Silence by A.

 - So, she hadn’t said a word since?

-        No, I don’t remember her speaking since that horrible night. Sometimes I even wonder if maybe she just doesn’t want to. I don’t think she has even attempted to. You know, it’s such a strange feeling… I’ve been with her my entire life, since I was drawing dragons on paper and trying to solve ordinary riddles, like the one about what goes on two legs at noon…

-        Are there any medical conclusions about her state? From a psychiatrist or a psychologist?

-        I’m sorry, Officer, but isn’t that within your sphere of responsibility? – The man’s face suddenly frowned, as if he had seen thousands of public servants of all kinds and couldn’t stand one more who was too lazy to check basic information sources like news outlets.

-        We are trying to double-check all the statements, especially those made during the initial investigation. I can only imagine how shocked you must have been when it happened. Maybe some other details have resurfaced since then?

-        No, if they had, I would have called you… I’ve seen that night and the months before it in my nightmares, but I can’t actually remember it. It’s just all black.

-        Thanks for your observations anyway. I just hope your mother stays in good health and that someday she will be able to speak again.

-        I hope so too, but… – A long silence filled the room. It was the kind of expression Sasha had seen at funerals, when the person in the coffin can no longer be saved.

She and Andrij sat in the car.

-        So, what did the psychiatrist say? Anything new? Any reasons or predictions as to why she stabbed him 10 times?

-        Mental disorder. She is likely just in shock, or something is still frightening her, so she’s holding her tongue.

-        Well, at least she is not in prison. The only people seeing her are her son and a bunch of curious medical students the doctors show her to.

-        Don’t you think this psych hospital needs a renovation? Could it be someone from there that she’s afraid of?

-        I don’t know, but probably not. It’s her third hospital so far, all with different staff.

They drove up to a small house that looked neglected, but light was pouring out of the windows.

-        We are staying here for the night. You can sleep in the room on the right, and there is a new toothbrush somewhere in the bathroom. A dog was jumping around Sasha’s legs, unable to stop wagging its tail.

-        My dear, I was waiting for you. Come inside.

Dinner passed in a cheerful atmosphere. Sometimes Sasha caught her mother’s eyes, which seemed to ask whether this guy is married but she ignored them. Her phone went off. She quickly left the room.

-        Can I bother my police officer? – a woman’s giggling voice asked on the other end.

-        I’m sorry, I’m not at home today…

-        Yeah, you’d better be. But I’m not calling to check up on you. Could you please check Mrs. Kateryna’s house for drugs? I’ve been looking at her husband’s buddy all day, just like you asked, and something feels off. This type of death could only happen to someone using too many pills for some reason… Why did she bother to stab him if he was already dead?

-        Well, she is mad, or something like that…

-        Yeah, except she was the best mother and wife, and she always seemed to know what was happening and helped us.

-        Okay, I will look through the second floor once more.

-        Thanks, honey.

Sasha decided to begin with the bedroom of the once happily married couple. Nothing looked as if it were hiding anything. She decided to sit on the bed and noticed that the mattress was higher on the side she was sitting on.

There was a notebook.

PASHA DIDN’T WANT TO… It was covered in blood and tears. Suddenly, Sasha knew why her son had forgotten everything. How, for God’s sake, had Andrij missed this diary?