Good Verses Evil

by 

MUSOBO BRIAN ERIC

I wake up in a cold, dark room. The sound or rain drops hits the window. My joints ache and are sore. I can barely see the light come thr

gh the curtain. I draw the curtain. Dark clouds cover the sky and the light coming in is dim. The city looks like hell or on its way there. Trash covers the street and can’t see any people around. Not a sight for sore eyes. Everything looks familiar, but I can not make out if I have been here before, déjà vu. Darkness still hovers over room. All I can see is a bed, cooker, fridge and sink are all squeezed together in a studio apartment. A sink, parallel to the bed. Need to wash my face. I turn the taps rusted handle and wait for the water to come out. It comes out and begin to wash my face. A bulb hangs in the middle of the room, so their must be a switch somewhere. Waving around looking for a switch. I feel the beads on a string and pull down, and the light goes on. The light is dim and flickering. I look into the mirror, the face in it is not familiar. Who am I?

 Dust is on everything in the room. Except a patch on the bed where I was lying. The room has not been cleaned in for a while probably weeks or months. Why isn’t their any dust on me or my cloths? How long have I been here? Where am I? The phone rings, ring ring ring ring. Do I pick it up? No one here but me. Hello “Mr. Goodman your cab is here”. Goodman is that my name, or is it the person who lives here. I’ll be down.  I search my pockets and the room for any Identification, but I do not have any on me or in the room. Have to get out of here. May be someone knows me and can help. The door squeaks as I open it and step into the dark hallway. I can not see anything. Suddenly the lights come and blind my eyes. I try to concentrate so I can see. My eyes come into focus and see. The number twelve it is the number of my room. Cobwebs on the walls, lights and doors. Garbage all over the floor. Doesn’t seem to be anyone else here, all the doors are open. The rooms all look like mine. Dust and some of them are flooded from the rain. I walk down the hall. This place is a dumb. I see stairs at the end of the hall. I walk to the end of the hall and down the stairs three floors down to the ground level. A man is standing behind a desk. I walk towards the desk and the name on the desk is gate keeper. Excuse me, I am from room twelve and was wondering. Before I could finish my sentence he says “Good morning Mr. Goodman.” How have you been? Enjoy your rest. I am Goodman. Why yes, your Mr. Goodman, I make it a point not forget my only customer. “Been up there a long time” he says. Listen I woke up this morning, and could not remember anything. I need too go to a hospital. They are no hospitals near here, you would have to leave town and the bridge is out.  You do not need to go a hospital, sir you look fine. You will be ok just give yourself time it will all come to you. Did you just hear what I said? I woke up in this building and I do not know who I am or where I have been or how I got here? How long have I been up there? Twelve years. What!!? Twelve years, what’s the date today? Its 26/05/06. You are saying I have been in that room for twelve years. Look to the future sir it’s all that matters. Where is this place, what happened here, why is everything so messed up? This here is Fate Island. Things here either are either a sleep or dead.

Your cab is waiting for you sir, do not want to be late. Late? Late for what, Your meeting. Who am I meeting with? Mr. Memo called and said you were going to meet some people today. Do not worry sir all your questions will be answered at your meeting. I look out the door for a second and turn and ask. Who is Mr. Memo? The gatekeeper is not there anymore where did he go? I look behind the desk, but can not see him.

I step out of the building, and it stops raining. The town looks like it has been turned upside down. A cabdriver leaning on his car is the only one in sight. Why he or anyone would come out here? This looks like I am in the Ghetto part of the city. The cab driver is dressed in a black leather jacket, brown pants, white shirt, a hat and brown shoes. He looks calm; I would not think anyone who would come here could be so care free.  “Hello Mr. Goodman how are you?” he said. Have never seen you Mr. Goodman, but have heard a lot about you. “My name is David.” “Thought you had gone for good.” “It’s an honor to meet you sir.” What do you know about me? “Only that you have been away for a while, but now you are here that’s all that matters.” Do not worry Goodman I will get you to where you need to go. Who called for this cab? “The gate keeper called and said I should come.” I am sorry; I do not have any money and can not pay you for this. “That’s all right Mr. Goodman it has all been paid for.” I do not know where I am supposed to go. “I know sir, the gatekeeper told me.” Can you take me to the hospital, I am sick? I think I have amnesia. Sorry sir, but the only hospital is across town and the bridge is out. “Why don’t I take you to your meeting sir maybe they can get you some help.” David opens the door for me. I get in sit and see the springs poking out of the seat. The cabbie gets in and looks at me through the rear view mirror and says. Have never seen you Mr. Goodman, but have heard a lot about you. My name is David Thought you had gone for good. It’s an honor to meet you sir. What do you know about me? Only that you have been away for a while, but now you are here that’s all that matters. Do not worry Goodman I will get you to where you need to go.

