room. I’ll be trapped in for a while.

“Well I finally get a worthily bed mate.” Fredrick said as he got up off his bed, the orderlies kept an eye on him and made sure he didn’t attack us. He was tall, dark brown eyes and black hair. Scars on his flesh he looked into my blue eyes like a wolf wanting to eat its meal.

“Now Mr. Dunn, we don’t want you hurting Mr. Black, he will be in here temporary until he gains his sanity back” Dr. Drib said as I looked at them. “Can I have at least one item with me?” I asked them, “What kind of items it must not be a weapon or a dangerous object in fear of you being killed?” Dr. Drib said.

That seemed understandable, because I am in the only place where the most dangerous people are withheld from the outside world. Especially being buddy up to an actual murderer, meeting on in the flesh was scarier than reading it in my books.

“Though we can’t risk the chances of you being injured Mr. Black.” One of the orderlies said as the Dr. Drib nodded in agreement. I looked at Margaret for sympathy yet nothing, she walked away still upset, and I couldn’t blame her.

“We require you to change into these linen clothes your clothes will be stored away until the time you will be released.” Dr. Drib said as they handed me the garments to change into.

“So what are you in for kid?” Fredrick asks as Dr. Drib and the others went outside the door closing and locking it. It was then the sliding peep hole opened revealing a set of eyes. “Mr. Black, place your clothes through the hole we will take care of the rest.” One of the orderlies said as they left it open.

I felt subconscious about undressing in front of a stranger. “Don’t worry, what is your name anyways?” Fredrick asked as I took a deep breath and tried to calm my nerves

“Thomas, Thomas Black. I was put in here for attempted murder.” I said hanging my head downwards so I didn’t have to look into his eyes. “Ah, is that all, I’m sure you got other things. The name is Fredrick Dunn.” He put his hand out I was reluctant to shake it in case he tried to hurt me. He noticed how scared I was and pulled his hand back to his side.

“So Thomas, you’re little young to be in here” He said as he sat down on his bed. I fiddle with the buttons on my shirt “Yes, I’m not really insane. You see this man I use to work with he was crazy. He hurt me and his wife, he terrified me.” I said as I could feel Mr. Mcgrune was in the room with us.

It was then Fredrick would look around the small room searching for something. “So do you believe in ghosts?” he said as he soon fixated on a corner of the room. I looked over to where he look, taking advantage of the moment I took my shirt off and placed the linen one on, lucky it was long enough to cover my lower half.

“Thomas? Do you believe in ghosts?” Fredrick asked me again a little harsher as I nodded and removed my shoes, socks and then my trousers. Putting the linen pants on I quickly folded my belongings up into a neat pile. “The man I killed, he is haunting…me” I felt my voice almost disappeared as if I had laryngitis.

Fredrick raised an eyebrow and a smirk on his face; I went to the door knocking on it and orderly was waiting outside, taking my clothes through the slot and shut it closed. The echo of it closing was chilling as I turned around to see Fredrick standing over me. “Ummm. So Fredrick, when do we get fed?” I asked as he laughed out loud and spun around.

“You’re very oblivious to this place. I don’t blame you, each night a food tray will be slot into the room.” He said as he sat down again to focus on the corner of the room. I looked over to the same spot again.

“So this man, he was old and cranky? Loopy?” Fredrick threw these short questions out at me as I stood next to him. “Yes. He was obsessed with music, making instruments. Though he always talked about this world….” I paused as I felt myself being choked on by invisible hands.

I gasped as Fredrick turned to see me walking backwards my hands trying to prying whatever was holding me around the neck. “Help!” I croaked as Fredrick stood up and moved over quickly towards me.

“Stop it!” I cried between gasps of air as Fredrick tried to grab whatever it was attacking me. “Let go of him!” He cried as I flopped onto my bed, eventually the straggling ended and whatever it was had retreated away again. Fredrick stood over me and then looked around the room.

“That is one angry spirit.” he said as he calmed me down. He didn’t seem like a harmless man at all, he seemed to only thing that could help. I sat up again taking some deep breaths and letting them out “Thank you, I’ll admit I can’t say much about what occurred. I’m glad you scared that spirit away.” I said to him as he went back to sitting on his bed again.

I decided to lie down again as Fredrick did the same on his bed. I didn’t want to fall asleep as I stared at the ceiling. It was then Fredrick yawned, “What do you do in this place?” I asked him as he looked at me “Not much, besides see the odd ghost come and talk to me.” He laughs as I sat up again.

