SUPERNOVA | pannacotta fugo

3: amore a prima vista

Today I awoke to the gentle singing of birds outside my apartment window. The Sun had just began to shimmer and the sky bore no clouds, showering the people in light and warmth contrary to the usual Autumn weather. The plants shone in a vivid green color opposite to the blue sky. The passerine that flew and dived cut the wind like a sharp guillotine to a peasant's neck.

Dragging my weight through the unlit hallways of my sweet abode, I rested, sitting my body on the chair before my small circular table. I took a long sip of the sweet hibiscus tea, surfing my phone while on the act.

An unknown number began to type, the notification caught my attention. As I drank what was left of my beverage the message finally arrived. 'Terza?'

I considered not replying, but curiosity got the best of me. 'That's her' I smiled, finally clicking send.

'This is Mista. I was wondering what time you would be free today. The group liked you yesterday and they were bothering Narancia to ask when you would come around again since he forgot to charge his phone overnight. So I just dug a little deeper and got your number'

Do people truly like me for my presence or for what I can provide? 'We planned on meeting at 4, but we hadn't decided where'

'That's perfect' Mista replied, followed by emojis and information on the place we would be meeting once again. 

The location he had chosen was a café nearby. As I searched for images, the place looked just as splendid as I could have imagined. Being located right on the heart of the city, the establishment was medium sized and served all kinds of beverages and desserts, be it tea or coffee, panna cotta or tiramisú.

I stared out my window, wondering what to type next. 'Tell your people I am glad to be working with you all' I click sent, pondering on what I could mention so the conversation would not die out. I questioned my own thoughts as I recalled what the man had mentioned earlier. 'Also, where did you dig a little deeper to find my number? I'm pretty anonymous everywhere' 

Mista took a minute to view the message, and another to reply. 'Just info security analyst things, you know?' 

'You work with tech? You don't look like that type of guy. You totally have a gym bro build, different from most computer guys I've met' I replied, intrigued. Something reeked of lies, and the hair on my arms rose like that of a blind search dog in response.

'Yes, but I'm new to the whole thing. I used to work as a gym attendant until I figured working with tech would get me more money' 

'Ohh that's cool' I began typing. 'I used to go to the gym a lot last year, where did you work?' 

I could sense the growing monster catching up to Mista's lies. Instead of a minute, he took two, and the responses were just as short. 'Are you working on a personality test for me bro?' And 'Do the results require more questions?' He answered, followed by laughing emojis. 

'Oh no, I was just curious! Great to hear from you, Mista, see you soon' And I logged off. 

I was aware of the dangers strangers could cause. I had just met these people after all. It does not matter if it is friend or foe, I have no idea for I must be careful. 

Today it did not rain. In truth, it disappointed me slightly. But my sadness would not change the weather. 

The afternoon was just as plain as any other afternoon. The year was close to an end, just a few more months now, and it seemed as if the days were losing their meaning.