The cabbie starts the car and drives off. No cars on the street. Does anyone else live here? “No one has stepped on and off fate island for twelve years.” “Everyone lives on Hope Island and Devil Island.” “Hope and devils island.” Strange names.  “We are going to hope island, and I will drop you off to meet your friends.” We cross the bridge and not a car in sight just a lonely and empty bridge. I wonder what I am doing here. Who I am going to meet? Questions I ask myself in my head. Hope I can find some answers soon. A huge sky scraper appears as we drive. Is that hope on island with the sky scraper? No, sir that’s on Devils Island. It has been there a long time. Started out as any other of the islands, but over the last twelve years it has prospered. That is the richest Island. We are about to reach hope island Mr. Goodman. We go through a tunnel and darkness engulfs us. On the other side of the tunnel a sign reading “WELCOME TO HOPE ISLAND EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE”. Kites flying children playing. They is life here not like the Fate island. The Streets look better, I could see people walk around. Beautiful graffiti all over the walls and streets.

The people around dress in a unique and artistic way. The architecture of the buildings around all looks different. Who lives here? Dreamer’s sir that’s why they call it hope Island like the sign says anything can happen here. The car stops and the cab driver says here we are. I look outside the window and see a library. Is this where I am supposed to go? Yes, your friends should be in the library. Why a Library? I step out of the car and stare up at the library sign above. Davids voice fade as he says “good bye, Mr. Goodman and good luck.” Luck I hope I will not need it.

 I see people walking around, dancing and listening to music. I look around and does not seem to be anyone expecting me. The library is empty. I walk into the library, and look around. I see paintings hanging on the wall. I start to walk down the hall and notice that it’s same person in almost every painting. On the other side of the wall a painting is covered with cobwebs and it looks like a boy, but can not quite make it out. Why the contrast? I reach out to touch the painting and someone behind taps my shoulder. “Mr. Goodman”, yes thats me. How are you sir, how have you been? It has been a while. Let me be the first to welcome you to hope island. I am Mr. Memo.

How was your trip here? You must be tired. Actually I am not, could you help me I woke up this morning and do not remember who I am. “Do not worry sir that happens to all of us once in a while.” Besides you should always look to the future. Why does everyone keep saying that? “Follow me” he says, and we walk down the library hall. What am I doing here? Meet your friends. Well, where are they? They appear to be a little late, but they will be with you shortly. This is our history room your friends shall join you shortly. “Good day” Mr. Memo says as he walks out the door and closes it shut. Two floors in the room and no desks down here may be they are some upstairs. I walk up the spiraling stair case and get to the top. All they is a desk, chair, and a bunch of books stacked on shelves. Newspapers on the shelf might as well pick one up as I wait. I pick one up it disintegrates in my hand. I try to pick one and it disintegrates. Is anything in this library new? I pick a peace of paper up from the floor and the date on it is 01/05/94. Is anything in this library new? Why is this 12 years old? Why is everything twelve years old? What happened twelve years ago?

