Hidden Heart: A Saga Of Redemption

Electricity Bill

[THE NEXT DAY]

The evening air was cool and refreshing as she made her way to Victor's home. She knew where he lived from previous conversations and hoped he wouldn't mind the unexpected visit.]

[OUTSIDE OF VICTOR'S HOUSE]

[Amelia stood in front of Victor's house, the sun was casting a warm glow over his modest home. The well-kept garden and quiet street made for a peaceful setting. Also it was best for an introvert person like him. As she was about to step forward she pondered over that day when she came with 2 bags of groceries and now she came with his personal belongings.]

Amelia: (exhale her breath) Huuuhhh!! Time flows.

[She adjusted the strap of her bag and took a deep breath before knocking on the door.]

[After a few moments, the door opened, and Victor was there, looking somewhat surprised to see her. He was wearing casual clothes, a simple full sleeve black rounded neck t-shirt, and black sweatpants, which was a stark contrast to his usual guarded attire. His piercing brown eyes widened slightly in recognition, but his body language was still and guarded. Amelia couldn't help but notice his awkward stance. His hair was slightly tousled.]

Amelia: (in her unconscious mind) Quite cute!

[Her reverie broke by his approach.]

Victor: (confusedly) Amelia! What are you doing here?

Amelia: (smiling brightly) I found your jacket and your phone at the cafe. Thought I'd return them before your search for them.

[Victor blinked, clearly not expecting her. He glanced down at the items in her hand and then back up at her, a mixture of relief and something else flickering in his eyes.]

Victor: (softly) Oh, thank you. I didn't even realize when I left my phone.

[He stepped aside. Amelia raised an eyebrow and, with a playful smile, decided to take matters into her own hands.]

Amelia: (mockingly) You know, Victor, it's usually polite to invite someone inside when they come all the way to your house.

[Victor blinked again, then his cheeks reddened slightly in embarrassment. He stepped aside more formally this time.]

Victor: (awkwardly) Sorry, actually.....

Amelia: What?

Victor: (confusedly) Noth....nothing. (Gently) please come in.

[Amelia entered the house and placed his stuff on a small table by the entrance corridor and then turned to face him.]

Amelia: (teasingly) See? That wasn't so hard, was it? You really need to work on your hospitality, Mr. Volcano.

[Victor's lips twitched at her nickname for him. He was clearly trying to suppress a smile, but a hint of amusement reached his eyes.]

Victor: (murmuring) Yeah, I guess I do.

Amelia: (softly) Good.

[BUT]

[BUT]

[BUT]

[As Amelia entered the living room, she looked around and was taken aback by the state of chaos. Papers were strewn all over the floor, files, books lay open and scattered, and the cushions on the couch were tossed haphazardly. It looked as if a tornado had swept through the room, leaving a storm of clutter in its wake.]

Amelia: (eyes wide) Whoa, (loudly) VICTOR! What (shocked) happened here? Did a tornado hit your living room?

[Victor was looking very uncomfortable, his eyes darting away from hers as he shifted nervously on his feet. He rubbed the back of his neck, clearly hesitant to explain.]