Hidden Heart: A Saga Of Redemption

Behavior

[The figure nodded once but his body language became still. ]

Amelia: I'm Amelia from Café Wild Beans. Daniel asked me to deliver these groceries for you.

[He was about to proceed to take those bags but Amelia interrupted.]

Amelia: (moving the bags away) Oswald strictly instructs me to keep these in the fridge properly.

[Listening to her he stepped aside to let her in. Amelia walked past him. As she entered, she got a strong smell of liquor and it shook her whole soul. Though she set the bags on the kitchen counter and began putting the items away.]

Amelia: So, you're the owner right? I've never seen you around.

[He didn't reply but his eyes followed her movements.]

Amelia: (curiously) Why don't you come to the cafe? I thought you're aged. But it's not like that. Even if you're very young in age. Then why don't you buy your own groceries?

[He didn't respond.]

Amelia: (persistent) Is there a reason you always stay at home?

[His eyes narrowed slightly, showing a flicker of irritation. He turned away, clearly uncomfortable with her questions.]

Amelia: (softly) I'm sorry if I'm being nosy. I'm just curious. You see, it feels strange not to know the person behind it all.

[This time a sound of measure came to her and it was very very low and steady.]

Victor: Please, just finish putting the groceries away.

Amelia: (taken aback but still curious) Okay, okay, I'm almost done. But seriously, why don't you come by sometime?

[She smiled at him to lighten the situation.]

Victor: (inside the mask) How much for all these.

Amelia: No need sir. Daniel told me that he'll pay.

Victor: (hardly) How much?

Amelia: (hesitatingly) Uhh... To..tal $20.

[Without another word, he took out a wallet from his pocket and gave her the money.]

Victor: Keep the change.

Amelia: But!!!

[He moved closer, his eyes hardening. Then he firmly guided her towards the door, clearly signaling that her visit was over. Then he opened the door for her. As she stepped outside, he closed the door behind her with a quiet finality.]

[Amelia stood on the porch for a moment, trying to process the strange interaction. Her initial curiosity was quickly replaced by a surge of anger and frustration.

Amelia: (murmuring in anger) Such a........ Urgghhhh (jerking her both hands).

[Taking a deep breath, she turned and headed back towards the cafe, her steps were brisk and determined.]

[By the time she reached the cafe it was almost sunset, her anger had only grown. She pushed open the backdoor with more force than necessary and marched inside. Oswald was waiting for her near the counter, a concerned look on his face.]

Oswald: (seeing her expression) Hey, Amelia. How did it go?

Amelia: (angrily) How did it go? Oh, it was just wonderful, Daniel. Absolutely fantastic! (sarcastically)

Oswald: (raising an eyebrow) What happened?

Amelia: (frustrated) That insane guy! He's so infuriating! He barely spoke a word to me, just kept staring with those cold eyes of his. I tried to be friendly, asked him why he never came to the cafe, and he just ignored me! He didn't even thank me for bringing the groceries! Not even once. (Loudly).