A curious obsession

Liam leads me briskly through the familiar halls of the university, each step reverberating with purpose. As we reach the school’s bustling parking lot, he gestures toward a sporty blue Cadillac. Without hesitation, I make my way to the passenger door, fingers grazing the cool metal as I attempt to open it. Suddenly, a blaring alarm pierces the air, shattering the surrounding quiet.

I recoil, heart pounding, shock coursing through me. “What the heck!” I exclaim, my pulse still racing from the sudden burst of sound.

Liam, on the opposite side of the car, bursts into laughter. “That’s not my car. Come over here,” he calls, a playful grin dancing on his lips.

Cautiously, I circle the vehicle, curiosity mingling with a newfound wariness. What is this guy up to? As I round the car, it becomes abundantly clear that Liam’s mode of transport is no ordinary car. He hands me a gleaming helmet, its surface cool and smooth against my skin. Before me stands a top-of-the-line Harley-Davidson bike, a sleek beast of chrome and leather.

“Wicked!” I marvel, my eyes widening in disbelief. “Is that yours?”

“Do I look like I drive a Cadillac?” He grins.

I chuckle. “Right… you match with this bike perfectly. I’ve never hopped on a bike before… so take it easy on the road, okay? No daredevil ish tricks.”

Liam’s eyes soften with reassurance. “Don’t worry… you’re safe with me.”

His words wash over me like a soothing balm. I gingerly don the helmet, its weight unfamiliar but oddly comforting. With a steadying breath, I climb onto the bike behind him, securing my grip on the sturdy handles.

The engine roars to life, a powerful thrum that rolls through my body. My excitement bubbles up, a vibrant energy tingling in the soles of my feet. As we pull away from the confines of Columbia University’s parking lot, the world around us unfurls into the streets of Manhattan, a vibrant tapestry of sights and sounds. The rush of wind against my face, the city’s heartbeat pounding in my ears. It’s an exhilarating dance through the urban sprawl. I cling to Liam, placing my trust in the stranger before me, eager to discover where this— whatever this is— may lead.

As we turn towards a ramp leading down into the basement of a towering building nestled within the heart of Hell’s Kitchen, my eyes keenly absorb the scene before me. The parking area is a display of opulence, a gallery of vehicles that span the spectrum from sleek sedans to roaring sports cars and robust SUVs. Their brands and make speak of a wealth beyond my usual encounters.

Even the floor beneath my feet deviates from the typical concrete pavement, exuding an air of exclusivity and luxury that I’m unaccustomed to. I can’t help but wonder if this entire building is occupied by a select few or if it’s divvied up among multiple occupants. The atmosphere here is certainly high-nosed, and it leaves me suspecting that Liam is anything but an ordinary guy. Still, I choose to keep my thoughts to myself.

Liam deftly guides the bike into a designated slot bearing his name—L. Blackthorn. A conveniently placed elevator door awaits us, poised beside his parking space.

“We’re here,” Liam announces as he gracefully dismounts, extending a hand to assist me.

“Nice place you have,” I offer with genuine admiration as I return him the helmet.

“Thanks,” he replies, his words measured, before peeling off his gloves. “This way...”

Approaching the wall adjacent to the lift, he presses his right palm onto a sleek, dark glass pad. The door soundlessly slides open, and he graciously gestures for me to enter first.

Inside the lift, I find myself momentarily disoriented. There are no familiar buttons to press, and yet a female voice emanates from an unseen source.

“Hello, Liam. Where to?” the voice inquires.

I glance around, searching for a speaker, but find none.

“Hi, Chelsea. Home, please...” Liam’s response is calm and assured.

The lift springs to life with a gentle hum. Despite the rapid ascent, there’s an absence of the expected vertigo or stomach-flipping sensation that accompanies high-speed elevators or roller coasters. This lift offers a seamless ride.

“What happens if the power goes down and you’re trapped in here?” I ask.

“That won’t happen,” he says. “They equipped this place with a backup power source that could last for weeks. They designed the entire building with intelligent features. You’d think it’s alive.”

In what feels like mere moments, the doors glide open once more.

“You’re home, Liam,” the voice chimes in.

“Thank you, Chelsea,” Liam acknowledges with a nod, signaling for me to step ahead. “After you, Liv...”

I step out, my breath catching in my throat at the sight that unfolds before me. The living room is a grand expanse, adorned with floor-to-ceiling glass windows that offer a breathtaking panoramic view of the cityscape beyond.

“Wow... impressive digs,” I can’t help but exclaim, my voice filled with awe. “You must be filthy rich to live in a place like this, huh?”

He shrugs and scampers into the kitchen. “It’s just a house. Make yourself comfortable. I’ll just make us some sandwiches or something.”

“Sure…” I mutter, letting my eyes wander around the room.

Just a house?

The apartment is a testament to modern design and high technology, a seamless blend of luxury and functionality. The furnishings are elegantly minimalistic, their sleek lines complementing the expansive space. Smart home features seamlessly integrate into the environment, controlling lighting, temperature, and even the breathtaking views visible through the expansive windows. The decor exudes sophistication, with carefully curated art pieces adorning the walls, and every detail seems to have been meticulously considered.

“You live alone?” I ask, not sure if I really wanted to know.

“Yup… my family’s in Chicago. You?”

“Hartford,” I say, suddenly missing my mom. “Don’t you miss them?”

“Sometimes… you?”

“I miss my mom and my sister.”

“Are you going to see them during school break?”

“Depends if I die,” I chuckle. “And perhaps see them again in the afterlife…”

“I’m sorry…”

“It’s okay… it’s been three years… grief has a way of healing itself, like a scab on a wound.”

He changes the topic. “I made us pastrami sandwiches while we go over the book. Come on… the study is right this way…” He cocks his head toward a cozy nook, partly hidden by a tall shelf of books mixed with a decor of potted plants and colorful ceramic jars.

“Sounds good… it’s nice to deviate from my usual pizza once in a while,” I say as I follow after him. “So, if you’re not actually in Professor O’Leary’s class, what’s your interest in mythical beasts, if I may ask?”

“As I’ve said, it’s personal…” he shrugs and takes a bite off his sandwich.

“Personal… like how? Why?”

“It’s just an obsession. Hey… why don’t you start browsing through some books in my collection and start working on your essay?” He jerked his chin toward the shelf. “You may want to compare the dragon myths of various cultures, and question the theory that these myths stemmed from humanity’s universal fear of large predators like pythons, birds of prey, and elephants… I think that’s malarkey. What do you think?”

He’s got a smooth way of veering away from a question he chooses not to answer. His guards are up, but what exactly is he guarding? I’m saving my inquiry for another time.

I can’t help but marvel at the life Liam leads, the opulence that surrounds him, and the air of mystery that shrouds his existence. This is a world far removed from my own, and I can’t shake the feeling that stepping through that elevator door has catapulted me into an entirely different realm.