Books of the Dead Read Free Page A

with Mrs. Nigela’s death. A suspected murderer was arrested, but the man was never convicted due to lack of conclusive evidence. The ensuing events distressed Merly further and she decided to take up criminology and fight against the violence and misfortunes that falls on innocent lives. Merly and her family left their house and a whole lot of memories to enable her to pursue a career in criminology in Chicago.
    Moving into a new place and getting settled was hard for Merly. She tried to adapt to her new environment and people, but her past always came back to haunt her. At times, she wished that she had never gone on that vacation and blamed herself, and even cried at night at times. Taking up criminology at the university provided some consolation, but there was never a time when she did not think back about the events of that unfortunate day. She tried to figure out why somebody would kill an innocent old woman like Mrs. Nigela; there appeared to be no apparent reason.
    Merly found some comfort in her friend, Nora, who unlike her, took up criminology for the greater good.
    The incident of her neighbor, however, shook her so badly that she became extremely cautious thereafter. Since Merly began studying criminology, she swore every day to use her knowledge and expertise to catch criminals. She became more focused and determined to read “criminal minds,” and if possible, avenge the death of someone she dearly loved.
    The phone in Merly’s sweater buzzed loudly, which jolted her out of her thoughts. She had been thinking too much lately, she told herself, and sighed before taking the phone out only to see that it was Nora calling. She answered the phone to let her know that she was coming back shortly. However, Nora was excited on the other end of the line.
    “There is a huge parcel for you. It arrived shortly after I came in. I tried to call you, but it seems you never received it,” she said.
    “Mother must have sent it, look again,” Merly replied reluctantly.
    “No, you don’t understand. The packaging is old and unique. I can’t describe it to you. It cannot be from your mother. Can you come right now?” Nora asked in one single breath.
    What is it about the parcel that is so important ? Merly wondered. She then checked her cell phone to see that there were indeed several missed calls from her friend.
    Merly walked backed warily without thinking too much about the parcel or her friend, and decided to take the longer route while going back. As Merly passed one the university buildings, her eyes involuntarily went up and something made her stop. She thought she saw someone at one of the windows. Who would be up at the library at this hour ? She heard another buzz on her phone and she was on her way. Merly now quickened her steps; the temperature was dipping and she decided to head back to her dorm.
    Nora came rushing out when she heard those footsteps outside her door. “Merly, you must see the parcel. It’s huge and beautiful!” she exclaimed. Merly could not comprehend the reason behind Nora’s excitement. After all, it was merely a parcel. Nora dragged her friend in and showed her the reason behind her elation.
    Merly stood in front of the parcel and looked at it for some time. Nora was right, her mother or father would not have sent her the parcel. It was unlike any present she had ever received. The package was indeed huge, the size of a small table and wrapped in old brown leather. There were also some writings embossed in gold threads all over. Merly examined the parcel. It did not show the name of the sender, but it was addressed to her. Her parents or her relatives never sent her anything even closely resembling the wonder before her eyes at that moment.
    Puzzled, Merly wondered why someone would send her something like this. It was not like she received gifts every day, and it was neither Christmas nor her birthday.
    “Merly, just open it!” Nora implored.
    Merly still debated with herself,