“You really see ghosts don’t you? I see them too.” I said which got Fredrick’s attention. He got off his bed and sat on the end of mine “You do? I like to know how.” he said in a low voice as I sat up and faced him.

“You see, I had this violin it had been cursed. It allowed me to play and tune that will call upon spirits and they come.” I said which got him razing an eyebrow. Curiosity was getting a hold of Fredrick as he soon heard the slot in the door open and two trays were placed inside with food on. “Keep talking Thomas.” He gestured as he collected the trays and put them on the bed.

“Well this man…he played this violin and had this gift for bringing spirits to this world.” I continued as he started eating the make shift meal. It didn’t seem that appetizing to me but I had no choice as I was very hungry. “Interesting, so what drove you into killing your family?” He asked as I started chewing on some plain bread.

“They’re driving me crazy. Most of my life they wanted me to fall their footsteps, become a great violinist but I didn’t want to at all.” I mumbled between chews. From what I could see, Fredrick didn’t seem to be a dangerous man. We talked about each other until it was becoming dark outside. I was dreading the night, the moment I close my eyes I could be lost in another world I don’t know of.

I have wondered why my parents haven’t made an attempt to see me, yet it was early evening and Fredrick was asleep. The slot on the door opened as I saw a set familiar eyes peering in “Margaret?” I whispered as I went over to the slot and peer out.

“Thomas, I know you were a good man. I thought I’ll come and talk to you for a while.” She said as I was feeling a little better. “It would be nice to be let out.” I whispered to her as she shook her head.

“I assume my parent’s aren’t going to bail me out.” I said to her as she also looked doubtful. “I didn’t do this…” I couldn’t say more as she looked at me hoping for answers. I could feel that Mr Mcgrune was just next to me at least not visible to either of us.

“You did Thomas, I’m sorry it’s a shame that you had to do what you did.” She said as she started to tear up in her eyes. Seeing her so upset, she wasn’t going to trust me much now. “I don’t know what to say, I need my violin.” I said to her as she turned away from the slot in the door.

“Get me my violin please….I need it.” I asked her she turned to face me “I can’t allow you to have anything in your cell.” She said as she closed the slot and walked away. It was then Mr Mcgrune started to haunt me.

“Tonight you will be pulled into the world of chaos inside you mind, you may never make it out alive.” he hissed into my ear as I whirled around looking for something.

“I’ll make you go to sleep, but it’s a shame they won’t give you your priceless possession. The violin you killed me with. Can you hear it?” It was then the haunting violin was playing, as if it was close by. I was shaking now as I flopped back onto my bed and curled up into a ball.

Fredrick didn’t show any signs of being disturbed by this as he seemed to be in a deep sleep. I struggled to keep my eyes from falling shut yet I soon felt my hands manipulate in a way that I was playing an invisible violin.

Its tune soon lulls me into the world where chaos was everywhere. I found myself standing in the middle of a field, various sounds bouncing about yet I couldn’t see anyone.

Around me were violins playing by itself and floating in the air at same time, it made me nervous why I am here. I looked around, and the place was deserted and the sky was of gray color. Fogs were everywhere, and tunes are getting to me.

A cello appeared from nowhere and crept towards me. I took a step back as it neared towards me and faced me with eerie feeling inside it.

A cello, now, facing in front of me, was playing a lonely song and a tough-looking man appeared slowly beside it. The cello was played by the man. His hands were agile and the playing of the cello was far more impressive. Ghost-like person, he looks almost transparent. His eyes narrowed as he says in stern voice,

“Stranger; speak your identity.”

I gulped and answered without hesitation;

“I don’t know why I am here, and I arrived here not too long ago. I feel I was lured into the world by the name of Mr. Mcgrune spirit, for I was deeply wondering why I was in this world… this music everywhere that haunts now.”

“Hmm…” The man playing the cello didn’t perceive it because he was deaf, there was only one way to perceive. The man nodded slightly and then as he began to play his cello more powerful and faster, the fire blasted out from the cello’s hole. Separate flames were dancing in the foggy air and I was astonished with the fires. The fires glowed in the mix of yellow and red color.

Then the flames formed together to copy the shape of the dragon, which was indeed large. The dragon fluttered its wings in the air with graceful moves and stared at me in peer interest as he landed on the ground. We are now

“You,” the dragon said in crispy voice, “must be the bringer of peace this world. We ask you to stay with us for a while and your instrument must be strong to enough to beat with other factions of maestros. They made these men deaf, and perhaps your ears might be strong to prevent getting deaf.”

“……………” I was stunned and unable to speak.

