The bell above the convenience store chimed as Jophan stepped inside, his eyes immediately locking onto the half-melted ice cream in Roze’s hand.
“You seriously bought that one?” he said, shaking his head. “You know it tastes like weird.”
“You too what is wrong liking this ice cream,” Roze scoffed. “You guys just don’t have great taste.”
"It’s matcha you're eating grass"
Richard leaned against the freezer, watching the two talk casually. There was something about Jophan that unsettled him, though he couldn’t quite place why.
“So,” Richard said casually, “you’re one of Roze’s friend?”
Jophan nodded. “Yeah. We go way back.”
“Oh you guys know each other since childhood.”Richard replied.
“Middle school,” Jophan said. “Our families knew each other. We met during some reunion, right, Rozy?”
“If I recall correctly,” Roze said, thinking, “it was during your aunt’s wedding.”
“Oh yeah,” Jophan laughed. “And I remember how you stole my cake. My first impression of you was that you were a brat.”
"Well it's kinda ironic. She shot back."that your having tantrum when I ate your slice like a little kid."
“Hey! That was the last piece,” he interrupted. “I didn’t even know what it tasted like until now thanks to you.”
“I didn’t even know it was yours,” Roze replied, rolling her eyes. “It was displayed like the rest of the slices on the table.”
“It was the last piece that was supposed to be mine!” he shouted.
Both of them burst out laughing, just like old times.
“Man,” Jophan said, wiping his eyes, “it’s been a long time since we talked like that.”
Richard, who had been quietly left out of the conversation, stared at them blankly.
“Well, you guys seem to be having fun,” he muttered, pouting slightly before stepping outside the convenience store.
“He seems childish, don’t you think?” Jhopan added.
"Cmon now we did left him out in mid conversation and yes he is childish."
Jophan laughed, but his gaze lingered on Richard for just a second. Perhaps a caution.
“It’s nice talking to you again, Rozy,” he said. “Let’s catch up soon. I should head home.”
“Yeah,” she nodded. “I’ve got a lot of unfinished tasks too.”
Outside, the sky darkened earlier than expected. Clouds pressed low, heavy with something unspoken. Richard stood waiting for Roze as the two stepped out. After a brief goodbye, they parted ways. Jophan walked alone headed to his home his footsteps slowing as he reached the old alley. He stopped immediately.
The air shifted.
A faint whisper brushed past his ear.
“…help…”
Jophan closed his eyes and exhaled slowly as he acted like he didn't hear someone. A figure flickered at the edge of his vision, distorted and trembling still he ignored and continued to walk.
“I’m home,” he called out as he slipped off his shoes and placed them on the rack.
Silence.
“Seems like I’m all by myself again,” he muttered, heading straight to his room.
While changing his clothes, he remembered something and frowned.
“…Matt.”
He went to the kitchen to grab cat food, only to realize he hadn’t heard his cat in a while.
“Matt?” he called still no response. He searched everywhere inside his house still matt is nowhere to be found. Then he stepped onto the balcony. Matt lay there, motionless.
“Matt, I told you to stay inside,” Jophan said softly. “Someone might snatch you, alright?”
No response.
“…Matt?”
He knelt and reached out, lifting his cat carefully.
The body was stiff.
Cold.
Jophan froze.
“Well it can'tbe helped. You did great matt.”
He went to the basement, grabbed a shovel, and buried his cat in the backyard. He placed flowers on the small mound and offered a quiet prayer to God. When he was done, he returned inside and continued watching his favorite series, How I Met Your Mother.
To be continued
