Blankstate // Private (Day 23)

[obeytherod]

[He doesn't say anything as they leave the room, expecting Harriet to simply follow him out and towards the sewing room.]

Comments

[obeytherod]

"It was the soul of the Pharaoh that drove your father to his death." [Malik recites the words as if they'd been burned into his memory.]

That's what he said to me.

[whiterosefoes]

Drove him to his death?

... Maybe it's because I'm getting used to these ridiculous blame cases, but that sounds like he only had a part in it.

Your father did everything he did because of that Pharaoh, isn't that right?

[obeytherod]

...That's right. [He sounds bitter now.] My family lived the way they lived because of the Pharaoh.

[whiterosefoes]

And the reason he carved up your back... that was also because of him?

[She's going somewhere with this.]

[obeytherod]

[His expression twists into something more sour.] ...Yes.

[whiterosefoes]

[Harriet just nods, thoughtfully.]


... What happened before he died?

[obeytherod]

... [Malik's shoulders tense, his fingers curling into a fist against his palm.] He was hurting Rishid. I thought he killed him.

[whiterosefoes]

[Harriet looks up in surprise.]

He hurt him too? [Just how abusive WAS your dad, Malik!?] Did he hurt you both all that often? Why did he do that?

[obeytherod]

No... I don't know. That's the first time I saw him do that.

[His knuckles are losing some of their color with how tight he's clenching his fists.]

That's just how he was. Father usually just yelled, and he tried to hurt me once, but that's...right before I stop remembering.

[whiterosefoes]

Well....

[She thinks on this, furrowing her brow. It's definitely suspicious, but... she doesn't feel like it's conclusive.]

There seemed to be something missing from Johnny's cabinet, as well. So at the very least, maybe your memories weren't taken, the way Naho's were. If there are so many gaps, then I'm willing to believe it's just a pre-existing thing. [...though does that really make things better? She isn't sure.]

As for the case. If Johnny really doesn't, then one of the other persons of interest might know something.

[obeytherod]

[Even if it may not make things better, the sentiment seems to calm him some. He didn't forget anything new.]

Right... Then we should work on unlocking the others. We won't know anything until we piece them all together. [Malik's still scared, but he looks like he has the strength to keep working now.]

[whiterosefoes]

We will. In the meantime, you should think hard about why you can't remember. It happened when your father was hurting you or Rishid... you were a child then, so I'm sure it was traumatic. But it might be more than that.

[obeytherod]

I'll try... But right now, I think I'm just going to worry about the case. We need to solve it as fast as possible.

[Because if it's him... This uncertainty. He wants all the time he can get.]

[whiterosefoes]

Just solve it, huh...

[Harriet looks distant.]

Fine by me, then.

[obeytherod]

Okay... Let's go back.

[Turning, Malik heads for the door.]