INM 8 Part 5

I woke up with a cold feeling running down my cheek.

I had a premonition. The time had come to face his death.

I sighed softly, sat up and looked at the person next to me. Brian was sleeping peacefully, with an unguarded expression I had never seen before. Light streaming through the crack in the curtains danced on his skin.

I chuckled softly at his sleeping face, gently slipped out of bed and quietly made my way to the bathroom.

Opening the glass door and stepping into the shower, I turned the faucet on full blast. Cold water immediately began to pour down, but I continued to stand under it.

Eventually, the pouring water began to mix with warmth, and at the moment when slightly hot water hit my skin, Alan’s figure, which had been hazy and indistinct, suddenly returned to my mind with vivid clarity, smiling at me. At the same time, tears that I could no longer hold back welled up in my eyes and streamed down my cheeks.

Sun-tanned and glowing bronze skin, bright cheeks dotted with freckles, remnants of his boyhood that would occasionally surface. I shouldn’t have seen his smile often, but all I could think of were pictures of him looking happy when he smiled at me. 

His youthful voice, still that of a young man on the cusp of adulthood, called my name. “Luke, Luke, Luke.”

Alan, who wore simple and unfashionable clothes, almost a poor disguise, as if he wanted to hide himself. However, the youthful, energetic potential that lay within him couldn’t be hidden at all.

Behind his dark eyes, which at first seemed somber, there was surely a light of hope for the future. A light that no one could extinguish… a light that shouldn’t have been extinguished. Hadn’t I, who was with him to the end, extinguished that light?

The question that had plagued my heart since I learned of his death resurfaced.

If I had spoken to him in a slightly different way, he might still be alive, still in this world. 

At that moment, as I desperately tried to hold back my sobs, a familiar, nostalgic voice echoed in my head.

Luke. Everything you gave me was irreplaceable in my life.

I reflexively opened my eyes wide and looked up. All that was there were the familiar tiles of the shower room.

Perhaps it was a convenient auditory hallucination of my own making. Nevertheless, the impact remained and echoed in my chest for a long time. The tears naturally turned into warm ones.

Alan, I hope all the suffering you have carried with you is now transformed into peace. Grandma, if you’re still around, please stay by Alan’s side. We only knew each other for a short time, but he was like a younger brother to me.

I’m sure my wish will come true. Because Grandma is a truly amazing person. Besides, this is the last wish in her life that her beloved grandson asks of her.

Two days after the news that the perpetrator had surrendered, two policemen came to my house. It was early morning again, damn it. 

“Don’t you think they should have a general common sense class at the police academy? Inspector Robinson?”

“Nine thirty in the morning is well within the bounds of common sense, Mr. Potter.” Sam smoothly deflected my sarcastic remark. “Besides, it’s the perfect time for coffee.”

“My office is not a cafe!”

Sam dangled a large paper bag in front of my glaring eyes.

“What’s this?”

“It’s a thank you from Sam and me. You have been a great help in this investigation.”

“Until the very end. Honestly.”

I pouted as I took the paper bag from the grumbling Sam.

“If you were really grateful, you’d give me proper notice… wait, is this a Byron Bay cookie assortment?”

“We heard you liked them.” 

“I’m going to make you some of my special coffee, so please take a seat on the sofa.”

Suddenly in a good mood, I cheerfully ushered the cops into my office. As he walked past me, Oliver added.

“There are several other things in the bag, so please enjoy.”

I gave the cops a beaming smile and made sure they were settled on the sofa before hurrying to the kitchen. While grinding the coffee beans in the grinder, I rummaged through the paper bag.

“Arabica beans… from Australia? I’ve never tried these before. This is an assortment of organic nuts, and this is Mariage Frères flavored tea!”

After a round of joyful hopping, I placed the cups on a tray and returned to the two men.

“So. You didn’t really come all the way over here just to thank me, did you, my dear policemen?”

At my words, none of the cops’ expressions changed even slightly. It was too suspicious.

“Just so you know, I can’t spend too much time with you. I have to go to work later today.”

“We won’t take up too much of your time. Regarding the attack the day before yesterday, we have a request to make of you.”

Oliver’s words reminded me that I had been targeted by someone just three days ago. The slightly darkened path I walked on my way to the supermarket, the vivid flash of the cop burned into my memory in the dim light.