I hear the door open and it’s slam shut. “Hello anyone there” I shout, no reply. I look down, and I see a tall Blackman in a leather jacket all dressed in black from top to bottom. A gold ring on his index finger and a silver chain round his neck.  He looks up and stares at me. Something about his eyes scares me and is familiar. He continues to stare at me and says “James come on down here”. Are you taking to me? “Who do you think I am taking to, the damn stair case.” I am Goodman. “Boy quit playing and get down here.” “Come on down here” he shouts. This guy sounds crazy but looks sane. What should I do? He is still staring at me and his eyes are turning red and his face is filling up with fury and rage. What is this man’s problem? Listen I am not sure what you want from me, but I do not want any trouble. “Trouble you do not have to want it.” “I will bring it to you for free.” He starts to walk towards the stairs and starts to come up. My heart is pumping, and I fear what he want might too do to me. I look around for something to defend myself with. I could hear him getting closer and closer. Nothing to grab except, the chair. I hear him reach the top and turn around swing and hit nothing, but air no one was there. Where did he go? I put the chair down and try to relax. What just happened? Am I seeing things? The door opens again and I look down. Two beautiful women come in.  Probably a mother and daughter. The ladies look up and shout, James. The older lady lost her balance and almost fell to the floor, but the young girl catches her. I run down the stairs to try to help them. The lady who is on the floor looks at me, as if she wants to say something. The words could not come out. She starts to cry, as the younger girl tries to help her. What is wrong with her? The girl is focusing on her mother and can not answer me. Wait here while I go get help. I rush out the door and shout help, help! no one in sight. I run looking for someone to help then I see Mr. Memo. Mr. Memo help this lady just fainted, “where” he said in a calm manner. In the history room come quickly. Running towards the door as Mr. Memo follows while he is walking come on man a woman just fainted do not walk run. I head to the door and open it. The room is empty no one around. “Does not seem to be anyone here” Mr. Memo says. They were two ladies one fainted, and before that they was a man here who threatened me and he just disappeared. I do not think your friends are coming; you can leave anytime you fell like. Did you just here what I said? Did you here anything at all? Things like this happen all the time in this library they can be disturbing at first for anyone. What kind of place is this? Sir would you like me to escort you out. No need I am leaving. Walking out the door wondering what is going on in my head, and why I am seeing things? Outside of the library, I look at the library sign and wonder what is wrong with this damn place?

Where do I go know? I am lost and alone on this island. Why did the two women and man call me James. I thought I was Goodman.   Someone’s pulling my trouser. “Goodman do you remember me.” You are lost aren’t you? You sure you do not remember me. Yes am sure. That’s to bad. I am James. Hey James. Didn’t anyone tell you not to talk to strangers? You are no stranger. The boy sits next to me and whispers in my ear. I know what happened to you . A young boy. Mr. I am lost. Could you take me home? I think to myself “Like I do not have enough problems of my own.” I am lost too. I want to leave, but have no where to go. What’s your name? James. I am Goodman. Ok James where do you live. I live on Hope Island. O.K James, tell me where you live. I do not remember, may be I can stay with you for a while sir. Didn’t anyone tell you not to talk to strangers, but I know you, everyone knows you. How? I can not tell you, soon enough it will come to you. Listen James, I need you to do me a favor I asked as I staring into the boys eyes. Tell me what’s going on here and why everyone seems to know me and not tell me anything. Is it normal to see people disappear? Yes, it happens all the time, but they come back sooner or later. You always seem to come back. Well you and him any way. You mean I disappeared? Yes. Who is him? I can not tell you anymore. I have to go home now. Wait James you can not just tell me half the story and go away. You do not know where you are going. I remember now he says as he walks down the street. James I shout, and his pace quickens. James wait, I just want to talk. He disappears from my sight as he turns round the corner. I shout his name. Turning round the corner I saw him running like the wind down the alley. James wait, I start chase after him. This boy is fast and it is dark in the alley. He ignores me and runs out of the alley and turns left. I get out and turn left. I see him stop at a gate. He looks at me and waves telling me to come in.

I try to catch my breath, as I was walk up to the gate. I look at it and ask myself again why everything seems familiar. My hand starts to shiver as I open the gate. I walk towards the door. I hear a woman scream “Leave him alone he did not do anything” and the door shuts. What is going on? I run to the door and try to open it, but it’s locked. Banging and pushing hard on the door, but it would not open. Another scream but this one is a different it is from a younger girl she shouts mum. Panic hits me and I have to find a way inside. I see a window and look through; I can see James at the table staring directly at me with tears running down his face. James I am coming do not worry. Nothing on the poach to break the window with not even a chair. I will have to use my elbow. I face my back against the wall and raise my elbow to slam it into the window. It does not break, again I slam harder and harder it will not break. I am going to try to kick the window in. Just as I am about to put my foot through the window. James comes to the window and shouts forget it, Goodman it is ok. Just forget. James starts banging on the window shouting forget, its ok there’s more out their. A hand reaches out for James grabs him by the shoulder, and pulls him away. I look through the window and see James being dragged away. He shouts mum, mum help while being taken into a room. I hear his screams along with those of the two women. Oh no what is going on? I kick harder and harder on the window, but it’s not even show any sign of shattering. I try the door and it still will not open. All I hear are the screams of the women and James. What is happening to them?