“Do you accept?” The dragon roared impatiently and stared at me for a long time. Though it was made in flames, but it looked and sounded like a real dragon.

“Um-m… yes I accept.” I stuttered and then began to feel fidgety, but I realized I need to be strong and brave, that many will accept me that way. The dragon narrowed its golden eyes and then shot a fire ball at me. I closed my eyes and I knew I was going to feel the impact… but I didn’t get it. I opened my eyes and that’s when it happened…

The fires covered me and it does not burn even a bit… I felt power rising inside me and to the time I thought I was granted with a power…

A power I didn’t know,

But it felt like I was burning with a new power…

The flames died out and my body was glowing with immense power… I looked up to see the dragon, but it was gone. And I tried checking the man with the cello and playing violins but they also vanished as well.

“So what’s happening to me?” I said, feeling shivers as the fogs surrounded me, and as this atmosphere became colder than before.

My action is to walk toward through the haunting fogs now and in the blink of the eyes I saw something black moving in the fogs.

Then, I felt a pain. And my right arm received some scratches. “Ouch! How did wounds appear in my arm?” I squinted my eyes to see better of the black object…

It was a long black flute… with one sharp blade in the end. Soon it was playing a dark music, filled with sorrow and hatred.

My eyes widened and I found out that flute was controlled by an invisible man. Its music became louder and stronger by every second and I felt the need to cover my ears but the realization strikes me, I should be strong in this world.

I began to play my violin and afterwards, the fire ball appeared from its hole. It shoots toward the flute and then it was burned to ashes.

I gasped slightly at the sight of the ashes and I knew it- I was granted with a power given from the dragon. I have the power of the dragon’s fire.

My eyes became blurry quickly and my head became heavy as well, due to my tired state. I fainted back and every strand of my blue hair swayed in the air… my light blue eyes darkened now and then I fall into unconsciousness.

“Thomas?”

The word ring to my ears, and I felt I was shaken by the person.

“WAKE UP!”

My eyes fluttered and the eyes staring back at me were Fredrick’s.

“What?” I asked, sleepily. I sat up on my bed and looked in the room every direction. I’m still in the asylum… So… the thing about the dragon, the playing instruments, and the flute... it must be a dream.

“You don’t look good, man!” Fredrick said, unsatisfied with myself. “You must have a bad dream or you might be a deep sleeper… I’ve tried waking you up in 10 times.”

“Stop it,” was my reply, “I have a headache now.” I massaged both my temples and then began starting a conversation with him, “You’re right, I have a bad dream. But I’m not sure if it’s real. It was haunting me and the world was in despair.”

Fredrick replied back, “Hmm… that’s when I sensed the black aura over you last night… it must be the work of the bad spirit. But I must warn you; this world you dream of might become real. It will happen next time, surely.”

“Choke!” I realized I had a sore throat but I was able to speak in some words.

“Man you have a sore throat?”

“Everything all right?”

It was Margaret, checking on us.

To which I replied back, “Ye-es everything is all right.” But I do not feel alright, because of the headaches and sore throat. Fredrick just scoffed and moved away to sit down on his bed.

“Ok I’ll leave for now, sorry to disturb your conversation.”

“Wait Ma-argaret!” I moved away from the bed and limped to the bar that was the only door. I gripped it steady and stared at Margaret, who was staring right back at me as well.

“What it is?” She asked, concerned of my tired state.

“Listen… I have a bad dream…” I said weakly, and I’m losing my life energy. I… need… you…”

Margaret understands what I said, and I then reached both my hands to caress her cheeks, and then held her face close to my face.

“Wha-at?” Margaret’s cheeks were tinted of pink, and I heard Fredrick’s scoff but I chose to ignore it.

Our lips locked together and her eyes widened in shock. Then we both closed our eyes, feeling our passion. But I broke away from her, due to my critical headache and sickness, I faint back.

“Thomas!” A scream was Margaret’s and I knew what I will do….

All I can see is dark in my vision. Am I in the dream again? World of chaos and music?

Then a deafening screech was heard. But I see none and black.

But finally after the brief seconds I can see…

But the world, different from my own world, it’s my dream. I remember the flashback with Fredrick, “Hmm… that’s when I sensed the black aura over you last night… it must be the work of the bad spirit. But I must warn you; this world you dream of might become real. It will happen next time, surely.”

I shivered and saw black fogs around me.

“Don’t be afraid…”

It was a voice that sounded like a dragon… the one that granted me powers…

“If you’re not afraid you will not fail.”

I gasp, “Am I in the battle?”

“Probably. But watch out your way, your musical instrument will help.”

