Chapter 5: Awakened from the Nightmare

It was during the summer that I first learned from the news that the apartment building I lived in had long been purchased by a wealthy businessman

The persistent accidents involving the stubborn residents of the apartment building have led people to speculate about the hidden stories behind them. It is precisely for this reason that Xia Tian has been named for adoption by several orphanages, which also need to demonstrate effectiveness, leave a good impression on society, and require fame and social donations. Being at the center of the news vortex, Xia Tian perfectly meets their needs

The pupil of summer suddenly constricted, and with a swift motion, the window was flung open, and one jumped directly down.

Amidst the sound of drizzling rain, summer groggily opened its eyes, curled up in bed wrapped in a quilt. The fingers within the quilt moved slightly, and a gap was drawn in the curtains, allowing droplets of rain to enter the view. In the distance, faint neon lights flickered beneath the curtain of rain.

Yet on the ground lay two individuals, motionless, contorted in strange postures, allowing the rainwater to soak their garments. Gradually, several strands of bright red blood began to flow into the rainwater, washing the filthy street along with the raindrops.

Every summer, I pray for my parents to return safely, and this process is indeed heart-wrenching. Summer has expressed more than once the desire to move away from here. However, this only makes my parents feel more dejected, as they keep making promises, vowing to provide Summer with a good living environment. This also makes Summer feel somewhat sad. He does not want to be an ungrateful child; he understands why his parents are working so hard outside. Yet, life is just that difficult, and good things never come true as one wishes.

This is the second accidental death of a resident in this apartment building. It occurred merely 7 days after the first death incident

He only knew that on that rainy night, he lost many things. It was not just the loss of his parents

Hiss

"It's alright, child, it's really alright." The elderly woman, Ai Mei, who is over 70 years old, continuously reassured Xia Tian, her expression sorrowful yet determined to maintain her composure, which subtly moved the officer standing nearby

In the summer, I learned about that incident involving a young couple living in 303B, who encountered a robber during their return home and both tragically lost their lives

When Summer came to his senses, he found himself wrapped in a police coat, with a strange scent lingering in his nose, a peculiar smell characteristic of the elderly, difficult to describe. The sensation of a sweater brushed against Summer's face, making him aware that he was in Aimee's embrace

Xia Tian stood there in a daze, staring at the corpse before him. On this dark, rainy night, the street was deserted. The rain fell heavier and heavier, amidst the flashes of lightning and claps of thunder, a figure rushed into the curtain of rain and lifted Xia Tian's body...

Just two months ago, this wealthy businessman secured a plan to demolish this apartment building and repurpose the land. Most of the residents in the apartment have already moved away. The exact amount of compensation received is unknown. They simply left one by one

Next, the summer, in a daze, could hardly remember much anymore

"You must be joking with me..." Summer's small palm wiped his face, and the cold water stains made him even more awake. The lifeless body beneath his feet was that of his mother, who had gently caressed his face just a few hours earlier

The warm corpse on the ground has already lost the breath of life, its wide-open eyes seemingly still immersed in the final surprise before death, the long black hair floating in the pooled water, and the once warm body gradually grew cold

Ah!

And not leaving, it should be the outcome for the summer family

In the summer, wrapped in a quilt, I lay on the windowsill, gazing through the blurred window at the desolation and bleakness outside. Is this really New York City?

In the summer, I lifted my head and saw Aimee's face, which resembled that of a withered person. Her palms were shriveled, with little flesh, and the knuckles of her fingers were prominent and rough, constantly caressing the hair of summer.

In the summer, the family, like Aimee, was among the last group of residents to hold out. Aimee has aged; she has lived here for over 30 years and is unwilling to leave her home. However, it remains unknown why Summer's parents chose not to leave.

"When will I be able to grow up, how much longer must I endure such days?" Summer murmured, at the age of 5, despite demonstrating a special talent, he remained an immature child in front of his parents

Summer still wanted to say something, but a large hand suddenly covered her head, vigorously rubbing it. The action seemed to exhaust the last bit of strength of the man. His pitch-black eyes slowly lost their luster, and the rough hand slid off Summer's head, crashing heavily onto the cold ground, splashing a puddle of rainwater.

With a muffled thud, even through the patter of the rain, it caught Xia Tian's attention. Xia Tian hurriedly looked down and saw a black luxury SUV speeding away, its wheels splashing the water droplets accumulated on the ground, scattering them to the sides, and quickly disappearing into the curtain of rain

One family was killed in a robbery, while another was involved in a traffic accident. These two seemingly unrelated events were scrutinized by the media, which discerned a connection. The root of it all lies in this dilapidated apartment.

The torrential rain cannot wash away the sins of Hell's Kitchen, yet it can cleanse the traces left by the accident. The streets, stained with blood, are continuously being washed. Summer witnessed his parents being placed on a hospital bed, covered with a white cloth, and being pushed away in the distance

It is unclear how much time has passed when the sound of sirens pierces the night sky, and the red and blue lights illuminate the dark alleys. In the dilapidated apartment, the few remaining residents peer down, their faces reflecting not only shock but also a hint of something else. The people in the various rooms of the apartment exchange glances, most of them sensing a sense of crisis in each other's eyes

The height of the two-story building is not considered too high, and combined with Xia Tian's stumbling ability, it allowed for a safe landing. However, the sheet wrapped around him was already soaked in rainwater and stained with some mud

It can be seen from several news reports that it is likely the unreasonable compensation that has caused the Xia family to remain here. Those residents who have moved out of the apartments must have received only symbolic compensation and left under various threats.

Compared to the images portrayed in newspapers and on television, this place is truly a living hell. Dark, damp, dirty, and chaotic. The public security here is also very poor; the gangs of Manhattan are notorious in any world. In addition to those gang members, there are also many thieves, robbers, and petty criminals here

Even though it has been three months since moving into this apartment, Xia Tian still refuses to acknowledge this fact. In Xia Tian's impression, New York is so prosperous and lively, with its towering buildings, neon-lit streets, upscale shopping centers, and enchanting Times Square

Otherwise, during the 1990s, a time when racial discrimination was very severe, few would care about an orphan with yellow skin

The faint voice by the child's ear suddenly startled Xia Tian awake, and he hurriedly climbed to his father's side, "You used it again... Remember to hide it well... Take good care of yourself..."

Summer suddenly gasped for breath, having forgotten to breathe from the beginning to the end. His body instinctively reminded him of the sensation of suffocation, and Summer softly knelt down, his mind blank.

Just three days later, Xia Tian was sent to an orphanage. This was largely due to the media's sensational coverage of the death case, which drew public attention.