I step back and start to kick on the door. My legs are giving out. “No, do not touch them do not touch them, leave them alone” the woman screams. I kick till, my legs give out. Suddenly the screams stop and the door opens. Sweat dripping down my face and trying to catch my breath. I hold my breath and run inside the house panting. James I said trying to shout and catch my breath at the same time. I saw two doors on the left James and the women must be one of these rooms. I open first door nothing, and the second door nothing. James! Where are you? I look around the room in the closet and under the bed where are they. James if you can hear me shout. Nothing not a sound in the room, I look for a window may be they run out there. The windows in both rooms are locked from the inside, so they could not have gone out through here. Where are they? Hands on my hand wondering. I can not even try to make sense of this. I give up this is all just insane. I go through the whole house and no sign of them. Parading up and down  the house like a mad man and find nothing. May be I am mad. What happened to James, his mother and sister? Are they alright? Who was that man? All these questions in my head, and no answers. I still do not know, who I am and why everyone seems to know me.

O.K think, think, think. What did James mean when he said him and why did he run away from me? I’ve got to find someone who can help me, police I have got to go to the police they could help find James and the women who where here. I run out the door and yell somebody help me. The next door neighbor opens his door and asks what’s the problem? James he has disappeared, and his mother ah ah ah the women who live here, they are gone. A man did something to them and disappeared with them. Didn’t you hear the screams? Goodman calm down. It happens all the time. What happens all the time? The parents, they fight all the time they scream, but eventually it goes away. You are crazy, you do nothing at all. You hear a kid is screaming and you do nothing. This is hope island things like this happen all the time. They may not always be good things, but they all happen. I got so angry at what this man said. I picked up a rock and I wanted to throw it, but something in me would not allow me to throw it. The man saw me with the rock in my hand and run inside. I put the rock down and started to walk away.

Where do I go now? Thinking about the last thing James said “forget”. What did that mean? Forget, what was he trying to say? I have to find him and his mother. Where am I? The sound of a police siren behind me. “Goodman”, that seems to be my name. Sir you are going to have to come with me. Why? What did I do? You threatened Mr. Gazinsky. Now do not make sudden movements just put your hands on your head and get down on the ground. Then I thought to my self what else have can go wrong today? Staring at the police officer and his hand on the holster. I do not want any trouble enough has happened for me today. My knees hit the cold hard ground and my arms go behind my head. The officer comes and grabs my hand puts it behind my back and cuffs go one hand and then another. He lifts me up by the shoulder with force and it hurts, but I am not going to complain. He puts me in the police car. I can hear the policeman’s radio in the car with the operator talking.

The policeman sits in the car as I stare straight ahead and wonder why these things happen. Hello Mr. Goodman welcome back been along time. I have had that sentence so many times it just sickens me. No one wants to tell me who I am or what I am here for. I am tired the sun is setting. The thought of jail is bothers me a bit. I am Erwin by the way he says. Erwin starts the car and drives off. He’s talking but I am not listening I have nothing to say or hear for that matter. The things in my head are going crazy. People disappearing, Everybody saying they know me. I have got to get some answers soon. Out of all the people going to jail today its me. All I did was get bed this morning. May be I should have never woken up. Well we are here Mr. Goodman, Hope Island police station. Never thought I would find you hear, but it is better than Fate Island any day. We walk through the police station and no one is around. He takes me to his office, and puts me in the chair. I will be right with you. Looking at his desk no family photos or anything to show that this guy has a life. He comes back and sits in front of me, opens his desk and pulls out a file. Well now let’s see this is your file, ring ring the phone goes, hang on just a sec. Yes, why hello there sir how are you doing. Yes I have him here no I can not hand him over to you sir. You know the rules. I know who you are, but I do not make the rules. Well that will be settled between you and him. No he does not know anything yet. He will figure it out sooner or later. All right now goodbye. Well them boys really want you know don’t they. Who? Why am I even asking your not going to tell me anything are you? Well at least you have figured that part out. You know me right? Yes, he says as he leans back to light a cigar everyone does. Everyone knows. Then why won’t anyone help me. This is a journey that you have to go on your own. James, I think he is in trouble I heard him screaming and two other women in the house. Today in the library a tall African American man and a woman and her daughter came in and both disappeared. Just like that In front of your eyes. No, but one minute they were there and the next minute they were gone. Well about the boy forget about it he is long gone. What! Do not worry now that you are here he is fine. What do you mean how do you know all of this? Doesn’t anyone in this island care about anyone. Are you going to put me in the jail? Well sir, I do not honestly see how I could possibly do that. It’s not really up to me to decide. You are the only one who can put your self in there. I stare blankly at Erwin and he looks back at me like he is trying to tell me something. Your saying if I want to be free all I have to do so is just say so. No not really but if you give up you will be. You have to fight for your freedom, ironic isn’t it freedom is not free. It’s not this prison you should worry you, but fate island. They do not even need prisons on that island because it is a prison in itself. Dark, lonely and isolated. No people around there. That’s not a nice place to be as you already know. I do not remember anything. It will come to you he said as he walks behind me and removes the cuffs. It will come to you. The cuffs came off, and my hands are hurting. I turn around to say thank you, and like everyone else he’s gone to. All that was left was the smoke from his cigar floating around the room.

