Both of them stared blankly at the fountain. None of them spoke since the incident happened nor did they want to engage in a conversation until she decided to break the silence
"I'm feeling better now?" I said to reassure him.
He then turned towards me "Well, I'm glad you're okay now, but what was that all about?"
"I'm not sure either, I don't know why, but I keep seeing things that I couldn't explain either way, and it always haunts me," I answered. "Just like now I thought I saw someone, but I guess not."
And then he replied "You know I have a friend of mine who's a psychiatrist maybe I could get hold of him for you" he suggested
"What?" I gasped, stunned. "I’m not crazy you know!"
"There are a lot of psychological causes behind hallucination, including mental health conditions or..."
"Stop right there, I don't need medical advice from someone I barely know, I said firmly. "I appreciate what you did for me back there, but you don’t understand what I’m going through."
"Okay, I get it." As he chuckled softly "But do you remember when it all started? When did you begin seeing these things?"
Out of nowhere I just told him everything.
"It happened when my friend died," I began. "She told me to meet her that day. I was already on my way, but something didn’t feel right. And then I saw her. She fell from the rooftop right in front of me. I couldn’t move. I couldn’t even scream, I just froze. And just before I passed out, I saw someone standing on top of the building. I couldn’t see their face since it was too high, and everything went black. Next thing I knew, I was in the school clinic. The school nurse said someone found me unconscious outside."
Tears began to fall as I spoke, my voice shaking with each word.
"I thought maybe I was just tired, overwhelmed with stress. That’s what the nurse told me. But the next morning, one of our teachers made an announcement."
He leaned in slightly. "What did they say?"
"she was found murdered. At first, I couldn't even believe what I'd just heard. It was as if I predicted her death." That’s when I knew she was calling for me." As I let everything out of my chest.
He sat in silence for a moment before responding.
"I'm so sorry," he said gently. "making you remember all of that. It was truly not my intention. I should have just kept my thoughts to myself."
"It’s fine," I said, wiping my eyes. "I needed someone to listen."
"And I’m glad I could be that person. Just promise me something. If things ever feel too heavy, reach out to someone. Some people care and want to help."
"I'm not sure anymore. Nobody is there by my side. And now, even my friend is not here anymore"
Ever since Camelia's death, I've started to drift apart and distance myself from everyone. I never wish to be attached to someone once more.
"Well," he said, trying to lift the mood, "you've got to share what’s weighing on you. Now it’s my turn, so you don’t feel like you're the only one with baggage," he said enthusiastically.
"No, thanks I'm not interested"
"It was during my childhood...wait whaaaattt!!! You're so rude, I was listening to you're struggles, and you don't even wanna hear what's mine." He replied as I let out a soft laugh.
"You seem childish despite wearing a suit," I muttered as I continued to chuckle.
He grinned. "I made you laugh. That’s a win in my book." He then stood up steadying himself with his cane, and adjusted his hat.
"It’s getting late," he said with a kind smile. "I’ll be praying for you. Just lift your head high and I'm certain that everything is gonna be all right."
"Will I see you again?" I asked.
"Soon," he replied, his voice calm but distant.
I watched as he walked away. I hesitated, then I stood up and raised my voice to thank him once more. He waved his hand without turning around, but I knew he had heard me.
"Today wasn’t so bad," I whispered as I took a deep breath while looking at the sky and made my way home.
Later that evening, I stepped into the café. My uncle looked up from the counter, relief washing over his face.
"You’re home late. Everything alright?"
I nodded and sat down, telling him everything. He listened closely, without interrupting. When I finished, he poured a warm cappuccino and served it with a slice of his signature carrot cake. One of his specialties on his menu. I truly enjoyed each taste as I continued munching on the cake.
"Anytime you’re carrying something heavy, come to me," he said. "You’re not alone."
That's when I knew how my uncle truly cares for me and thus our relationship grew even stronger. I went back into my apartment, sat in my chair as I scanned through my phone, and then I just saw the message had vanished bit by bit.
"Wh ere re yo? C yo eet me rit ow? I ne u"
--------
That night, as Roze finally returned home, the man in the suit resumed his work. His task was never done. Wandering souls were not meant to linger in the world of the living. They did not belong.
"Please," a spirit begged, her voice trembling. "Just let me see my child one more time. Just once."
The man remained silent. He tapped his cane once against the ground. Light fractured through the spirit's form as her hands and feet began to fade.
His eyes were sharp, focused like a blade. One mistake in judgment, and the balance of realms could tip.
There was no room for sympathy.
To be continued.
