I stopped the car by the side of the road, turned the headlights on, and held onto my phone with trembling hands.
I couldn’t help but feel afraid.
That call caught me off guard and made me wonder why I was receiving a call from 110.
It took me a few beats to remember that I had given them a call earlier.
I slapped my cheeks a few times to wake myself up before answering the call.
Hello,
a crisp voice rang in my ears.
Hi,
I responded immediately.
Hi, this is 110 emergency center. We received a call from you an hour ago. May I know why you called?
the man asked.
I instantly knew that saying it was a mistake was the wrong way to go.
My hands were still shaking and feeling numb, I was having trouble holding onto my phone.
Helpless, I placed my phone on the passenger seat and moved my head over instead. I was practically sprawling across two seats when I answered,
I wanted to call 120, my bad.
Could you tell me what you were going to call 120 for? Do you need me to transfer the line over? Your voice is shaking, sir. Is anything the matter?
the same firm voice asked.
I’m on my way to the hospital. Earlier I… collided with a tree… unfamiliar road. I panicked and called the wrong number. I’ll hang up now then… I’m fine, I can go to the hospital myself. I’m reaching,
I stumbled on my words uncontrollably.
I knew I had to speak properly but it was too difficult.
Alright, sir. Could you please tell us the location of the accident? You sound flustered, please try to relax, or tell me where you are and I’ll get the nearby police to assist you. You might be injured and not suited to drive. Don’t worry, it’s free of charge,
he reassured me.
I was at a complete loss.
A small road in the neighborhood, not too sure which… I don’t remember. I did hit my head on the steering wheel and can’t think well since it hurts… which is why my voice is shaking. I’m at the hospital entrance already. Do I need to give you a call after the treatment?
No need. I’ll wish you a speedy recovery then, sir. I’m sorry that we weren’t able to answer your call earlier,
he apologized.
No worries and thanks,
I said before hanging up.
I lay paralyzed across the seats, replaying the entire conversation in my mind and questioning if I had sounded suspicious or guilty.
I knew that I had been a mess. Absolute mess.
I rested for a bit and recalibrated my state of mind before continuing the journey. On the way, my tire pressure alarm went off but I did not stop to check.
I drove into a small neighborhood and found a space to park.
It was 7 am.
The roads were becoming busy, but thankfully, my car wasn’t expensive and eye-catching. It would be a tragedy if people notice the blood stains that I missed out.
I stared into space, my mind busy trying to come up with a plan on how to get rid of the corpse in my car boot.
I retrieved her phone from my pocket. There were five messages and a missed call from a foreign number.
Because it was on silent mode, I hadn’t noticed it. I knew that I couldn’t switch it off. Neither could I answer the call. It was possible that some people had already noticed something amiss so I had to settle this quickly.
Just as I was pondering over my next course of action, I heard knocks on the driver’s side window.
I turned my head and saw a man standing outside.
Startled and afraid, I wound down the window.
What’s wrong, brother? Car down? I can help with the repairing. I’m from this neighborhood and I work as a car repairman. I was on my way to work when I saw you. I’ll change your tire for you and you can come down to my workshop. I’ll give you 20% off. Your spare tire should be at the bottom of your car boot, aye?
he asked.
A chill ran down my spine.
The car’s fine. I’m fine.
Fine? I saw that dent in your car from miles away! And haven’t you realized that your right tire is deflated? I have about half an hour left so let me change it for you, then you can come over to my workshop. I promise to fix your car first, okay? That’s the best I can do for you,
he offered kindly.
There’s no need for that. You go ahead,
I urged him away.
Pffft.
He gave me one last look before walking away.
I got out of the car, locked it, and went straight home.
I decided to change my clothes before anything else.
When I opened the door, I saw my wife getting dressed.
Why are you back?
she asked.
A colleague wanted my shift so I figured I’ll just rest today,
I lied.
That’s good. Can you take me to my office then? It’s been a long time since you did that,
she said with a smile.
I’ll just give you some cab money,
I suggested.
Why? You don’t feel like driving?
I nodded.
Okay. You can just give me the key, I’ll drive myself. It’s also been a long time since I practiced.
Just get a cab. I’ll need the car later.
She frowned and questioned,
What’s wrong with you today?
Nothing. You go ahead. I’ll rest a little before going out. I’m really fine,
I assured her.
She walked over to me and grabbed a corner of my shirt. She looked me straight in the eye and said firmly,
What’s wrong with you? This is blood, isn’t it?
From my gums. I brushed too hard this morning,
I excused, flinging her hand away.
What’s going on?
she asked again.
Is something wrong?
You’re overthinking. Get to work. Everything will be fine when you get back, don’t worry.
You’re acting really strange today, Chalk.
I’m really fine.
You sure?
I nodded.
It’s almost eight o’clock, you’re going to be late.
She grabbed her bag and left the apartment.
I breathed a sigh of relief.
I thought about the big snakeskin bag that I bought last year for a picnic.
It was definitely somewhere in the house.
I ran to the storeroom and started searching.
I found nothing.
The storeroom wasn’t big, but the things in it were piled high up into little mountains.
I heard the door open.
My wife shouted,
Chalk, you bastard! Did you get into an accident? Are you hurt?
I dashed out and closed the storeroom door.
She threw her bag down, ran up to me, and pulled the corner of my shirt up. She rubbed my tummy, asking,
Did you get hurt? Is it painful? Why are you so careless?
Her voice carried some dissatisfaction but mostly worry and concern.
I hurriedly grabbed her hand.
I’m fine, really. I didn’t want to worry you. I was just too tired this morning. I hit the curb and my mouth slammed against the steering wheel. This is really just blood from my gums.
She took hold of my jaw and urged me to open my mouth.
Let me take a look. Does it hurt?
I patted her hands a few times and pushed her away gently.
It has stopped bleeding a long time ago, so don’t worry. I’ll get the car fixed and it will look as good as new when you’re back. I just didn’t want you to worry, so please don’t.
Should I take the day off? I can bring you to the doctor if you like. This isn’t a small matter. It’s better if you do a full body check-up. I don’t want anything bad to happen to you,
she said worriedly.
I test ships and get bruises all the time. It’s fine. I know I’m fine. Go to work and we’ll have a nice dinner when you get back, okay?
I persuaded.
You’re really alright?
she insisted.
Yes. Look at the time, dear, you’re really going to be late if you don’t leave now. I’ll be leaving soon to get the car fixed as well. I’ll pick you up from work later, how about that?
I proposed.
Okay,
she agreed before leaving the house for the second time.
Upon ensuring that she was out of the door, I went back to the storeroom.
Shortly after, I pulled out an enormous snakeskin bag.
