OJTTEG-Chapter 13: Suffocating (Patreon)

Among all the things this guy brought, it seems like the only normal one is the cat, which is currently curled up in the corner, munching on the store-bought cat food. Ormond doesn't mind having a cat around; he actually wanted it one years ago but gave up due to work commitments. Later, when he had a daughter, the idea faded even more.

An didn't express any opinion either. To be precise, she didn't say anything at all. After seeing the cat, she just responded with a simple "Oh."

"Is this hot cocoa?" Haunter asks.

"To be precise, it's my homemade hot cocoa, filled with love," Ormond clarifies. "It requires cocoa concentrate, milk, and some spices."

"I see..."

Isn't that just hot cocoa anyway? And it's made from powder, so how is that different from melting and re-solidifying chocolate?

Take a sip.

Alright, the taste is decent.

"I remember you telling me you're interested in mysterious creatures and events?" Ormond sits on the sofa opposite Haunter, stirring his hot cocoa and occasionally blowing away the steam before taking a sip when it cools a bit.

"Yes, I've always been fascinated by those things, but unfortunately, I haven't had much opportunity to learn about them," Haunter replies, attempting to take a sip but quickly sticking out his tongue from the heat.

"That's normal. Mysteries aren't usually allowed to be exposed, and if you're ever forced into such events, your memory might be erased. But if you're eager to know, you can visit the city library here; there might be a book or two left," Ormond suggests, leaning back on the sofa and taking a gulp of hot cocoa, feeling the warmth spread through him. He exhales with satisfaction. "If you want more, I'd recommend Miskatonic University."

"I've heard Miskatonic University has a lot of books on these topics."

"Yes, it's the gateway to the mysterious world, but even I can't say much more about it. So, you want to get in, right?"

"That's correct."

"Since you've missed this year's admission period at Miskatonic University, I think you'll need to attend a regular university first. Only if your grades meet the requirements and you have my letter of recommendation can you enter Miskatonic University for graduate studies."

Ormond takes a letter from his briefcase and hands it to Haunter. "Here's your letter of introduction for the university."

"Thanks. Is there any other way we could go about this?" Haunter ponders for a few seconds. "Like using your influence, Uncle."

"I'm afraid not. I'd like to help you get in directly, but this university is quite special. You'll have to rely on yourself, just like An. After all, grades are just the minimum requirement; this university won't accept anyone who doesn't meet their intellectual standards," Ormond explains, waving his hand to show he can't do more.

Oh, great, back to school again. Haunter looks a bit glum as he takes the letter. Ugh. It's an introduction letter. It seems these are all the rage. Something that could be done with an email or a phone call apparently requires a letter.

"I'll take you to the university tomorrow," Ormond says, finishing his hot cocoa and gently placing the cup on the table. "St. Delrick University, a good public school. An is there too, so you'll be in the same class."

"Why is she at a regular university too?"

"Due to some unforeseen circumstances, she missed the enrollment period. Miskatonic University is quite unique; if you miss the start date, you can't get in later."

"Do we really have to be in the same class?"

"Unity is the priority. You two need to get along, understand? I've promised An that if you're a troublesome kid, you won't be staying at our place."

"Oh, and the city library is connected to the St. Delrick University library. You can read there during your free time," Ormond adds, noticing Haunter's expression.

"Alright, Uncle, thank you for your kindness."

Sigh, I just hope the two of us don't end up fighting. Haunter reluctantly takes the letter.

"I'll go upstairs and organize my things," Haunter says.

"Oh, before you go, I've got a general understanding of your situation," Ormond suddenly calls out. "You should also know a bit about our family."

Haunter sits back down. Alright, if we're going to discuss this, I'm all ears. The more information about An, the better. If we do end up clashing, having some dirt on her could shake her psychological defenses. Like mentioning how she was still wetting her pants at five years old. A video would be even better.

"Before 2013, we were a happy family of three," Ormond begins, instinctively reaching for a cigarette but pausing and returning it to the pack. "In 2013, during a scientific expedition, An's mother passed away. Before that, An was very lively and adorable."

"Hard to believe," Haunter comments.

"Yes, even after her mother passed away, An remained quite lively for a while. I thought it was because she was too young to understand the pain of loss," Ormond says, covering his face as if recalling a sad memory.

"An used to love playing handheld games, even refusing to sleep at night. To keep an eye on her, An's mother removed the batteries and hid them in the study, instructing her not to play after 8 PM."

She must have taken them out to play, especially since the person who could supervise her was no longer around.

"She did sneak them out to play, but there was a note left on the batteries," Ormond smiles faintly.

"What did it say?"

"Miss Anastasia, I must have told you not to play after 8 PM, right? But you did anyway. It's okay, though, because I love you, I'll let it slide. If I find you haven't slept well when I return tomorrow morning, I'll help you take a half-day off, but you'll have to deal with the headache from staying up late. Next time, I won't be so lenient."

Ormond recites the message with ease.

"But her mother never came back after that day."

"No, this is..." Haunter feels a sudden tightness in his chest.

You're really hitting me with the feels here.

"After reading that note, An cried for almost an entire day and never touched her game console again. She became much quieter," Ormond continues.

"Well, her personality now isn't exactly what I'd call quiet."

"Yes, and that brings us to the second time she lost someone important to her."

"This happened a second time?"

"An had a close friend named Dilandra. During an outing, they were attacked by terrorists. Dilandra was a bit of a tomboy, with short hair, like a little rascal... I won't go into the details, but the outcome is that the heart now beating in An's chest belongs to Dilandra."