A Feeling About You

CHAPTER 8: The Man

As Kai and Kyong part ways with us to head home, Aiden and I continue walking along the familiar path. A sense of calm settles over us, the memory of our interactions with Kai and Kyong creating a pleasant warmth that lingers in the air.

Aiden's chatter about his newfound friend Kyong fills the silence, and I can't help but smile at how excited he is. It's a heartwarming feeling, knowing that he's made a connection that might grow into something meaningful.

"Adira, did you see how many buttons Kyong has on his backpack? And he knew so much about Ghibli movies!" Aiden's voice is filled with wonder and enthusiasm.

"Yeah, I noticed. It's really great that you both have something in common," I reply with a smile.

Aiden looks up at me, his eyes shining. "He said he's watched Spirited Away like a hundred times!"

I chuckle softly. "Well, it sounds like you two are going to have a lot to talk about."

Aiden's smile widens, and he starts recounting his conversations with Kyong about their favourite Ghibli films. I listen attentively, grateful that he's found a friend who shares his interests.

As we walk side by side, our footsteps creating a rhythmic pattern on the pavement, I feel a sense of contentment settle over me. The sky above is a calming shade of orange as the sun begins to set, casting a warm glow over the surroundings. Everything seems peaceful, and I'm grateful for these moments of tranquility.

But just as we approach a crosswalk, a tall man in a long, black coat catches my attention. His presence is striking, and there's something about the intensity of his gaze that unsettles me.

It's him! That jogger from earlier who blurted out Mom's name!

I slow my pace, watching him as he passes by us.

And then he stops.

My heart skips a beat as he turns to me, his grey eyes locking onto mine. The air feels heavy, and a shiver runs down my spine. I can sense a profound grief emanating from him through my chroma empathy, his emotions almost overwhelming.

"You've grown up well. You're the spitting image of her..." His voice is barely a whisper, but it reverberates in my ears.

Confusion washes over me, and I'm about to ask him what he means when he suddenly turns and starts to walk away. "Wait!" I call out instinctively, but he continues to move, his steps quickening.

"Adira, who was that?" Aiden's voice brings me back to the present, and I turn to him, my thoughts racing.

"I don't know, Aiden. I've never seen him before, but he seems to know me" I say, my brow furrowing.

And he seems to know Mom.

We're both caught off guard by the encounter, and I feel a pull to understand more about this mysterious man. I squeeze Aiden's hand reassuringly. "Wait here for a moment, okay?"

I start to follow the man, my heart pounding in my chest. I need to find out more. But as I round the corner, he's vanished from sight.

I heave a heavy sigh of annoyance. He always disappears when I want to ask him something. I'm more sure of it now...he seems to know about Mom. What's his connection to her?

"Adira, what happened?" Aiden catches up to me, concern evident in his eyes.

"He's gone," I say, a mixture of frustration and intrigue in my voice. "I don't know how he disappeared so quickly."

Aiden looks around, his expression mirroring my confusion. "Do you think he was in trouble?"

I shake my head, my mind still processing the encounter. "I don't think so. It's just... it's hard to explain. I feel like I should know him, but I don't."

We stand there for a moment, the fading sunlight casting long shadows around us. Aiden's hand slips into mine, a reassuring gesture that grounds me in the present.

"Come on, Adira," Aiden says gently, tugging on my hand. "Let's go home."

As we resume our walk, I can't help but feel a sense of curiosity lingering in the back of my mind. Who was that man? And why did his words and emotions resonate with me so deeply?

It's a mystery that I might never solve, but I'm determined to hold onto this strange encounter, a reminder that even in the midst of the ordinary, life can still hold unexpected surprises.

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Author's note: Added more of Adira's inner thoughts about how the mystery man might know about her birth mother.