Disclaimer: I don't own any of the Lord of the Rings characters. I simply use some of them in my stories. These characters and the whole concept of Middle Earth are the property of J.R.R. Tolkien. I just borrowed and adapted them to my stories. All the other characters in this story are my own creations; any resemblance to anyone is pure coincidence! And so, on with the story!
Another boring day at University… It's not that I didn't like my major: history was great, but did the teachers really have to be that boring? Anyway, I was now sitting comfortably (sorta) in the subway, trying to relax before encountering my obnoxious roommate, Dave, yet again. I usually got along pretty well with people and never got into messy arguments. I hated conflicts: they made me nervous. But Dave was something else. He was the sort of person to get on your back for leaving a hair on the bathroom faucet. He, on the other hand, didn't believe in reciprocity. That seriously got on my nerves and since I was such a chicken when it came to confronting people, I ended up spending less and less time at home and more at University. Which wasn't so bad to think of it: I got most of my assignments done that way. I made a mental note to try and find a new roommate soon and got up to get off at the next station.
Walking down the street to my apartment building, I tried to avoid looking around too much and concentrated my gaze on my speeding feet. Needless to say, I didn't live in the most desirable neighborhood in town and I thought it best not to look too interested in what was going on in the numerous but questionable stores lining the street. I caught myself wishing I could live somewhere else, away from all this junk, for the hundredth time this month. I really hated the city with all its noise and pollution. People here were stressed out and rude, never ready to help anyone. And the trees! « These mingly twigs don't count as trees! » I said to myself, shaking my head as I passed one said tree. I missed the green spaces I had grown used to when I was a kid. « At least, we could climb up those trees! » I mumbled, now in a very grumpy mood. I quickened my pace a little, now impatient to get inside and away from this sad scenery.
I climbed the stairs leading to my apartment quickly, trying to find my keys at the same time. As I felt my key chain in my coat's pocket, I lifted my head and froze on the last step. Right in front of me was the slightly opened door to my apartment. No light was coming from inside and I suddenly felt quite uneasy. Being naturally a little paranoid, I immediately started to imagine the worst possible scenarios. Trying to think reasonably though, I suspected a robbery was more likely. « Great », I mumbled « and what if the thief is still there? ». Normally, I would've run downstairs and called someone, but instead, I stayed right there and hesitated. « Maybe I'm just being paranoid and there is absolutely nothing wrong », I thought to myself. « Dave is probably in the kitchen watching TV and just didn't care to close the door properly. That would be just like him! » and with that, I decided to go in and investigate. Being careful not to make any noise, I took a step closer and leaned in to see through the opening. It was dark, but the long hall looked normal: no sign of struggling or anything. A little relieved, I went in and closed the door behind me. There was no sign of robbery either. Everything was in its usual place. « That's a good sign. », I thought. I walked to the kitchen, opening the lights as I went. Everything seemed normal and I started to breathe a lot easier. As I turned the corner leading to the kitchen, I was actually expecting to find Dave asleep on the couch or something. But there was no one there either. Instead, I found a note on the table:
Hey Cat! I'm working late tonight so don't wait up. And don't worry: I have my keys this time so you can lock the door before going to sleep. See ya tomorrow! Dave.
« Is this a joke? », I said out loud, « This from the guy who can't even close the door properly before leaving! What an idiot… » I crumbled the note and threw it on the floor. Convinced now that the door incident was due to Dave's incapability, all my fears had left me. All I wanted now was a hot shower and a decent meal. By decent, of course, I meant substantial. I had no intention to spend 3 hours preparing something elaborate just to eat it alone. « Vive les macaronis! », (Hurray for macaronis!) and I went to my room in search of towel and soap.
I loved my room. That was an especially good thing since I practically lived in there most of the time. I had decorated it myself, with soft yellow walls and green trimmings resembling vines cascading in the corners. I had made flowy curtains for the windows in white gauze and several green plants adorned my shelves and tables along with multiple candles of every shape. It was my little haven away from the insanity of modern life and not to mention, Dave. As I came in, I went straight to the wardrobe, to get my pjs and a fresh towel. As I opened the door, something heavy fell from above and everything turned black.