“Oh, that happened, didn’t it?”

“We apologize again, but we would like to ask you to identify the suspect at the police station.”

“You don’t mean right now, do you?”

“No, no! It would be helpful if it could be done as soon as possible, but we can manage if you come within the next day or two.”

“That’s fine then… but couldn’t you have just told me by phone or email? You forced my contact information out of me the first time we met.”

At my words, Sam spoke calmly, slowly taking his mouth away from his kangaroo cup.

“Your office is a five-minute walk from the train station and also on the way to where we need to do some research. Since your business hours start after ten, there won’t be many people coming and going until then. Besides, you serve coffee.”

“Listen, next time I really will not make coffee!”

Sam grinned at my words and the cheeky giraffe took another sip of his coffee. Damn, I shouldn’t have been so considerate as to add sugar for him.

“By the way, Lucas. Have there been any changes since then?”

“Since then” probably meant after Alan’s case was solved.

“No.”

“That’s good then.”

With that, Sam picked up his coffee cup again. As if to say that the conversation was over, Oliver took over for Sam and asked me some questions about what happened three days ago.

When that was over, the two policemen, who had somehow emptied their cups, stood up without leaving any trace. After a brief greeting, they walked quickly toward the entrance, turning to face me in unison at the door.

The two men, standing straighter than usual, looked directly at me with eyes as straight as their posture.

Slightly overwhelmed, I listened as the Inspector spoke.

“We appreciate your cooperation in this investigation, Lucas Potter… Have a good day.”

Leaving these words behind, Sam turned on his heel. Oliver, following behind, also left a single smile before disappearing through the door.

“Was that all he wanted to say? That Sam…”

The murmur that hit the door somehow left me feeling incredibly refreshed. Well, maybe I could buy them another cup of coffee, since they’re so busy.

Back in my office, I quickly cleared the cups. The strong sunlight streaming in from the fifteenth-floor window reflected off the water droplets clinging to my hands and the cups, sparkling brightly. Incredibly, while I was desperately searching for any trace of winter, Brisbane’s long summer seemed to be just around the corner. 

After quickly cleaning the office and bedroom, I checked my equipment just in case. Then I packed some curtain fabric and catalogs, along with a larger device, into my work bag. If I left now, I would arrive at my destination just in time. Stepping into the ornately decorated elevator, I opened the message from the students that had arrived just before I left. 

ơLuke, if it’s okay with you, I’d like to bring books that he would have liked. Chloe and Vic have also offered to help. And I even asked Alan’s professor.ư

ơI heard about it from Kasim, of course, I’m happy to help! By the way, how many books in total will fill the shelf? Would about two hundred per person be enough?]

[Why don’t you contact me first? I’m Alan’s closest friend lately, I think I’m the most suitable person to ask for a favor!]

With a smile spreading across my face at the affectionate words, I got into my bouncy silver used car. As I cautiously started the car toward the ground, I pulled out my sunglasses. My destination was in the suburbs, about a forty-minute drive north of Brisbane.

I drove through several coastal towns in Queensland at a leisurely pace. The wind that blew through the window occasionally mixed with the smell of the sea and the smell of people’s lives. Each city had its own way of life. The smiles of the people and the passage of time, which looked uniform from the inside of the car, surely each held the weight of a life… It felt incredibly beautiful and precious.

Eventually I reached a bridge that ran right along the border between the sea and the river. A magnificent and endless landscape unfolded before me, reminding me that this country is part of a continent floating in the sea.

The wind that blew into the car came entirely from the sea, and I felt even more cheerful. A land where refreshing breeze flows is surely suitable to start a new life.

After crossing the bridge, I stopped the car in front of one of the many buildings on the peninsula. They must have noticed my arrival. The front door opened immediately and a woman with a gentle smile, dressed in simple, light-colored clothes, appeared.

“Luke. Thank you for coming today.”

“Hey Maria, thank you very much.” 

As I returned Maria’s hug, I thanked her from the bottom of my heart. A medium-haired woman wearing sunglasses peered out from behind her.

“I’m here too.”

“Jane!”

“I just wanted to check in because I was a little worried. I might have gotten in the way unnecessarily.”

Jane said with a happy laugh as she hugged me… then whispered something in my ear. 

“That sofa, I wonder if there’s really no way to fit it in somewhere. It’s such a beautiful shade of green, you know.”

