Gloom

Chapter 138

The living room of my house was completely dark. The only thing on was the television, glowing in the blackness and illuminating the faces of my parents, who were hugging on the couch and covered with a blanket.

My mother gave a little scream when I cleared my throat, an act that seemed appropriate with the soundtrack—at an annoying volume—from the TV. I realized they were watching a horror movie and covered half my face with one hand to avoid focusing on the screen. I gave them a forced smile after my father offered me to eat the rolls that mom had prepared. Although my stomach actually felt so tight that I wasn't hungry, I agreed to avoid hurting her feelings and for his peace of mind, and ate just one. They made it easy for me to escape as quickly as possible to the second floor, since they were well aware of how much I hated scary movies, so they didn't protest when I left them alone.

I reached the upstairs hallway shuffling my feet and, with insecurity on the surface, I entered m