Sitting in the chair and still in awe at the number of times this happens. I wonder how long this is going to go on is everyone around going to disappear. I guess that makes you number six Mr. Erwin. Think I have got to find a place to think. I get up off the chair and begin to walk out, and I look at the sign that reads jail cells. The phone rings again, ring ring. Ring ring who are they calling for. Erwin just disappeared, something inside me tells me to pick this thing up. Hello, Goodman, yes it’s me. Who is this? Soon enough you will find out, and all your questions will be answered. Then that’s when we shall meet. Who are you and what do you want? Do you have James, if you do and you hurt him I will hurt you so bad you will wish you were dead. Dead, dead ha ha ha ha ha, If death was an option for you and me that would wonderful as long as James is alive we are alive. You and I, we have something special going on. We can never be separated we shall battle for ever. About James I would not worry about that. Well Mr. Goodman see you later. Wait, no tell me where James is tell me tell me where is he? The long sound of the beep came. When does this come to end people disappearing nothing is coming to my mind. Can’t find anyone who can tell me anything. Just bits and pieces around this is one puzzle that I do not think I will ever solve. Right now I have got to find James he is the only thing that matters. Where do I start looking. Nine O’clock I am tired I have no energy left in me. I need to lie down. May be I will sleep in one of the jail cells. I walked into where the cells where and remembered what Erwin said. I did not fell like sleeping there. They is a soft bench in Erwin’s office. I lay down and went to sleep.

The sunlight from the window hit my eyes. At least it is not dark anymore like in fate island. Have to look for James that’s all that matters. He knows something, but just will not tell me anything at all. I walk to the bathroom and wash my face. Mouthwash by the sink. I gurgle for a while as I wonder about James that poor boy what could be going through his head. I can only imagine the horror. I spit into the sink and take a glance in the mirror and James is standing behind me. I turn around and look and there he is. They is something in his eyes that’s different. James is that you. I move closer to James and he backs up and looks at me like with fear, and starts to back up. James, what has he done to you? The closer I move in the further he back he goes. James it’s me, Goodman your friend James I only want to help. James you need to trust me. James I can help you. He recognizes me, but for some reason over night he has come to fear me. Did someone tell him something about me? I am going to get you some help. I reach and grab his arm and hold it tight. My hand starting to feel like it is on fire, and the intensity increases. I let go to see my hand was burning and they was a imprint of my hand on his arm. James run away screaming . James wait please, I have to help you. James I scream out as he runs out the door. I have to chase him again. Out the door I go to find him looking left and right there he goes around the corner again. I run round the corner to see him entering a car. The cruises off and heads to Devils Island. The look he gives me as he goes away is filled with fear. James, James what happened to you? I will find out and help you.

