After getting away from his cruel father's tyranny, Randall has to learn how to live again, and accept the person he was meant to be - with a little help of a local bartender...
*****
An empty shell is all what is left of twenty-five-yea...
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-Cole-
"Okay, I'll be right there," I told Mom on the phone before hanging up.
I went to get my wallet and keys, whistling a stupid tune, and headed to my front door. I put on my shoes and jacket, then stepped out of my apartment, into the empty hallway on the fourth floor. While I was checking I had everything I needed, I heard one of my neighbors entering the hallway behind me.
"Morning," I said, peering over my shoulder, but when my eyes met Gilbert's, I froze for a second.
He just glared at me. I felt insecure, just like I always did around him, so I decided to get back inside.
"Forgot my phone," I said, faking a chuckle while retreating into the safety of my apartment.
Once inside, behind the closed door, I closed my eyes, feeling so goddamn glad I was moving out soon. I liked this place. I liked my home, but after my neighbors had seen me out on a date with a guy, things had gotten worse. This building was not for me. This state was not for me.
I heard Gilbert closing his door. I waited for a few moments to let him get out of the building before I dared to open my door again.
I stepped outside. Gilbert suddenly stood right in front of me. I felt pain in my stomach, but I couldn't understand why or how. Not until Gilbert stepped back, screaming at me, spitting on me in his anger.
I couldn't hear his words.
All I could see was the big, red knife in his hand...
I gasped loudly when I woke up, drenched in sweat and my heart racing. In panic, I sat up and checked my surroundings, my eyes moving so fast it almost hurt. It took me a moment to realize it was just a nightmare and I was safe in my new home.
"For fuck's sake..." I whispered, burying my face behind my shaky hands.
It had been years... But the scar was still burning on my side like it was on fire.
I peered at the clock on my nightstand and cursed the nightmare. I still had thirty minutes left before I had to wake up, but if I now lay back down, I'd fall asleep and be cranky when the alarm went off.
With a heavy sigh, I got up and went to take a shower. I tried to push the nightmare out of my head, but I was unsuccessful. Even in my safe apartment, my senses were on overdrive and my imagination conjured up sounds of danger: thumbs, creaks, footsteps.
"There's no one in here," I tried to remind myself, but I still hurried to wash my hair so I could turn off the water.
Once the faucet was off, I stood there, staring at my locked bathroom door. I listened so closely I could hear my anxiety. But I heard no one in my home.
"Keep it together, man..." I told myself and stepped out of the shower, reaching for my towel.
I stayed in the bathroom to dry myself, taking my sweet time. But eventually I had to get out. I stared at the door and the lock on it. I had to take a few deep breaths before I could reach for it. When I did, I was still listening... my ears ringing...
