A Night Out

- I heard one time in a movie that all the good stories start with someone being murdered. But what about the story that came before? The story that led the person to be murdered in the first place?
- I really wouldn’t know that dad. I believe you watch too many movies still.
Loic, 32 years old, looked at his father like he was seeing him for the first time. In front of him was standing his father. They were both in a dark room whose walls seemed to disappeared into darkness. Only the center of the room was lit with a few candles. Loic and his father were sitting on opposite sides of the light sources, like they had been having a deep conversation for hours. The candles were halfway burned down and a pinkish smoke was disappearing into their nostrils with the rhythm of their respiration. Covered by their shades were TV, bookshelf and some parts of a table. Loic looked intensely at his dad, but this one seemed lost in his thoughts.
- If feels like no matter how long we wait ENEO has decided we will sleep in darkness tonight, said Loic. So, what do you say we go out for a bit?
His father seemed not to have heard him. Lost in his thoughts. So Loic insisted.
- Dad? Did you hear me?
- Oh… I’m sorry son, what did you say? He mumbled
- We should go out a bit. There is no point in staying in the dark all night when the moon is out tonight. We might have a better chance out there.
- You are probably right.
The father smiled. They both stood up and Loic pulled out his phone and lit up their way through the house till they reached outside. As they got to the yard, Loic started to stretch, removing the numbness from his limbs. His father just looked up and stared at the moon.
- Dad? Are you ready?
He looked down and saw his son with a book bag.
- Where are we going? He asked
- To the town. Since we’re out we might as well go have a little bit of fun.
- Fun? You don’t mean drinking, do you?
- Not necessarily, he cried out. But would you say no to a Guinness right now? Plus, your friends are in the city. Maybe we can visit some of them while we are there.
- You know what, it’s not a bad idea. We could stop by Didier’s. it’s been a while since I’ve seen him.
- Yes, it has. I’m sure he would appreciate the surprise.
They smiled at each other, then the son started walking into the darkness. A few seconds later, the light beams of a car blinded the father so much he had to protect his eyes with his arms.
- Come on now dad, let’s go! Yelled Loic from the other side of the light.
- I’m coming, I’m coming.
As soon as he entered the car, the father seemed to get sick. He was staring at the house they just came from, now drowning in a pool of light. Half of it seemed burned down like the house had survived a huge fire. The windows were all covered, and the walls were starting to fall apart.
- What happened to my home? He asked sadly.
Loic quickly drove away from the house as he could.
- It’s nothing dad, really. I might have played with the matches once or twice. Don’t worry I’ve already called someone to help me fix this. I told you that this morning, you don’t remember?
- No, I don’t remember. How can you let the house look like that? It doesn’t present well at all. I mean what do our neighbors think about that?
- Dad, really, it’s okay. By this time next week everything will be fixed I can assure you.
The father started pouting. He crossed his arms and looked in the opposite direction of his son.
- I promise you dad, I will make everything better soon.
- You better.
They had been riding smoothly for a couple of minutes when they hit the first pothole. From there on the car didn’t stop shaking. The father was still not talking. He occasionally looked at the moon and the son occasionally at him. A few more minutes went by in silence then Ekwalla turn on the radio. This got the attention of his father who threw him a scorching look, then turned the radio off. Loic didn’t try to turn it on again. The message was clear.
The car arrived at a crossroad and took a left.
- Where are we going? Asked the father.
- To Didier’s just like you asked.
- Did I really? Hmm okay. We should call first though.
- I already did dad, he is expecting us. He said he will bring out the wine.
- That’s so nice of him. He was always a great host. You should learn from him really.
- I have, Loic said as low as he could.
A few minutes passed again in silence. Loic focused on the road, and his father on the moon.
- I can’t believe this road has changed this much, the father started. It seems like only yesterday we were sitting on the side, trading our help for some food and money as tourists were getting stuck in the various potholes this road had. I remember one time, it had rained and me and Didier ended up entirely covered in mud as we helped one van passing through. I don’t think I’ve ever laughed as much as I’ve had that day.
- Those were the good days, Loic answered.
His father looked at him, smiling.
- Yes son, those were the days.
They smiled, both seemingly walking their own memory lane.
- It really feels weird you know. I understand why Didier wanted to stay in town but it definitely feels weird being back in the village without him. These days he doesn’t even call as much anymore.
- I feel you dad. But I guess he thought he had it better out there. Plus, it’s not like your friendship is just going to stop if you’re not in the same place.
- You’re right. We’ve been friends for the better part of our lives. I don’t see why it would end today.
- Exactly.
The father looked at the moon for a few moments then seemed to energize up a bit.
- Have I ever told you about that time when Didier your mom and I went on a trip to the North? We only had like, less than 5 thousand. And there was this party we had heard about for like forever. We just had to make it.
We went on to tell the whole story. For the 15 minutes it took him, they were both laughing out loud, Loic completing the parts of the story he had heard before and both talking as if they were the only souls in the world.
As they reached their last gasps for air, the car felt silent again. But the heaviness of the previous conversation had disappeared. The smiles were lingering on their faces. the father took another look at the moon.
- So, where are we going? Feels like you’ve been driving a while.
- Oh, you don’t remember we’re going to the city.
