Matthew Yun Year 12 Penrith High School Postal Address: 1/159 Brisbane Street St.

Marys Phone: 9833 0067 Requiem

I had never truly belonged there, but it had been my only home. It was ironic that even in its maligned state the one element from my childhood remained constant. A series of interlocking chains stretch ed across the hole once filled by two opulent double doors, meeting in a single padlock at the centre. Stepping forward, I gently brushed the ash off the metallic bolt. Once these cold, interlocking links kept out the ignoble and unworthy, the intertwining links forming a grotesque leer that deterred me from ever learning more of my childhood and who I was. They had claimed that it was to make me mind my own business. Yet the padlocks served to mock me and constantly remind me that I was never a true member of their family. I was never privy to their secrets the way a true son would be. We were always distanced by the chains. The padlock stands before me now, barring the entrance with a steely gaze. You never belonged then, it seemed to say, and you certainly never will. It pushes me back, but I hold fast, clutching the chains tightly in desperate defiance. Clink -clink, I hear the chains go, that ever familiar sound as they were strung together. Flashes of memory blur through my mind, their voices swirling around me. But why can t I go there? Theodore comes and goes through that room as he pleases! Petulant boy! This is our househol d, and you will only go where we see fit! A loud shattering noise snaps me from my torrent of thoughts. In my clenched hand I hold the rusted padlock, and with its death the voices around me d ie as well. The barrier is gone; I am free to explore. Inside, there is nothing, save for a charred desk. Absent-mindedly my fingers brushed along the tabletop to the side, sweeping aside year s worth of dust and grime before coming to a stop upon a small chest. Whatever colour it once had long faded with age, leaving a featureless shell save for a small padlock at the cusp, easily broken with a firm twist. My eyes widen; this chest was the very same that I had seen them long cherish and bestow with the utmost of care. The first object I could never touch. There must be something valuable in here; documents, secrets I was rightfully open to. Finally, I would know everything about them and myself. I could finally belong. Clasping the lock with one hand, I ready my fingers. A simple twist, it was all that was needed. A quick flick of my wrist. Just one... I can t do it. The chest falls to the ground with a dull clunk, rolling across the floor. My hands shaking, I slump to the ground, kicking the box and the cursed padlock away from me as far

away as I can with my feet. I remain where I am for a long time, my tears stained with the sooty air. (Words: 499)