If I have too I will walk up to Devils Island. I walk up to the bridge and the sign says devils island a hundred miles. A hundred miles if I walk it will take forever. I need to find someone to give me a ride to Devils Island. I run back to the only person that seems to be able to help me on this forsaken island Mr. Memo. I run to the library as fast as I can. Memo, Mr. Memo where are you? I search through the library opening door after shouting out his name, but no response from anywhere. Do not tell me he is gone to. I have not checked in the history room. I reach the history room and shout Mr. Memo. Yes, he says from up above the stair case. You do not know how glad I am to see you. I need to get to Devils Island immediately but I do not have a car and I need to get there really quickly. Great your cab is ready what how did you know that I would be here why I am Mr. Memo. I have to know these things other wise I would be out of a job. Now let’s go hurry we do not have much time. Memo and I are walking out of the library and notice the old painting on the wall. It looks clearer and parts of it where still covered in cobwebs. Something in the picture caught my eye and just could not make out why this picture looked so familiar to me. Mr. Memo who is this person in the covered picture is and why won’t you clean it up. The owner of the portrait told me not to clean it up until he comes back. Waiting for the day he comes back. How about the man in the rest of the pictures who is he. You will meet him on devils island he practically owns the place. Why does he have his pictures all over the wall? Most of the memories we have are of him. And the one in the corner we do not have so many memories he is gone, but not forget. Beep beep, that’s your cab sir now you be on your way and hurry up. If you come back from Devils Island I will tell you everything if you need to know. I get into the cab and we cruise off. It is the same cab driver. “Mr. Goodman how are you” he said with a huge smile on his face. I could not help, but wonder what Mr. Memo said “If you come back from Devils Island I will tell everything if you need to know.”

Something bad is going to happen on Devils Island, but that is where all the answers seem to be. James is there to I have no choice. We are approaching the bridge, and hundreds people where standing with signs with my name on it. Women cheering, children, and men all happy to see me. The crowd is shouting, screaming good luck. Whatever I am going to do, I know it can not be bad, but fear and uncertainty are all that I carry with me. I flash a fake smile on to give them hope. These people have given me hope. I can only return the favor. We drive through the crowd. Mr. Goodman I guess this is it. I would ask him what, but it would probably not get me any answers. Forgive me for asking, but are you afraid. Afraid of what? The cab driver looks at me with a stare of disappointment through his rear view mirror. Do not worry sir everything will be fine. You are not going to tell me anything at all are you? Can’t sir this is something you have to do by your self. Same words that James said, I hope that kid is alright. Hold on James I am on my way. Crusing through the bridge took us a short while.

A sign that Devils island with spray paint all over it. This looks the party town. As soon as we passed the sign I felt a burning sensation in on my hand. Like the one when I touched James. It slowly faded away as we got to the town. Hookers on the side of the road, drug dealers on the side of the street. Do not need to ask where this town got its name from. Now where do I start looking for someone like James in this town? Does not look like any good could happen to a kid like James. Why did James and I get burned when I touched him? Something really strange is going on here. The cabbie said Mr. Goodman where should I drop you off? At the police station do you know where that is I need to make a report? There is no police station on Devils Island. Why am I not surprised? O.K drop me off in front of that sky scraper. The cab driver gave me that look again. They is no real point in asking him why he is looking at me in that way. Just going to give me the same answer as everybody else. “It’s a journey you must face on your own” Why do I get the feeling like I am in some book?  The cabbie pulls over in front of the building as I am about to step out he says “Mr. Goodman, good luck”. Thanks hope to see you again. I step out and watch him go away once again. I turn round and everybody stares at me. Everyone is looking at me, by now I am used to the staring, but this time they are looking at me like they want to kill me. I stare back at them and wonder what is going to happen. People start to move about their business, but stay away from me as they move. What was that all about? O.K now where could James be. No picture to flash around of him. Someone comes up from behind and taps me. I turn round to see a beautiful woman. “James” she said. No I am Goodman. Sorry, you look so much like him.  She looks like the woman, I saw in the library earlier. I have not been in any library today. My name is Carla and I am looking for my brother James. He is such a sweet boy. How old is he last time I saw him he was about eleven. What happened to him? He ran away from home and got into drugs, sex and violence. I am looking for a boy called James too, but he does not seem like the one you are describing. I have a picture look at it. I stared at it and could not believe my eyes. It was James, but he was dressed differently. He looks so happy and he was with the woman I was talking to. Is this his mother, you recognize him. I saw this woman earlier in the library. Oh my God I am so happy where did you see him? I saw him on Hope Island. Is this his mother yes? I did not see his father in the picture and did not bother to ask about him. She looks so happy that she found someone who had seen James she said we have to go tell her mother. Follow me this way please I had no where else to go and she seemed like she needed me to help her. May be she could tell me about his friends and where or who would want to take him and why. Should I tell her about the men who take James away or should I wait? Forgive me for saying this, but you look so familiar in fact you look a lot like James. May be that’s why I thought you were him. I do not why because you are so much older than him. Hope can do strange things to a person. We can get a cab and get to my mothers. We stood on the sidewalk, trying to wave down a cab and the continuous stares from people went on. Do you have any idea why people are looking at me? You are just being paranoid no one is looking at you. Besides may be it’s the way you dress where are you from. I do not exactly know. Ahh we got a cab lets get in. We entered the cab and the cabbie gave me the same look that everyone on this island did. Then it came to me how come Carla does not know me. May be she does. How come you do not know me? Are you someone important? I do not know, but everyone else hear seems to know me. How come you don’t? I do not know I am just looking for my brother. She said as a tear went down her face. I am sorry I just can not stop crying, I hope he is alright. So what are you some kind of famous guy. What do you do? I think I am because everyone knows me. Look hey cabbie who I am I? Goodman he said while staring at me with fury. See, o.k. so your famous, how does that help. I am just wondering why you do not know me. I do not know all I am here to do is find my brother. O.k. lets find James. We arrive at her mother’s place it isn’t like the house where James disappeared. The streets different, but the house is the same. Is my mind playing tricks on me? Hold on let me pay the cabbie then we can go and see my mother. Follow me this way. She opens the gate and I walk in. Everything is the same like the house where James disappeared. Is the door not going to open again is this all going to happen again. I stay back to see if the door is going to open. She walks up the stairs and reaches the door and opens it. She turns around to see me stare blankly to her. This way you can come in you know. I walk up the door and look at the poach same window that I looked through and watched James disappear. I enter the house and Carla told me to have a sit. She goes into the kitchen. Everything looks the same, what is going on? The rooms are exactly the same as the other house. The paint tables and chairs all the same. The window will it break could not help, but wonder. I walk up to the window and get ready to kick it in. Then the lady comes out and says Hello there. I look back with my leg in the air. I must look like an idiot. Hello my name is Goodman. The woman is the same one who fainted at the library earlier today. Are you alright? I saw you at the library earlier today. Library I have never been to hope island. O.K. “My daughter tells me you know my son James” she says with her voice filled with excitment. Yes, we met yesterday he helped me around hope island. James my sweet baby where are you? She starts to sob on the table. I walk up to her and try to comfort her. Were going to find him. Look at me crying all over you I am sorry Mr. Goodman. She looks at me and says you know it might be that I miss James so much, but you look like my son.

