house of horrors

Investigations — Absence of Motive, the Mystery of Events, and the Horror of Consequences

The police car stopped in front of the station. The officer stepped out first and entered the building, where he was greeted in the corridor by the police clerk.

Officer, walking briskly: Nasser has been taken to the detention room. Take the statements of Malek and Sofia.

Police Clerk: Understood, sir.

Nasser was escorted from the police car by two officers. His hands were cuffed, and his wide, bloodshot eyes remained fixed on the floor.

Malek and Sofia arrived in a separate police car accompanied by a police officer, who escorted them inside the station.

Another police officer met them in the corridor.

Police Officer: We’ll take your statements, and then you may leave.

The police officer looked calmly at Malek.

Police Officer: What did you see, Malek? And in your opinion, what could have been your father’s motive for killing your mother?

Malek, broken and avoiding eye contact: I was in my room when I heard my mother screaming. I rushed to the kitchen to see what was happening. I found her lying on the floor, dead. My father was holding the knife, and Sofia was sitting beside her, crying.

Police Officer, thoughtfully: There must have been some motive. Do you suspect any reason behind what he did?

Malek: I don’t... I don’t know. That’s all I saw.

The police assistant handed Malek a sheet of paper and a pen.

Police Assistant: Sign here, Malek.

Malek silently signed his statement.

The police officer turned toward Sofia.

Police Officer: Tell me, Sofia... what exactly did you see?

Sofia, her voice trembling as tears streamed down her face: I was in my room. My mother was preparing dinner in the kitchen, and my father was in the living room watching television. Before I went back to my room, he asked me to bring him a glass of water because he had a severe headache.

Suddenly, I heard my mother screaming loudly.

I ran to the kitchen and saw her lying on the floor, struggling to breathe. She raised her hands toward me as if she were asking for help. Her clothes were soaked in blood, and my father was standing beside her, holding a large knife.

I sat beside her, but I couldn’t do anything... She died staring at the ceiling.

Police Officer, the investigator: Were there any arguments or conflicts between them before the incident? Did you notice any tension between them?

Sofia: No... quite the opposite. They always treated each other with respect. There were never any disputes or fights between them.

The police officer handed her the statement.

Police Officer: Sign your statement, Sofia.

Sofia silently signed the document as tears fell onto the paper.

Police Officer, calmly: Thank you, Sofia. And thank you, Malek. You may leave now.

Inside the Courtroom — Reality and Truth, Secrets and Emotions — The Verdict

Nasser stood inside the defendant’s cage in the courtroom, while his children, Malek and Sofia, sat among the audience. Their aunt, Amal, was seated beside them.

Journalists and members of the media were also present.

Everyone waited anxiously for the judge to enter.

The court usher entered first and called out loudly:

Court Usher: Court!

Everyone turned toward the sound of his voice.

The judge entered with dignity and authority, and everyone stood in respect.

Judge: Be seated.

Everyone took their seats, and an atmosphere of tension and anticipation settled over the courtroom.

The judge opened the case file, removed a sheet of paper, and began reading the verdict aloud.

Judge: In light of the actions of the defendant, Nasser FelisHakimi Bradley, who brutally murdered his wife without the slightest regard for her humanity or his own life, the defendant stripped himself of mercy and humanity and became like a savage beast devouring its prey without restraint, as though we were in the heart of a dark jungle surrounded by wild predators.

He murdered his wife before the eyes of their children, without any apparent motive and without her having committed any wrongdoing that could justify such an act. He also refused to reveal any reason, if one existed, that drove him to commit this heinous crime.

He murdered the woman who had stood beside him throughout her life, endured countless hardships to keep their children safe, played a major role in building his wealth, raising their children, protecting their family, and preserving its honor.

In light of all the foregoing, and after consulting the Grand Mufti, the court sentences the defendant, Nasser FelisHakimi Bradley, to death by hanging.

Court Usher, loudly: The court is adjourned.

The judge rose and left the courtroom, heading toward his chambers.

Malek continued staring at Nasser, his eyes filled with tears that had yet to fall.

Nasser remained with his head lowered inside the defendant’s cage.

Inside Malek, silent words screamed louder than any voice:

Why did you do all this, Father? We did not deserve what you did to us. You killed my mother, and now you will die too. We have been condemned to live without a mother or a father. Have you lost your mind, or were you hiding a secret that no one but you knew?

A tear rolled down Malek’s cheek.

Sofia and Amal were crying, holding each other tightly.

Flash!

Camera flashes continued to illuminate Nasser without stopping.

Everyone was taking photographs of the man, while every journalist was eager to be the first to break the story.

Amal took Malek and Sofia out of the courtroom.

They walked quickly, trying to escape the relentless camera flashes.

Journalists surrounded them from every direction, desperately seeking a statement that could become an exclusive story.

But no one from Nasser’s family said a single word.

They quickly got into the car, trying to escape the intrusive cameras.

Aunt Amal — Grief, Pain, Healing, and Instilling Hope in the Children

Amal drove the car while Malek and Sofia remained silent.

Amal: I know what happened is difficult for both of you... and especially for you, Malek. Losing both parents is a devastating blow for anyone, but you must understand that you are no longer children. Life does not stop, and we must move beyond this crisis.

I lost my own parents too... and today, I am saying goodbye to Nasser.

But this is God’s will.

A strong person is someone who overcomes crises without allowing them to break him, someone who rises again without letting his falls prevent him from moving forward.

We must never allow anything to stop us.

Always think about the future, especially you, Malek.

And of course, I will always be here for both of you.

From today onward, you will come and live with me in my apartment.

Malek silently nodded in agreement.

Tears rolled down his face, his features weighed down by grief.

Sofia remained silent as well, sadness etched across her face as tears slipped quietly from her eyes.