MAD FATHER
Drevis Residence- Northern Germany
I slowly walked up to the door of my fathers 'study' in the basement. Hesitating slightly, I knocked thrice upon the old, worn door.
"Father?" I asked after a few moments. I knocked again.
"Father? Are you in there?" Suddenly, the old door flew open, startling me.
"Father!"
"Aya! How many times must I tell you not to come down here?" My father addressed me, sounding very annoyed.
"I'm sorry, father." I apologised. "But… um… I'm too scared to sleep on my own." This was true, for a large storm was raging outside.
"Aya…" my father sympathised. "Don't worry, your never alone. Your late mother is always there at your side." He had kneeled down to my height in order to comfort me. "She's always looking after you, Aya. Okay? Now please, get to bed."
"Yes, Father."
"Good Girl."
I turned to leave, but was stopped in my tracks as a thought occurred to me. I turned back to face my father.
"Father. Tomorrow's…."
"Yes, I know, Aya; the anniversary of her death. I promise, we will visit her grave tomorrow." My father smiled warmly at me.
"Okay!" I giggled happily.
"Good, now, back to bed. I'll be resting too, shortly."
"Okay…"
"Good girl. Sweet dreams, Aya."
"Goodnight, father."
My father walked back into the dimly lit room, closing the door loudly behind him. I began to retreat, but turned back for a moment.
"S-STOP!"
The sound of a running chainsaw echoed through the dim hall.
"NO! PLEASE! AHHHH! HELP ME! HELP!"
The sound of the chainsaw carried on for what seemed like forever, until it stopped completely. I turned, and left.
I know father's secret…
My father is a scientist.
He loves research.
And he's always locked up in the lab,
Inside the basement.
I always heard things from that lab…
I heard animal and human screams.
Even at a young age…
I knew what my father was doing.
So I pretended I wasn't looking…
I pretended that I didn't know or hear anything.
I feigned ignorance the whole time…
Because I loved my father…
That's not the only secret I know.
When mother and I weren't around…
He and his helper…
"A fine sample." Doctor Drevis said aloud.
"I shall dispose of the remaining materials myself." A young, elegant woman replied.
"That can wait. Come, Maria."
"Doctor…"
Doctor Drevis and Maria held each other in a tight hug.
"Doctor…" Maria broke the embrace. "She is aware of our… relationship." She sounded worried.
"Hmm…? What does it matter?" Alfred Drevis replied.
"I don't believe she's fond of me… that is the problem…"
The doctor sighed.
"My daughter will be eleven, soon… It is a troublesome age to be sure…" Aya's father let out a low chuckle. "Be kind to her. Please. Make sure she is never harmed… For she is my most precious…"
Somewhere nearby; a bell tolled midnight. The lights began to flicker, then went out completely. The figure of a woman could be seen briefly behind the doctor, gazing into the green eyes of Maria.