Chapter Three: Consequences
How do you feel when you're disregarded by everyone, and you're also suffering? Would you still care about them after that?
At some point, every human asks themselves one question: 'I helped you before—why didn't you help me?' Damien has asked that question many times about Fausto. So...
How do you feel when you're disregarded by everyone?
Damien feels like he's watching a movie about a disaster—a disaster that happened long ago in his own country. And now the people responsible are just fighting among themselves, ignoring the consequences for those still damaged.
Damien looks at Fausto, his so-called friend. He's busy talking and taking care of his future girlfriend. He doesn't even glance Damien's way.
What about when you're suffering?
Damien knows he's not suffering right now. But he can't punch Fried Chicken because that would end badly in society's eyes. He can't say anything to the ex-girlfriend because she's one of the 'victims.' He can't complain to Fausto for not checking on him, because it would seem like he's overreacting.
Damien would be seen as whining about an old disaster, and the world would just remind him he's taking it too personally. Are they downplaying today's consequences?
Would you care about them after that?
Damien stopped caring about them long ago. If his God had told him he had one day, Damien would have chosen Fausto. Because he knew him. And a stranger is still a stranger if they've never done anything to hurt you. So why choose the others instead?
But...
She knows her. This will be funny, Damien thought, while looking at both girls.
...This is a movie. And if a movie stirs your emotions, it's a good one.
A long smile spreads across Damien's face as he watches the two girls arguing. Somehow, he had found two people who met all his requirements. Fried Chicken storms off after shouting and complaining, leaving both looking at Damien.
"I'm so sorry about that. I didn't mean to drag you into this," the ex-girlfriend says. It's the first time she's spoken to him directly, even though they've been in the same group a time ago.
"Don't worry. I can see the reason," Damien says, connecting the dots from a story that hasn't happened yet.
They have a short exchange before returning to their lives, a small gesture to mark the weird day they've just had. And then...
"I hope the best for you." A handshake between Damien and the ex-girlfriend. A simple gesture born from a ridiculous situation.
Who would believe it?
Someone had just been marked for death.
— — —
Damien had a long internal conversation as he returned to the apartment. Who were Fried Chicken and the Ex-girlfriend?
The ex-girlfriend was Paola. Fried Chicken was Alexa.
Alexa had been obsessed with Paola for a long time, paranoid and jealous of everyone.
Paola, on the other hand, was weak and never found the strength to block Alexa out of her life completely.
Damien laughed at the reason why Fausto and Paola broke up. Years later, Alexa would pretend to be 'normal.' But back then, she accused Fausto of cheating—with her—and Paola believed it.
Back in the apartment, as Damien started cooking, the smell returned. A yellow note appeared in his hand again. This time, it simply said:
Ten. Complete.
Damien was beginning to take seriously the idea that something might be wrong with his mind. But he'd know the truth in a year if he wasn't nearby when she died.
He destroyed the note like the other.
While making his food, Damien thought back on the past...
He knew he wasn't a good man, but he believed he was better than people who called themselves good. He never liked Paola for that reason, and he remembered clearly the moment he lost all hope in her.
Still, even with all the reasons he had, Damien knew there were others more deserving of death than her. But he did it anyway because it was the best choice for him.
"At least I'm not making excuses for my actions," Damien said while eating. "And... it's the best for you," he added after a long pause.
He ended his day like any other, almost forgetting to create a new email to mark the date. This email would be used for entertainment and anything unrelated to his formal life.
* * * * * *
At some point, I considered giving more context about Damien's choice, but I think it's better to leave that gap until it becomes necessary. Also, that's why this chapter is shorter.