Carla darling, Carla she calls out. No reply, I peep round the door and see no one their. I am thinking people are going to start disappearing again. Carla, where is she? Well I think she must be downstairs. I go down the stairs, calling out her name. Carla I check the first room nothing, second room nothing. She’s not here, and I hear a voice from behind Goodman. Carla you are here yes where else would I be. Nothing, your mother is calling you. She gives me an odd stare and walks up. I give out a breath of relief. I am getting tired of people just disappearing. These people seem so different for one thing they do not know me. They are the only ones who disappeared and have come back. I follow Carla up stairs; she is talking with her mother. Excuse me I think we should start to look for James. Yes, we should so where do we start? A knock on the door, Carla you expecting anyone the mother asks. No mum, you? No. Well go and see who it is Carla. Mr. Goodman, you have a sit. Carla goes to open the door as I sit to talk to her mother. Let’s wait for Carla to come back and then we shall talk. Now Mr. Goodman, tell me where and how you met James. As we begin to talk Carla comes in the room and says Goodman, this letter is addressed to you.

A sudden silence hits the room as we all stare at the envelope. Who knows I am here? I pick the letter from Carla and open it. The letter reads

Goodman I have all your answers if you want them come up to the devils tower everything you want to know will be answered. James will be here when you arrive. If he lives after this is entirely up to you.

