Trigger Warning: Violence

Life hasn't been easy but I got by. I began seeing Emmy as the light during my darker days.

More than a week has passed but there was no response from Everett. I tried calling her number but she never answered.

I asked Emmy if she ever know any of her mom's sisters or brothers but she has no idea about it. She told me that her mom never introduces her to any of their relatives.

We went to their house and what greeted me was utter silence.

I went to her bedroom while Emmy went to hers. That was when I saw it.

Her letter to me.

It was lying on her dresser as if it's waiting for me to read it. Along with it was a document stating her permission for me to be Emmy's guardian.

Yes. The biggest twist has happened to me.

For someone who isn't prepared to be involved in a relationship, I have made myself a guardian.

Moreso, I have no choice but to abide by it.

I have no intention of sending Emblem away from me.

I have love this kid so dearly.

Even treated her as my own.

She makes my days bearable at work.

Yes, I still struggle to live but having her beside me gives me the purpose to be.

What makes it worth it is she is a sweet child. Her innocence makes me wish if I can be like her too.

Especially now that my life is at stake.

Another murder has occurred not too far from where we are. I also have the feeling of being followed but I always snap out of it thinking why would I be in that situation.

I knew nothing about it.

Then, I noticed something odd and different underneath the carpet of my unit when we arrived home. Inside it was a folded piece of paper.

Really now.

What is it today that I have received random letters?

As I opened it, cold beads of sweat trickled down my nape. I knew this is not a simple coincidence but what happened around the block isn't something that should be ignored like that.

One murder after the other.

And it's not only once that I happened to see it. Or the victim being taken away.

Yes.

After that scene at the alley beside the convenience store, I happened to see another unexpected death outside the booth.

It was still daylight and I never expected that things like that happened around here. Especially in a public place.

The beggar, or so it seemed, has been asking for alms. But one guy, in yet another leather jacket, passed by him and instead of helping him, pulled out something from his pockets.

I was about to cross the sidewalk when something glistened under the sun. It was only then that I realized that the beggar has coughed blood.

With eyes wide and in shock, I tiptoed again pretending not to see anything. Covering my mouth, I exhaled deeply and prayed no one saw that traumatizing scene of a helpless man.

I chanced upon my wristwatch and saw that it's past eight in the morning. People are either going at work, home or already in their destinations. No one will ever suspect such things will happen that day.

Thankfully, Emmy is not with me. She wanted to stay at the booth that moment as she was sleepy.

Going back to the letter in my hands, I realized that I can never trace the sender of it. The note was written in form of letter cut-outs.

Keep your mouth shut. If you know what's good for you.

Those words alone sent shivers down my spine.

With Emmy around, I know I should be more cautious of things around me. Things won't be easy now.

Being more responsible is my top priority.

And, it's draining the hell out of me.

I want to ask for help.

But, I have no one to talk to.

I cannot just trust anyone.

Not even my friends.