IMMORTAL HEART
immortal heart [1.1]
When I first laid eyes on you, I did not know at that time... that the word forever could be so fragile and fleeting.
that day I lost someone important to me.
There are many metaphors about life, but I paid them no need.
I was young. I was invincible. I could do anything.
then suddenly that metaphor came crushing down like a billboard.
life was a soap bubble. It takes only a single breath for it to burst.
Rose
How do you like it? I got a half price back at the convenience store.
Rose
I guess part-time jobs have their perks.
Rose
what's wrong? you've barely touched your food.
Rose
I thought lasagna was your favorite?
Rose
sorry... I could only afford the ones you could reheat at the stove...
Ray (15 years old)
lasagna's your favorite too.
Rose
I know. like I said, pretty lucky-
Ray (15 years old)
your portions much smaller than mine, big sis.
Rose
Hm... I'm not really hungry.
Ray (15 years old)
that's a lie. You've been working extra hours with just a sandwich in your bag.
Rose
it's fine. I promise. Besides, you're a growing boy.
Ray (15 years old)
...I wish I could work too.
I reach out and ruffle my beloved little brother's hair playfully.
Rose
you're going to rest up, get better, and then I'm going to have you working eight to five and still have time to give me a massage.
Ray (15 years old)
will I even get better?
Ray (15 years old)
I'm always sick...
Rose
I'm sure you will someday.
Ray (15 years old)
but when will that happen? I want to help you too. I'm useless.
Rose
Don't you go emo on me, kid. You're not useless... You're brilliant!
Rose
look at those little gadgets you tinker with. I could never do that!
Rose
I bet you'll make a good engineer or inventor someday.
Ray (15 years old)
someday...
Rose
Don't worry about it! The way you are now is enough to make me happy.
Rose
Now eat that lasagna before it gets cold.
Ray broods for a bit and spoons the pasta into his mouth. in just a few bites, it has already disappeared.
Rose
(don't worry mom and dad... I'll take care of him. please, watch over us.
Rose
Ray, wake up! You have class today!
I look in the kitchen, but Ray isn't there, the bathroom is also empty.
Rose
Ray, this isn't funny! You'll be late!
My heart is pounding,I rushed Into his bedroom and I can't see anyone.
I rush out of the door, ignoring the hot and sharp pavement hurting my bare feet.
The cold air touches my cheeks and makes the tears feel like ice.
that day, my only brother disappeared without a trace.
Immortal heart [1.2]
Charlotte
thank God for weekends!
Rose
you must have it rough.
Charlotte
oh, darling. Don't get me started.
Charlotte
I swear, my boss is definitely looking at my rear end. Maybe I should try wearing trousers!
Rose
why don't you? times have changed.
Rose
we can't just stick to wearing skirts and dresses forever.
Charlotte
time's have changed...huh?
Charlotte
I don't know if that's a good thing or a bad thing.
Charlotte
there are rumors, you know... that there are people out there that aren't up to any good. You know what I mean?
Rose
I've heard that too. You know what they say... changed can be either good or bad.
Charlotte
there are two sides of everything.
Charlotte
well I say it's always if changed is on positive side.
Rose
Good riddance for any signs of bad news!
Rose
I guess the only thing we can be thankful for that is our home is a fairly peaceful place.
Charlotte
oh, but there are also scary things that happen in this parts.
Charlotte
haven't you heard? There's been a string of kidnappings lately.
Charlotte
people have been disappearing. all low-profile people. No one particularly wealthy.
Charlotte
The scaryis that there isn't even any ransom note... as if they don't plan on bringing those people back.
Charlotte
I never got the opportunity to meet him. He seemed like a sweet kid.
Charlotte
I mean... I guess he's still the same kid he used to be.
Charlotte
Rose, I don't really want to be that person but...
Rose
My brother is still out there somewhere.
Rose
please don't say otherwise.
Charlotte
I know...but you've been searching for a long time...
Rose
And I'm. it going to stop.
Charlotte
... Okay. If that's your decision, I'll support you.
Charlotte
still... I can't believe that it's been two years after your brother disappeared ...
Charlotte
At least we don't have to worry the kidnapping part... the victims are only women anyway.
Rose
only women... what kind of sick perverts are they?
Charlotte
I know right? I-
Our conversation is interrupted by women clamoring outside the dinner.
Across the street, the women were flocking outside the store.
Charlotte
Ahh... I guess Nosferatu is having a bargain sale.
Charlotte
Come on, girl? Don't tell you don't know??
Charlotte
Geez... young women our age should be paying attention to things like this! listen up.
Charlotte
Nosferatu is a rising pharmaceutical company that also sell cosmetics.
Charlotte
it's a big hit with women. Their beauty products are catered even for the low-income classes so it's really popular.
Rose
Hmm... beauty products huh?
Charlotte
Apparently, the president of that company is a woman.
Rose
oh? that's pretty interesting.
Charlotte
she must have a lot of connections to be able to run and operate a large business.
Charlotte
Do you think she inherited it? why do some people have so much luck?
Rose
(I like to think that she was able to rise up for herself against all those men.)
Immortal heart [1.3]
Edgar
Rose, give me another beer.
Rose
No can do, Edgar. That was your last one.
Rose
Do you want me to tell the missus you went back on your promise?
Rose
your liver's gonna take back a beating.
Edgar
sheesh! now you sound like her!
Edgar
Fine, fine. Just a glass of water then.
I grin at the middle-aged costumer on the other side of my bar.
Rose
(I've known Edgar since I started working here. He's like an uncle to me.)
Steve
Rose! a beer for me please!
Edgar
you're such a hard worker. You should take a break every now and then.
Rose
Im fine. I need to save up so I can welcome my brother properly when he comes back.
Edgar
you're brother, huh...?
Edgar
Girlie, do you even have any clues as to where he is?
Edgar
what does the law have to say about it?
Rose
they've given up on him. I can tell. I'm the only one who hasn't...
Rose
Right now, I have no leads. But Im not going to give up.
Edgar
so there's no talking you out of it, huh...?
Edgar
uhh... listen. Can you come closer?
Edgar has lowered his voice and beckons me for whisper.
Edgar
Actually, there might be some who can help you.
Edgar
yeah. but the thing is... he's kind of shady guy. Even so, are you still okay with it?
Rose
I know you would never recommend someone who would harm me, Edgar.
Edgar
you have too much faith in me, girlie. I used to live a dishonest life, you know.
Rose
But you've changed, right? I trust you.
Edgar
...fine.i want you to go to this place and ask the bartender with the Beard about the guy named Vis.
Edgar
Tell him I sent you.
Edgar
That's the name of the underground informant. No one knows if it's actually his real name, though.
Rose
(an underground informant...)
Rose
if you knew where he is, you could just take me.
Rose
oh. you don't want to go back to that world anymore, right?
Edgar
Well, there's that... I mean, wifey will kill me.
Edgar
But also... I don't really want to deal with vis again.
Edgar
well... let's just say he has rather unlikeable personality.
Rose
(I wonder what kind of guy this Vis person is...)
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