Abstract from Artemis Fowl II's Diary
I reached for the doorknob, my gaunt pianist fingers gripping the cylindrical knob more tightly than needed. I hesitated. Mother was in there. I was worried. I couldn't help thinking that she was losing her sanity. From what I've heard of Juliet's visits into her room, Mother sometimes hid under the bed sheets refusing to come out, claiming that there were creatures everywhere. I struggled to keep my hands steady as I twisted the cold metal knob. I didn't know how Mother would react then. Cautiously, I stepped in.
A jolt of shock ran up my spine. I kept my face emotionless though. There was no need to cause more worry for Mother. The curtains were closed, allowing light to pass through only partially. I could see her lying on her bed. The sheets were mangled, creases clearly seen where Mother had twisted them. She was thin, looking so fragile. The outline of her bones could be seen through her seemingly translucent skin. Her once beautiful black hair lay spread out all over the pillow, tangled up and unhealthy looking. She was pale. Extremely pale. All in all, she looked extremely sick. I walked towards her, keeping my composure although inwardly I felt like rushing to her and hugging her, telling her that Father would come back, that she should not despair so much. But I couldn't then. I had the entire Fowl business on my back. I couldn't break down.
"Mother, your lunch." I said, the emotions were still boiling in me.
Mother looked up and stared at me. Her eyes were bulging. I almost cringed at the sight of the state she was in, she just looked so weak. I placed the food carefully in front of her.
"Juliet prepared the food specially for you. It's your favourite." was all I could say then.
Standing next to the bed, I did not know what to do next. I looked at my Mother. 'She was going to go insane' I realized. It was then that I resolved my heart to bring Father back safely as soon as possible. No matter what it took.
"W-who are you?!" I was snapped out of my thoughts, surprised. She had always been able to recognize me before.
"Who are you!!! What are you doing here?"
"I-I'm Artemis. Your son." I stuttered, still shocked.
"You certainly are not my little Arty!" Mother shrieked at me.
I was stumped. This had never happened before!
"Get out! Get out!"
"But Mother, it is me. Artemis-Arty."
Splat! That was when something hit my face.
I soon realized that food was dripping down from all over my face. Mother had thrown her lunch at me. Luckily, it was a plastic plate and I was only slightly hurt, although my face was covered in tomato sauce. Seafood spaghetti was Angeline's favourite food.
I felt tears welling up in my eyes. But I kept thinking "You can't break down! How would the Fowl empire survive if the leading Fowl broke down?"
"I said get out! Or I'll call the police" Mother had screamed.
She had looked hysteric. I was so shocked that I could not react. I just stood there dumbfounded.
"GET OUT!!!" Mother had cried, while getting up, "I've warned you! I'll call the police and they'll get you, you awful intruder!"
I was still unable to react. Mother bolted out of the room. I knew then that she was really going to call the police.
Here, my memories were vague but I can remember Mother finding Butler with the Silky Sifaka Lemur we were going to trade with The Extinctionists. I had to explain to her that we were going to bring it to a more secure facility before she calmed.
I could remember wiping my face of the mixture of dripping sauce and tears. I could not bear it. My mother used to be warm and loving. She had always cared for me, I could never had imagined her not recognizing me at all, even mistaking me for an 'awful intruder'.
It had been too much then.