The End of the Littlest One [Completed]

43. Not much of a talker

The inn's waiter came in just in time. Olivia was about to eat the flowers on the table out of hunger. She hadn't eaten anything since breakfast, and when she saw the inn offered ten different stews on their menu, her stomach demanded food.

'Here you go,' the waiter said.

He remembered she was the one who ordered the stew and put it in front of her. The plate with potatoes went to the other side of the table.

'Were did your dining partner go?'

'To the bathroom,' Olivia said. 'It's been a while, though.'

'I'll keep my eyes open for him. To make sure he doesn't run away,' he smiled. 'Enjoy your meal.'

'Thank you,' Olivia laughed.

After a very short minute, Olivia decided to not wait for the man she met earlier that day. Doubts drowned her usual thoughts about nothing in particular.

Ever since her mom disappeared, she was less secure about anything. She didn't know why her mom disappeared; or how; or when; or by who.

Or even when it happened, if she were completely honest with herself. If she'd only visit her mother more often...

When she had just found out about the disappearance, Olivia was sure it was a good decision to find Jamie and Danny. The longer after the making of that decision, though, the less sure she is about the whole thing.

But she couldn't go back now. She has made the decision to go to them, so she will.

She kept eating.

Halfway through her stew, the man from earlier came back.

'There you are,' Olivia said. 'What happened to you?'

The man sat down on the other chair. He gave her a smile.

'Someone asked me a question,' he said.

'A question? About what?'

'Directions to some place.'

He smiled again. He picked up his cutlery, and awkwardly held them up for a bit.

'I see you've already started, but enjoy your meal nonetheless.'

'You too,' Olivia smiled back.

They ate in silence until Olivia finished her stew. She leaned back in her chair and observed the man in front of her with a full stomach.

What do I know about him? she thought. I'm travelling to another town with him tomorrow, but why would I trust him? Maybe I'm getting paranoid. Why not add that to the mix as well? While we're at it...

'Why are you travelling to the next town?' Olivia asked.

The man looked up from his meal. He chewed two more times and swallowed.

'Sorry, what?'

'Why are you travelling?'

'Visiting family.'

Not enormously vague, but a standard answer, nonetheless.

'When was the last time you visited them?'

Olivia planned to keep asking questions to the man in front of her. Maybe it would make her feel more at ease.

'Couple of months ago, I think.'

Olivia hummed, and the man got back to eating.

'Who are you visiting, exactly?'

He looked up with a questioning look.

'A parent or a sibling or...,'

'My aunt,' he said after swallowing. He continued eating.

Not much of a talker, apparently.

Olivia gave up on getting to know him. Clearly, he didn't want to talk. The last thing she wanted to do, was to pressure him into talking. She still needed him to drive her tomorrow.

Interesting how someone who doesn't want to talk, still offers a ride to a complete stranger. It doesn't seem right.