"Uh..." I turn towards Mr. Murphy before he completely disappears into his apartment. "Mr. Murphy?"

He backs out and looks over at me with a questioning expression. "Yes, lad?"

"Did you see anyone come down this hall only minutes ago?"

He paused in thought and scratched his face. "Ah yeah, that new bloke, the funny goth one," he said and then followed that with an odd expression directed towards me. "What's that?"

"Oh." I glanced at the papers than back at the middle-aged English man. "It's nothing. Well, thanks, Mr. Murphy, have a good day. Later." I gave him a quick wave and darted back into the apartment, closing the door soundly after me.

Felix certainly saved me the trouble.

Mabel mewed and rubbed against my leg. I glanced down at her and offered a weak smile. "I guess I better get to work on this essay, May."

---

It took me till 4:30ish to finish that essay. My mind wandered to Felix uncontrollably and I had difficulty concentrating. How did he know what apartment I lived in? Did he ask around? That's definitely creepy. Though, if he just happened to know, that would raise a red flag in my mind. I was grateful obviously but it still had me puzzled. I might have to consult Joanna again tomorrow when I stop by to type this essay up for Monday. I am also tempted to look up something else on her laptop.

My mother woke up around late noon. She had the last bagel and a cup of coffee before she sat down on the couch to watch her soaps. She just changed it to the Hallmark channel and was watching some drama-filled chick flick. I don't really see the appeal but females are strange creatures. Never the less, I sat next to her as I finished my essay and watch a few minutes of it. It doesn't hold my interest long though and I get up to wonder into the kitchen with her empty mug of coffee. I wash it and set it on the drying rack before opening the fridge to check the contents. Pretty slim pickings if I do say so myself and I do. It's been at least two weeks or so since the last time I went shopping for groceries. I best do it now before it gets too late, besides I'd rather not wait around till my mother starts balling her eyes out over this movie. I've been witness to that too many times before.

I dress simply in just jeans, t-shirt, hoodie, and my favorite pair of ratty converse sneakers. I tell my mother and bid her farewell and that I'll be back soon before I take some bills out of the collective money can a top the fridge. Once I'm all set, I leave with a kiss against her temple but she barely responds too focus on the film. I sigh and make my way out.