The Colors Of His Persona

His Persona- 1

The soft touch of sunshine peeked through the slightly open curtain, a gentle reminder of the morning's arrival. I had forgotten to close the window completely, but sleep claimed me before I could rectify my oversight.

I had been awake since before dawn, lost in another chapter of 'The First She' on my phone. If anyone were to see me now, they'd find my face illuminated by the dim glow of my device, my eyes eagerly devouring each word as my heart yearned for an escape into the unknown.

A soft sigh escaped my lips as I indulged my curiosity further. Dreams, I mused, were often closer to reality than we realized.

The blaring sound of my alarm clock shattered the tranquility, signaling the arrival of 7 o'clock. With a groggy stretch, I silenced the alarm, only to be greeted by the disappointing notification of my low battery for the third time. "Oh, not again," I muttered disbelievingly, realizing the urgent need for a new phone with a more reliable battery.

I rose from bed, each limb protesting its newfound wakefulness, but a sense of anticipation for the day ahead buoyed my spirits. As I slipped my feet into worn but comforting slippers, I released a contented breath, eager for whatever the day held in store.

After a brief stretch to ease the stiffness in my muscles, I left my glasses on the bedside table and made my way to the bathroom. Greeting my reflection in the mirror, I noted the disarray of loose twists framing my face and the tired redness of my eyes—clear signs of a restless night. Nevertheless, a smile graced my lips as I turned on the faucet, the cool water invigorating as I washed away the traces of sleep and brushed my teeth.

Glancing out the small window, I found nothing but the mundane sight of dilapidated buildings in need of repair. Within minutes, I was ready for the day, having already donned my work clothes the night before. A quick change into a blue blouse served as a nod to the informality of Friday attire.

With a practiced motion, I adjusted my hair, the twists springing into loose curls, and secured a headband in place before reaching for my bag. "Ah, my glasses," I murmured, a frown tugging at my lips as I noted the tape-covered frames—a reminder of my inability to afford a replacement pair.

Closing the door behind me with a soft click, I made my way out of the rundown building that I begrudgingly called home. Though its flaws were evident, I couldn't bring myself to complain—it was all I could afford for now.

Descending the stairs, I exchanged pleasantries with the friendly elderly women who often congregated near the exit. "Princess Elizabeth, off to work, are we?" Sam of them remarked with a gentle smile, to which I nodded in acknowledgment.

"Take care, dear. I heard there's a storm brewing," another chimed in, her gaze directed skyward with a note of concern.

"Oh, hush, Meg. You say that every day, and yet no storm ever arrives—it's the middle of March," a third interjected matter-of-factly, her tone tinged with amusement.

Their lighthearted banter never failed to bring a smile to my face. "I'll be safe, and do remember to bring the plants outdoors this time," I assured them before waving goodbye and stepping out into the morning air.

Despite the anticipation of another day at work, there was a distinct lack of excitement in my demeanor. My life seemed to mock the clichés of fiction—no loving family, no luxurious lifestyle, just the monotony of existence in the poorer districts of town.

As I walked along the sidewalk, lost in thought, I approached the store where I worked, a sense of resignation settling over me. But as I neared the entrance, something caught my eye—a massive building looming just beyond the storefront. How had I missed it before? I wondered, my gaze lingering on the imposing structure emblazoned with the letters 'HL Inc.'

Before I could ponder further, the tinkling of the store's bell signaled a customer's arrival. "Hello, and welcome to Meri Groceries," I greeted, tearing my gaze away from the intriguing sight outside.

However, to my confusion, I found no one standing before me. "Perhaps they're browsing," I reasoned, making my way to the cash register.

Fifteen minutes passed, and still, there was no sign of the customer. Puzzled, I reached for my phone, intending to pass the time with a story. But as I did, the sound of footsteps drew near, and I glanced up to see a tall figure approaching.

He wordlessly placed his items on the counter, his features obscured by a shaggy mane of hair and a worn tracksuit. Despite his imposing stature, I sensed a vulnerability about him that gave me pause.

As I rang up his purchase, I couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled over me. His terse demeanor and impatient tone left me unsettled, yet I remained silent, handing him his change with a forced smile.

"Please come again," I managed, watching as he swiftly exited the store. Peering out the window, I noticed him enter the HL Inc. building across the street, his head bowed and his movements hurried.

Although he didn't say anything, just a grumble, he held my curiosity. 

I stood rooted to the spot, baffled by the encounter. Something about him seemed out of place, yet I couldn't quite put my finger on it.

Shaking off my unease, I returned to my duties, the memory of the mysterious customer lingering in my mind. After all, in a world filled with uncertainties, some mysteries were best left unsolved.