“You’re saying that the cardinal red sofa currently occupying your room is out of a job now, right?”

With a small click of her tongue at my words, Jane let me go with another cheerful smile.

I turned to Maria, who was simply watching the exchange with an amused expression on her face.

“Well then, Maria. I never imagined that your request would be to coordinate Alan’s room.”

“I’m sorry for changing the request in the middle.”

“Not at all. I’m very grateful to you for giving me this opportunity.”

At my words, Maria hugged me once more. Looking at her up close, I could see that her eyelids were still red and swollen. Grief doesn’t erode. Even if its intensity diminishes, the feelings only become more refined and pure. I knew this from my own experience.

“Come in, please. I was looking forward to you coming, and I bought tea, cups and snacks first… although Jane’s arrival was a bit unexpected. But I’m really glad you both came.”

In a cheerful tone, Maria invited me into the house. Well-kept, seasoned wooden floors greeted me. The kitchen and dining room were directly inside, and beyond that was a slightly larger living room… though as far as furniture went, I could only see a small dining table. I could tell that the room beyond hadn’t yet begun to function as a living room.

I gave Maria a beaming smile as she watched my reaction with anticipation.

“It’s a nice house, Maria. It’s bright and airy. Most of all, it’s wonderful that you can see the garden from every angle.”

Maria’s cheeks glowed slightly, as if she were a little embarrassed. 

“If it’s okay, could I see Alan’s room first?”

“Of course… Actually, I still haven’t decided which room to make his. I was hoping to consult with you about that as well.”

Saying this, Maria led me further into the house. The slightly narrow hallway, characteristic of older houses, led to three rooms. 

“I am thinking of renting it out to someone. Even though I have some savings, I want to secure a source of income… this is it. This is the first room I’m looking at. It’s the smallest, but for some reason I feel like this is the room he would be happiest in.”

The moment she opened the door, light flooded into the room. It was nothing special, just a small, cozy room. Polished brown floors, white walls, and closet doors painted a strange mint green. It was a small room, barely big enough for a bed, a desk, and a shelf.

But I had noticed it when I looked at the floor plan. This room had the best sunlight in the house.

“There’s no need to see the other rooms, I agree. It’s a bright room that feels like it could take you anywhere.”

“Thanks, Luke. I was thinking the same thing.”

“Would it be all right if I looked around a bit more?”

“Yes, please take your time. I’ll prepare some tea for both of you.”

“Thank you.”

As I expressed my gratitude, my heart was completely captivated by this room. I quietly entered the room, carefully controlling the various emotions that were rising within me. 

I definitely wanted to put in a bookshelf. His precious books that Maria had brought would surely need a place. His friends had promised to happily fill any remaining space on the bookshelf.

Not much large furniture would fit… a desk just big enough to spread out notebooks, and a bed no larger than a queen would probably be the limit. The colors-blue, white, gray, navy, black, dark brown… whatever were chosen would surely have to harmonize beautifully with the view out the window.

As I thought, I walked over to the large, prominent window. The curtains would have to be thin. Something that would gently let in the outside light during the day and gently protect the room at night… it seemed a shame to completely block off this beautiful garden, even if it needed a little tending, with thick curtains.

I unlocked the window and threw it open. At that moment, as if they had been waiting, the air rushed through the room in every direction. The lush green lawn and vibrant flowers swayed in the flowing wind. The small garden, where the plants and trees rushed and sang, was overflowing with a powerful vitality that made you want to run outside. Accompanied by the wind and the plants, birds were singing loudly. Through the gaps in the trees that served as a hedge, I could see a small concrete path. 

The path leads from this residential area to the city center. It continues to the vast, vast sea.

From this room you can surely go anywhere, as far as you want.

I looked up at the vast sapphire sky. I wonder what country’s proverb says that friendship is better than any precious stone in the world.

With unadulterated sincerity, he left irreplaceable things for those around him. He changed my life.

Irreplaceable… my friend.

In the gentle sanctuary for him, an unreserved, cheerful electronic sound rang out. I couldn’t help but smile wryly at the six letters that appeared.

I’ll make a little suggestion so that you can properly contact your childhood friend.

Looking up at the sky, I pressed the device to my ear and politely greeted my lover, who was probably on the other end of the line.

“Hey, Brian. Ah, it’s a really beautiful day today.”