I looked at my surrounding and saw there were musical instruments in the black fogs…. The fogs now cleared away and evidently I’m in the forest with dead trees and dead plants. My enemies, they looked ferocious, they were violin but of different types. They have blades on their tail that looked sharp, and music that deafens one’s ears.

I moved back, and every musical instruments starts to follow me. There were 10 of them… I reckon they every of them were the work of the Mr. Mcgrune’s spirit.

All of them began playing a dark music, filled with words in.

“None can’t win unless with confidence

And bravery is required…

And you shall experience

Our deafening music the next”

The song now began to get higher than ever, and really almost, my ears hurt. I covered my ears with hands trying to stop the facading music, but the silence never came. Why music did seem to be the death of me? Why?

Suddenly my aura around me became stronger, than I would expect. It was the power of the dragon’s.

So I began to play my violin as my aura filled in it, and fireball emerged from my violin’s hole. It shoots one of the spiked dark violins and then it was burned. Nine more to go, and then I would see my true strength.

Then one violin appeared behind me and then slashed my arm. Blood came out from the wound slowly. It was deep but a short scratch.

I yelped slightly and held my arm for balance. “It hurts, and I need to escape away from those ferocious violins! Now where to?”

I realized two violins were at either side of me and looked as if they were prepared to slash me at same time, creating more critical damage.

I ran back and all violins follow me as they float in the air like ghosts.

“You shall not run from us

You weakling should not stay here

You dare to kill our partner

Our hatred on you remains on there”

Their music was haunting and eerily sorrow-filled, that threatens me to no end.

“I’m not a weakling,” I answer back with flat voice, “And all of you are trying to kill me and I did nothing!!”

I didn’t know why I said but I continued to run away from them. Possibly I’ll be safe to where I’m heading.

But at the worst of all…

I met a band of maestros and they looked dangerous and all of them wore black tuxes as their only clothes. “This is what the dragon was talking about… I understand they turn people deaf.”

I turned my head at the back and saw violins catching up.

The band of maestros started to sing a composition but my ear hurts. As they continued, the stronger the pain. I can’t stand that deafening sound…

“This is getting crazy here… how come I’m supposed to defeat them all?” I said and desperately looking for a tactic to escape from all of them.

Immediately two violins broke my thoughts and slashed my back. A cross was formed on my back and I kneeled down roughly, with one knee for balance. I breathe in and out as all violins start to surround me.

Then I heard a maniacal laughter. It was the evil laugh. It was Mr. Mcgrune’s voice.

“All violins move your way away from him.” Then all violins started to move away.

“And you, band of maestros, stop it.” A band of maestros obeyed Mr. Mcgrune and stopped it.

Mr. Mcgrune, as the spirit, smirked as he was satisfied with his ‘plan’.

“Finally we met. You weakling should pay what you have done… burning my home and killing me and my wife. You’re proven a murderer.”

“I’m not a murderer! I was like possessed. You’re the one who started it!”

“Quiet boy!” Mc. Mcgrune’s temper rose. “You be quiet or else! Anyways, you know the first we met? I want your family’s fortune. Your family is so naïve, and likely they think of money and themselves.”

“My family is not like that!” I yelled with rage, “You are making lies!”

“You idiot! You have deserved what you want…” Mc. Mcgrune snapped his fingers and violins start to slash me on every skin.

I yelped in pain and I shouldn’t believe my life was turning into a nightmare…

But…

Fogs now started to surround me from nowhere and I heard a voice,

“Why is he dying, doctor?” It was Margaret’s voice.

“I don’t know, something evil must have struck him. The only way to bring him alive is to pray. He might die soon.”

Margaret gasps. “No…” There were sobs.

“Don’t pity on him, Maggie. Believe in him.” Fredrick said, and his voice sounded sincere.

“I guess that’s the end for him…”

Then I felt something on my lips. A healing kiss.

I felt stronger, and fogs cleared away. Violins, at next, prepare to slash on me but I felt nothing. I was glowing because of people’s hope in my own world.

“I won’t lose to you all!” I solemnly shouted having true strength

Mr. Mcgrune’s eyes widened as I began to play my violin, a fire dragon emerged from my violin’s hole.

The dragon now breathed fire at Mc. Mcgrune, all violins and a band of maestros.

“You!!” Mr. Mcgrune now was burned to dust and for good…

“Thomas, you have really sacrificed... you shall die along with them…” The dragon said to me.

“I will die. For you and your men.” I nodded then and then closed my eyes to feel the fires.

Then the dragon breathed fire at me, burning my body for the end…

-The End-