The Hector's Game

Prologue

I look at the couple in the right corner of the shop sharing food and drinks. Lagi sila tumatambay dito tuwing gabi, and there is nothing wrong with that. The only problem is they always order the same thing—triple chocolate cake, tuna sandwich, iced espresso, and affogato. It's not totally a problem, but it's weird. Sinubukan ko i-introduce ang ibang best-sellers namin and magbigay ng personal recommendations, pero hindi nila ako pinansin. In the end, hinayaan ko na lang sila.

I sigh out of boredom and look down at my tea. Working in a coffee shop gives you the privilege of getting free coffee every day, but it sometimes sucks. Lahat natikman ko na kaya may times na nagsasawa na ako uminom ng kape. I try inventing new flavors or using recipes from social media for a change. If masarap, sinusulat ko sa standing board sa labas ng entrance door para ma-aware ang mga customers namin. Masaya sa feeling 'pag umoorder sila ng mga flavors na ginawa ko. Ang iba, nag-iiwan pa ng positive comments.

The night is chilly and darker than the usual nights because of the heavy rain. I am about to get my water bottle inside the kitchen when I hear the chimes ring. Tumingin ako sa bagong dating na customer at lumakad bumalik sa counter. Nginitian ko siya nang magtama ang mga mata namin. At ngayon ko lang siya nakita. Maybe, a visitor of whoever lives in the subdivision across the street.

"I am so sorry for the inconvenience. Wala kasi akong payong, but I badly need a coffee. I had no choice but to run under the rain," she chuckles, fixing her wet hair.

English, huh? Kailangan ko na naman i-adjust ang language ko.

"It's fine. Don't worry. I'll guide you out if you want to," I pause and give her a moment to think about what to order.

"Thank you! You're so kind—" lumamlam ang mukha niya bago nagmamadaling hinalungkat ang loob ng kaniyang mamahaling bag na parang may naalalang importante. Inabot niya sa akin ang inilabas niyang black envelope "here. This is an invitation. I want you to come and join the game."

I stare at her hand. She seems genuine, but inviting me to a game out of nowhere seems suspicious. Napakagat labi ako habang nag-iisip, before looking up and meeting her anticipated eyes.

 "I highly appreciate your offer, but I have to decline—"

"Why?" bakas sa boses niya ang dismaya. "Think of it as a gift for being kind-hearted. I want you to go and win the prize. Wala naman mawawala, right? All you have to do is to play the game and do your best to bring home the bacon," she says, shrugging.

Is the prize money? 'Yan ang gusto ko itanong at malaman bago ko tanggapin ang invitation niya. If yes, there will be no hesitations. Oo agad. And she's right. Wala naman mawawala kung sasali ako, pero ayoko rin sayangin ang oras ko sa—

"The prize is worth millions," she adds, as if she knows what I'm thinking. Halos tumalon din ako sa tuwa nang marinig ang sinabi niya. "It's a waste of opportunity if you won't accept it."

I act normal and nod to agree. Bumalik ang tingin ko sa envelope bago nag-focus sa kaniya. We're exchanging stares. Nanatili akong tahimik habang ganoon din siya. Ipinapakita ko na pinag-iisipan ko mabuti ang desisyon ko para hindi mahalata na sugapa ako sa pera. I am but I have to hide my true intentions.