An old friend

My hands shiver with the letter in it. What is it are you alright? “Carla says”. Its about James they have him. Who? Where? “Oh my baby, my sweet baby, no” the mother cries. The cry is similar to the one, I heard before at the old house, but that does not matter right now. Miss, I am going to find James and bring him back to you. Promise she says promise me. I promise. I will bring James back. Mum I am going with him; no you better stay with her. I will be back, Where is devils tower? It is the sky scraper downtown. How are you going to find him? I have to take you there. What about your mother? You go I will be fine just bring back my baby. Alright, lets go they is a car in the garage. We can take that one. Carla hugs her mother and says good bye. As I was walking out the door Carla’s mother gives me a hug. Bring him back please. I will I promise. I rush to the garage and get in the car with Carla. The engine goes on and she opens the garage and backs out of the drive way fast. Never thought you were the type. It’s my brother we are talking about. Silence in the car as we drive I look into her eyes and I see a glimmer of hope. Looks like after all this time her prayers will be answered and her family will be united. I can finally get some answers. We reach devils tower and park right in front of the building. We both walk in and a man comes up to me and says Mr. Goodman. Yes, that’s me follow me this way sir. We walk up to a private elevator and he hits the 13^th floor. Carla stands next to me and I can see the water in her eyes. To be honest I hope she finds James and may be I will get my answers later. The elevator is moving we are up to the 11^th, 12^th and then the bell rings 13^th floor. My heart skips a bit. As the door opens I see a big office in front of me and a view of all the surroundings islands. I walk out of the elevator and Carla holds my hand. Our footsteps hit the hard marble floor and make an echoing sound. We walk up and see no one around. Where are we? A man turns round from his Chair and says Hello. He gives me a devilish smile as he stares at me. Are you the one who wrote the letter?  Wait you are the man I saw in the library earlier.Yes that’s me. Where is James? Carla screams as soon as she sees his face. It is as if she knows the man. Carla what is wrong do you know him. Ha ha ha ha ha you still have not figured it out. The door behind opens and guards come up from behind. I try to hold Carla to protect her, but she disappears in my hands. I feel heat at the back of my head and I am getting closer and closer to the floor. I black out.

I am in a car with the wind hitting my face and the man staring at me. What do you want? Handcuffs on my hands. Where are you taking me? I am taking you where you belong and then I am going to get rid of you once and for all. We are Fate Island again. You recognize this place Goodman. Take a good look cause this is were you belong. I do not know what made you think you could come back and take over everything I have been here for twelve years. In one night you just think you can come and change everything. You have some nerve ever since the beginning. I do not know you alright!! Or you know me just do not remember. I do not know who I am. What did I do to you? The car stops and he walks round the car drags me out and kicks me to the floor. He points a gun at me. Goodbye, Goodman he says. He pulls the trigger. Blank, he pulls the trigger again; the gun would not go off, again, again and again. The gun would not go off. I see a kick come to my face. I close my eyes and wait; nothing happens opening my eyes everything is frozen still my hands are uncuffed. This guy is just standing there frozen nothing is moving. Then I see Mr. Memo. What’s going on? “Hello James,” he says, I am Goodman. Right and wrong you are. What? Well you are not really James and not really Goodman either. You are both. Could you just give me a straight answer what’s going on why am I here? You when James was born so where you and he. You are have been here since the beginning of time. I do not understand. You are good he is evil. Twelve years ago, he defeated you and you have not been around since. James is you. When you touched James and got burned that was him as a child. You are the grown up version of James. The good parts of James, but you have to defeat him to stay alive. A choice today needs to be made. If you lose stay here. When you touched James and got burned that was him as a child. You are the grown up version of James. The good parts of James, but you have to defeat him to stay alive. A choice today needs to be made. If you lose you go back. That is why everyone remembered you. You are in His mind you are is conscience. Think about it you wake up with no memory do not where you are and everyone knows you. Fate island is a place where people get lost, dreams and things we forget about. You where there and forgotten. Hope island a place of dreams but dreams where lost there too. Hope island came alive because you where around. Devils Island is where all the evil larks. Evil is all we have known for the past twelve years. I am Memo you memory library. James is you the last good thing in you. Your family misses you. The woman You saw earlier was your mother. The girl was your sister and the man was your father. You grow up in a violent home when you saw James disappear that was you trying to forget you past.  You see what you want to see.

It all comes back to me. My last memory the last good thing I did. The battle I lost as a child. Now I remember everything. O.K I remember. Memo said O.K everything unfreezes. I look at evil and say hi hows it been long time no see. You know damn damn it. Why do you always try the bad way. It’s a rhetorical question and a dumb one really. The fight begins we swing punches and kicks and at the end of it. I come on top. Evil is dead. Memo comes up from behind me and says he is not dead he is going to stay fate island. There he will lay until then this is your place now you can begin to do good and reconstruct everything in this life we have.

I stood up on the hill and saw the sky scraper on devils island crumble and all the buildings around it. Everyone who was there died. But they were just all the bad things I had thought of doing. The sky became blue again. I got into the car and drove out and saw a sign saying Good Island. It was empty then I turned into street. It was the same street where James, I grow up. I enter the house and saw my mother and sister standing outside waiting for me. I got out of the car and they came running to me and hugged me. This is the good side of me.