The Missing Link

002. Lorraine Adriella de Verra

2
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THE YEAR was 2032, and rumours of an ominous serial killer swept through the town like a shadow creeping into every corner. Returning from Manila after completing his Masters degree, Zane Nuñez was immediately aware of the unease hanging in the air. A chemistry teacher and registered nurse by profession, he felt the pull of home when a job offer arrived--teaching at the university he had always aspired to enter. The timing couldn't have been more perfect.

His family lived far from the city where Nueva Aurora University stood, so his older sister, Marianne 'Mary' Nuñez, invited him to move into the shared apartment she was currently residing in.

The taxi eased to a stop, revealing a three-story building looming ahead, its weathered brick façade softened by gleaming glass windows that reflected the dimming afternoon light.

"Is this your stop, sir?" the driver asked.

Lost in his mythology comic on his mobile phone, he remained absorbed as the taxi carried on, captivated by the unfolding mysteries of ancient beings and forgotten creatures of the night.

"Ah! You can't be killed--if only you'd listen to me!" he exclaimed in frustration.

"Sir?" The repeated question snapped him back to reality, silencing his wandering thoughts in an instant. He turned to gaze out the window and spotted the building his sister had mentioned, its silhouette cutting sharply against the dimming sky.

"Oh, yes! Sorry about that!" he said, swiftly turning off his phone and slipping it into the pocket of his black slacks. He pulled out his wallet, fingers fumbling slightly as he prepared to pay. "Just a moment, please."

The driver greeted his payment with a smile, offering a warm welcome to what would soon be Zane's new home. "Thank you, sir," he said, his voice tinged with gratitude.

"Thank you, too." With a nod of appreciation, Zane hoisted his two fully packed bags onto his shoulders, the weight settling heavily against him as he stepped out into the nostalgic surroundings. He glanced up at the building, taking in the few open windows that fluttered with the cold breeze, like silent invitations to the life within. "I hope my stay here will be alright," he murmured.

Before he could even arrive, his sister had informed him that she had already spoken to the landlady--their aunt. She said he was lucky, as there was another apartment available for him, and they both secured a discount on the rent. He had a degree, true, but finding money was still a challenge, especially with his desire to help his family, particularly his father.

Zane would have preferred to stay elsewhere, away from the crowds, or perhaps find a small boarding house. However, with financial constraints and the unsettling news of a killer on the loose, he chose to rely on a trusted relative to ensure both his and his sister's safety, especially since she had come to the city to support her child, who lived with their father in the province.

The buildings, known as shared apartments, were designed for people to live together, often strangers, united by the communal spaces and amenities that fostered a sense of community. As his gaze drifted around the bustling street, it landed on his aunt's coffee shop, just as his sister had mentioned. The familiar scent of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the air, drawing him in. It had been ages since he had seen her in person; their conversations had mostly happened over the flickering screens of video chats. The time felt like a splendid opportunity to reconnect, a chance to bridge the gap that distance had created and truly get to know her better.

As he stepped toward the small shop, his gaze fell upon a familiar woman standing at the counter with several staff members. When he opened the door, she turned to him, arms outstretched in an enthusiastic embrace. As he approached, she enveloped him in a warm hug, the comforting scent of her perfume mingling with the sweet fragrance of baked goods, instantly transporting him back to cherished moments from his childhood.