THE MURDERER


     I didn’t see that dream last night, the dream that I used to dream so often. The dream was rarely the same, but it always went the same way. Two boys playing badminton, the smaller one trying hopelessly to beat the bigger and faster boy, or the same two boys handing their report cards to their parents, the bigger one always had more praise and many, many others. The worst one was when the two boys were talking to a girl, a most beautiful girl. The girl smiled radiantly at both, but walked together with only one, the bigger boy. But her heart was broken by him. The younger boy tried to console her, but she cried and left and went far away. Terrible and sad dreams but not anymore, I thought to myself and smiled.
     I jumped gleefully to my feet and headed to the bathroom for my morning rituals. I bathed, brushed my teeth and got dressed; I haven’t felt this good in years. From beginning to end my plan was pitched perfect. I managed to convince everyone to come to this forsaken island resort during the monsoon season. Separating Liza from the group was easy; she thought she was so good at hiding her obvious smoking habit. I knew she had to take a smoke sooner or later. Getting the ring from Upin was even easier, that idiot can sleep through a carpet bombing. And now, finally it has all bared fruit; Upin is locked up and that high and mighty detective with the tacky red jacket felled for everything.
After dressing myself, I put my trusty switchblade in my jeans pocket and decided to take a walk and enjoy the morning air. It was still raining, but instead of the heavy downpour of yesterday it was a thick misty rain. I strolled casually to the main lobby and stood at the veranda breathing in the fresh air and watching the misty curtain of rain cover everything. “Mr Ipin, I need to talk to you,” it was that red woman’s voice.
     I turned around and to my surprise Sofia was with her. The detective was carrying a large green coconut under her arm. My heart skipped a beat. No it can’t be it’s just a coincidence I thought to myself. “How can I help you, Cik?” I answered as nonchalant as I can.
    “I was looking for someone to crack upon this coconut and Sofia says that you’re really good at it,” she said with a big satisfied grin. This can’t be happening! My plan was perfect, I thought to myself. I don’t understand, if you want to crack it, I’m sure you can find a parang in the kitchen,” I feigned ignorance as best as I could
   “A parang? Sofia says you like to use a big stick to crack coconuts,” she answered.
    “It’s over,” Sofia interjected. “I saw you kill Liza, you hit her again and again. You murderer!” she persisted as tears streamed down her face.
   “You saw?! Why couldn’t you keep your big mouth shut, you bitch!”
    I slid my hand into my pocket and grabbed my switchblade. If I’m going down I’ll take that traitor with me. The blade gleamed as I flipped it open. Sofia screamed as I lunged, but a round, green coconut came flying at my face and I was knocked hard on my back covered in coconut water. Dazed, I saw the broken coconut on my chest and felt hands grabbing me and the heard the sound of handcuffs. I was pulled unsteadily to my feet, I could hear the detective saying “And that” she smiled “is how you crack a coconut.”
ELIZA MARIA BENJAMINE A129321

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