Lost in Plain Sight

22

After a long day, coming home felt like receiving unexpected presents. A treasure I should embrace with both hands. But as Velimir's wife greeted me at the doorstep, I couldn't help but release a quiet sigh. Social interaction wasn't exactly on my agenda after such heavy days.

However, as I approached, I mustered a friendly smile. "Hi Eric," she began, "don't worry, I'm just here to hand you the mail they dropped at my desk. They said it was kind of important, so I wanted to give it to you in person."

Accepting the letters, I glanced at the sender. "Oh, that's very kind of you. Thank you," I replied, noting it was from the Flemish Citizens Profile. With a furrowed brow, I wasted no time in tearing open the envelope and reading its contents.

"Dear Mister Buelens," I whispered, "After thorough review and considering your interview, we are pleased to inform you that you will regain your identity as Eric Buelens..."

My heart raced, and I glanced at Maria, who was now smiling and bouncing with joy. "Oh my god, I've got my identity back. Finally!" I exclaimed, without a second thought, wrapping her in a tight hug.

"That's fantastic, Eric! I'm genuinely thrilled for you!" she replied kindly as I released her.

"We should celebrate this. Can I invite some friends over to my bungalow?" I asked softly, mindful of the park rules against parties.

"You know what, invite everyone for tomorrow night at the restaurant. We'll take care of everything!" she suggested enthusiastically.

"Really?" I asked, my happiness evident.

She nodded with a wide grin. "Of course, we'll see you tomorrow, Eric!" With gratitude, I bid her farewell as she left, then dashed into my bungalow.

Grabbing my phone, I wasted no time in sending a message to our group chat:

'Hey everyone! Guess what? I've officially been reborn! 🎉 That's right, Eric 2.0 is here and ready to party! Let's celebrate my newfound identity tomorrow night at Maria's restaurant (thank you Maria). Bring your dancing shoes and your best identity jokes! Can't wait to see you all there! 🥳'

With that sent, I cracked open a beer from the fridge and sank into my sofa. It was time for me to celebrate, bask in solitude, and finally enjoy some 'me-time.' As the alcohol coursed through my veins, I couldn't help but feel a sense of relief. This was the peace I had been yearning for, the kind that seemed to soothe my soul in ways I always believed it would.

As the night wore on, with more drinks and some restless dreams in between, I woke up still sprawled on the sofa. I knew all too well how much that would hurt my back from when Brigitte and the kids stayed with me a few nights ago.

As I got up, my back cracked in multiple places. Despite the discomfort, the excitement for what the day would bring pushed me to the shower to freshen up.

With time to kill before the party, I headed to the town hall to get all my documents sorted out and apply for new bank cards. I wanted to get these tasks done quickly so I could start living my life the way I wanted.

Once everything was sorted, I made my way to the restaurant, where Maria and Velimir were setting up. Decorations were already hanging on the walls, and snacks were laid out on the tables.

"Well, someone couldn't wait any longer," Velimir laughed as he approached me for a hug.

"Yeah, I was getting bored, so I thought I'd lend a hand," I said, greeting Maria.

"Didn't I tell you we'd take care of everything?" Maria asked with a playful smile.

"Probably," I chuckled, "but I might have forgotten that specific part of the sentence."