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I'm sorry this chapter is so long in coming. There is no need for me to make pathetic excuses. The underlying problem was complete laziness and preoccupation with other trivial matters.

Disclaimer: I don't own Death Note. If I did, then L wouldn't be dead.

Iris

Chapter 5: Caught!

As I stared blankly at the open book in front of me, a small yawn escaped my lips. It was hard to believe that I had already spent two weeks living at Wammy's House. The fact that I'd hardly slept or ate anything during those two weeks was even harder to believe. I couldn't understand how I wasn't getting any sleep. I fell asleep and woke up at reasonable hours. Yet, I felt as though I hadn't slept at all. The signs of sleep deprivation were evident. Dark bags had formed under my eyes and I looked like the walking dead.

For some reason, I also had no appetite. At mealtimes, I didn't feel hungry at all. I'd eat a small morsel, usually a slice of bread or some crackers, just to be safe. But I could've gone without those small amounts of food. Despite my lack of eating, I didn't seem to be losing any weight.

Several other things had occurred in that two week span. I had started classes the day after I arrived. Even though my intelligence was high for someone my age and condition, most of the children in my classes were younger than me. My teachers told me not to worry though. I was learning very quickly and would be able to advance to the next level in a matter of time. Apparently, the grade levels at Wammy's were very flexible. I was told that some children manage to skip several levels in a single year.

Another yawn slipped out. Even though it was only 7:00, I decided to go to bed. As I closed the book, I couldn't help looking at that last problem one more time. I had been trying to work ahead so that I could advance to the next level sooner. I just couldn't figure out that last problem. Perhaps a night of sleep would do me good. Not very likely. Supper, which I hadn't eaten, had been an hour ago. I had already prepared for bed, before I tried to work ahead on my homework.

So, I slipped off my sandals as I got into bed. I made myself comfortable under the covers. The bed was actually very soft and warm. My sleeping attire, which was composed of light blue sweats, added to this comforting effect. I wish I knew why I felt so tired. If I wasn't so tired, maybe it would be easier for me to learn. Never before had I had any real problem sleeping. It seemed like I'd go to sleep and wake up even more exhausted than I was before I slept. It was strange problem indeed. Slowly, I started to edge into unconsciousness. Perhaps, tonight would be the night.

The events that unfolded after I went to bed are somewhat vague to me. I only know the specifics of what happened due to speculation. What I do know though, is that I was abruptly awoken by a boy's voice, "Caught you! Red-handed!" Once I got my bearings, I noticed that I wasn't lying in my bed. In fact, I wasn't even in my bedroom. Looking around, I realized that I was standing in a pantry. A light was shining on me from a flashlight in the boy's hand. When I glanced down to escape the glare of the light, I noticed that I was holding several boxes of snacks and a jar of peanut butter in my arms. I couldn't help, but wonder what on earth I was doing in here.

"Well, what do you have to say for yourself?" his words shook me from my trance-like state. It suddenly occurred to me that his words sounded like something an officer would say to a criminal. Why was he talking to me like that? He looked like he was only a few years older than me. His ebony hair slightly covered his eyes. When I finally got a good look at them, those large, dark orbs looked more like they belonged to an adult, full of knowledge and experience. "Well?" he asked, wanting an answer.

I finally realized the situation before me. Apparently, he thought I was stealing food. As I reanalyzed everything, I had to admit that this conclusion wasn't unfounded. Suddenly, I thought about what this event could mean. Would I be kicked out for stealing food? If so, then where would I go and what would I do!? Fear started to rise up inside of me. The room seemed to start spinning. Before I knew it, that all-too-familiar sensation that I'd been experiencing quite frequently lately hit me. As I drifted into the strange oblivion, the last thing I heard was, "Not again!"

I realize that this chapter is a bit shorter than the others and I apologize for that. Hopefully, you'll all enjoy it anyway. Once again, I'm very sorry for the lateness of this update.