- For drinks? The bar by the house wasn’t opened?
- No, it wasn’t. with the power outage and all.
The father took a look through the window. He could already see the shadows of the city buildings getting closer.
- Well it seems they don’t have much more luck in the city either. It’s probably the entire state. They really outdid themselves this time.
- It’s okay really, we can just go to Didier, we’re almost there anyway and it would be stupid to just turn back. We’ve already made it this far.
- Well I guess you’re right, replied the father. But isn’t it a bit late?
- No, it’s okay, I called to tell him we were on our way, he’s expecting us.
- Alright… it does feel like a while since I’ve seen him.
The father looked up to the moon again. He seemed overcome by sadness for a moment. Then when he looked at Loic, that shadow disappeared.
They rode together for another 15 minutes before they reached their destination. They arrived in front of a gated white house. The street was soulless with cars parked on both sides. Loic parked a few meters before the gate, and looked at his father.
- Dad? Are you okay?
- Yes son. I am. But I don’t know why I feel a little dizzy right now. I think I need to rest a bit.
- You do, but dad? I have something tell you.
- What is it son?
Loic took a deep breath.
- I know you don’t remember this but if we’re here tonight is because I need to talk to Didier.
- With Didier? Is that where we are? Why do you need to see him?
The son took another deep breath.
- I need to see him face to face when I ask him why he did it. Why he betrayed you like that. What could push him to…
- What is it son? He asked, agitated. Why did he do?
Loic could see the world unravelling behind his father’s eyes. This one was starting to tear up a bit.
- Son, what are you talking about? What did he do to me? Why can’t I remember? Tell me! TELL ME WHAT’S WRONG WITH ME!
Loic burst into tears but restrained himself from hugging his father. As much as he wanted to, he just couldn’t bring himself to do it.
- Dad, he said crying, the moon looks really good tonight don’t you think?
The father, with wetted eyes, slowly turned to look at the moon. Gradually, he calmed down until his face went to a blank expression again. At his side, Loic was getting calmer too.
- Dad, just wait for me here, I won’t be long I promise.
The father wasn’t paying attention. Or maybe Loic hadn’t talked loud enough. He left the car and walked up to the gate of the white house. He knocked once on it and waited. A few seconds later, a guy came in to open the door from the inside. As soon as he heard the sounds of the security guard, he pulled a roll of money from his pocket and gave it to him. The guard let him in and left. Loic closed the gate behind and advanced.
The house had two levels with the second level opening on to a large balcony. The son knew that’s where he needed to go. And the security guard did too. A ladder was already in place. All he needed was to climb it and he could face Didier.
The climb took less time than he thought it would. Maybe it was because he had already made up his mind. He wasn’t thinking anymore. He was just executing.
When he finally reached the balcony, the door of Didier’s bedroom was opened. From his other pocket, Loic pulled a small retractable knife. With a small push, the blade appeared. His hands were not shaking; his eyes were focused and wide; he knew what he had to do.
As soon as he entered the room however, his mood changed. The questions came back and started running in his head. He wasn’t so sure anymore he had all the answers. He could see Didier, sleeping peacefully after having destroyed the lives of everyone around him. Loic’s father was only the first.
He got closer and closer, his knife drawn and directed directly at his throat. In a swift movement, he jumped on Didier, his free hand covering the mouth and using his knee and the rest of his body to keep him from moving. Didier woke up in panic but unable to move. He fidgeted as much as he could but couldn’t free himself from his attacker.
- Don’t you even try to free yourself. You can’t. just like they couldn’t… do you recognize me?
Didier’s eyes widened. He knew who Loic was. He knew what was about to happen. He knew he had it coming. From the corner of his eyes, tears pearled their ways down to his pillow.
- It is too late for that now, Loic said. You should have thought about it when you betrayed him.
Slowly, he pierced Didier’s throat. Barely flinching as blood was spurting all over his face. He kept his knife in, and the mouth covered until he could feel Didier’s chest stay still. He had done it. He sighed heavily before moving. A great sense of accomplishment made his body feel like a thousand pound. And yet he was not happy.
He left like he came, through the balcony. He didn’t bother to clean his face or his hands and walked to the car like nobody was looking. Nobody was.
He entered his car but his father wasn’t there anymore. He didn’t seem to care. He pulled his bag from the back seat and slowly pulled out a skull. As if he was handling a precious vase, he delicately put it on top of the dashboard. He went back into the bag and pulled a pink candle that he lit then put on top of the skull. A pink smoke started filling the inside of the car. He closed his eyes a few seconds then took several deep breaths.
When he opened his eyes, his father was sitting in passenger seat.
- You really have to let me go, son.
Loic started crying.
- I can’t.
The father seemed sad to hear the answer.
- Are you done here? He asked.
- Yes dad. Didier was the last one. The all paid for what they did to you.
- Good. I think you should go home now then.
They looked at each other for a few seconds. The only sound coming from Loic’s crying.
- Would you stay with me until I get there?
The father smiled.
- I will stay with you even if you don’t see me.
Loic smiled too, and after another deep breath, blew out the candle and put it and the skull back in his bag. His bloody hand turned on the car. He did a U-turn then slowly drove away from the white house, pink smoke leaking from the windows of his car.