Hidden Heart: A Saga Of Redemption

Sensation

[For a moment there was a span of silence in between the dark mid-evening. The lights were still brimming inside the cafe as there were 1 or 2 staff members left to go home. Amelia giggled and clearly enjoying his flustered reaction. Victor’s mind was racing.]

Victor: (in mind) Did she just...?

[His thoughts scrambled as he tried to process whether she was being serious or just teasing.]

Amelia: (grinning) Oh come on. Just tell me are you taking me with you or not? (Playfully but showing him seriously) It's just a simple question.

Victor: (reminding the 'Teddy Bear' word) What's that mean?

Amelia: (simply avoiding him) Taking me or (firmly) not?

[His awkwardness increased as she embarrassed him more. He couldn't be sure what was going on in her mind.]

[Victor’s entire face turned crimson as he ran a hand through his hair, his nerves were betraying him. He fidgeted, shifting from one foot to the other, avoiding her gaze.]

Victor: (mumbling) I... I’m not a... I mean... I’m just going to get groceries... nothing special.

Amelia: (teasing) Oh, I see. So, you’re really going to leave me behind? All alone here?

[Victor’s heart raced as she stepped even closer, her teasing smile making it harder for him to concentrate.]

Victor: (awkwardly) It’s not like that. It's just... um... you’re still weak... I-I don’t think... you should be walking around... in your condition.

[Amelia pouted, crossing her arms again as she tilted her head.]

Amelia: (leaning closer to him) What if we go there by bus? Still you've problem? (playfully) And who’s going to make sure my Mr. Victor picks the right veggies? I think you're terrible at picking the fresh ones.

Victor: (completely flustered) I... I’m not terrible at it! I... (realizing she was teasing) Wait... that’s not the point!

[Amelia burst out laughing at his reaction, her laughter filled the silent Night and made it more tender. He rubbed his nape gently as he had no idea how to respond to her playful teasing.]

Amelia: (giggling) Oh, come on, Victor. I’ve been stuck inside for so long, and... well... (softly) I’d like to spend more time with you.

[Her sudden softness made Victor’s heart skipped a beat. He glanced at her. He was unsure how to respond. His mind was spinning between her teasing and the sudden shift to something more sincere. Victor's breath hitched. He looked into her eyes and saw sincerity, the playfulness momentarily replaced by something deeper. His heart raced, and he felt his face heat up again.]

Victor: (softly, almost shy) You... want to spend time with me?

Amelia: (grinning) So, are you taking me grocery shopping or what? (After a pause) Mr. Ted.........ddyyyy (dramatically) Beaarrr.....

[Victor blinked, caught off guard again by the nickname. He opened his mouth to protest, but seeing the mischievous glint in her eyes, he sighed in defeat.]

Victor: (softly) Okay fine. (Smiling)Let's go.

[As they walked side by side under the fading evening sky, there was a quiet, unspoken understanding between them.]

[AT THE BUS STOP]

[Victor and Amelia climbed aboard the bus, the dim evening streetlights casted long shadows across the bus seats. The interior was nearly empty, only a few passengers scattered seated. As they moved down the aisle, Amelia instinctively headed towards a two-seater by the window.]