Beyond The Fine Line

Chapter V - Collision

After a lengthy but disappointingly uninformative discussion at the hospital, Jay had been left with more questions than answers. Despite his insistence on involving him, Art could provide little meaningful information about Tay's activist group. All he had offered was the name of a possible member who had attended university with his twin. Jay couldn't help but wonder if there was a deliberate effort to keep him in the dark or if Tay had entrusted Art with only a superficial layer of his life. But also, Jay wasn't quick to discard the possibility that his twin didn't want to get his friend in trouble and purposefully kept him out of it, providing him with just enough information to receive help in case of unexpected events.

This growing intrigue and suspicion brought him to Tay's apartment. Perhaps here, amidst the traces of Tay's everyday existence, he would find the missing pieces to a puzzle that seemed to grow more complex with each passing moment.

Despite the late hour, the neighbourhood retained its vibrancy. Street vendors continued to peddle their aromatic offerings while people bustled about, their voices intermingling with the street sounds of honking scooters and distant music.

The surroundings held an air of both charm and grit. Weathered buildings stood shoulder to shoulder, creating a maze of narrow alleys with laundry lines suspended above.

There was a palpable sense of community that offered a certain level of security amidst the hustle and bustle, even in the face of economic hardship. And Jay found himself strangely drawn to this scene of collective resilience.

The apartment was a single room with just enough space for the essentials. A double bed with worn-out sheets, a modest wardrobe on one side, a compact kitchenette on the other, and a desk piled high with textbooks and notes. Jay had skimmed through some of those textbooks earlier, discovering Tay's pursuit of corporate law. A microscopic bathroom with a cramped shower was tucked away behind another door. Tay's wardrobe consisted mainly of rugged, washed-out clothes, a far cry from the tailored suits and high-end brands Jay was accustomed to.

The stark contrast of their lives was overwhelmingly evident in every corner. But what struck Jay the most was the chaotic, lived-in feel. It was as if every nook and cranny exuded Tay's personality. Every item told a story of a life deeply intertwined with this place. It was surprising how much he could learn about his twin just by being here. In a way, it made him think about places he had lived in throughout his life. Jay couldn't help but wonder why he had always left them devoid of any personal traces, like an elusive figure passing through rather than a resident leaving a mark. This contrast between his own transient existence and Tay's deeply connected one left him with a sense of both awe and estrangement.

As the early morning sun poured through the small window, Jay winced and pulled the covers over his head with an annoyed grunt. He had never been a morning person, and the uncomfortable bed did nothing to improve his mood. Outside, the noise of the bustling neighbourhood only added to his irritation.

With a sigh, he finally emerged from beneath the covers, his thoughts lingering on the decision to stay at Tay's place. It had seemed like a practical choice the night before, but now he was beginning to regret it. As a result, Jay stood utterly annoyed in front of the wardrobe, trying to remember when he last wore a uniform.

Jay had left most of his belongings in the hotel room, taking only a few essentials with him. Pretending to be Tay was hard enough without wearing clothes that would make him stand out like a sore thumb in this neighbourhood. It was a small but necessary sacrifice to maintain the illusion he was trying to create.

The university was located in an urban area. Modern and functional building with a clean, minimalistic exterior, simple lines, and a neutral colour scheme blending with surroundings. As soon as he entered it, a cool and refreshing air hit him, a welcome respite from the hot and humid climate outside. Jay stopped by the large sign with a map, trying to find anything that could point him in the right direction, when suddenly someone jumped on him and slung his arm over his shoulders. Jay staggered in surprise as an unfamiliar face popped into his vision.