The Missing Link

004. The Game Begins

The soft hum of conversations filled the cozy coffee shop as time slipped away unnoticed. Zane’s eyes remained glued to his phone, fingers tapping rhythmically as he scrolled through various social media profiles.

Suddenly, a faint buzz in his hand jolted him from his scrolling, and a bright red notification appeared at the top of the screen—his phone battery had dropped to a meager 20%. With a sigh, he rubbed his temples, feeling the drain not just in his device, but in himself.

With the final sip of coffee gone and the last trace of Mrs. Nuñez’s chocolate crinkles enjoyed, Zane's gaze shifted to the mirrored wall of the shop. The reflection revealed the golden hour in full bloom, the sun dipping low behind Nueva Aurora's skyline, washing everything in a warm, amber hue.

The coffee shop had grown quiet, the bustle of earlier now replaced by a tranquil calm. Empty chairs were perfectly arranged around the tables, each one standing still as though waiting for the next wave of customers. The gentle light filtered through the windows, casting long, peaceful shadows across the room—his only companions as the day wound down.

With a sigh, Zane made the decision to leave the café and return to his room. However, his thoughts lingered on the note he had read earlier. The curiosity it sparked wouldn't let go.

"Alright then," he muttered to himself, carefully retrieving the small piece of paper and slipping it into his phone case, ensuring it was safe. "I'll read you next time," Zane murmured, gently closing the book and placing it back on the shelf.

He gathered his used saucer and cup, walking to the counter as his eyes swept across the now-empty café. Mrs. Nuñez was nowhere to be seen, likely preoccupied with tasks either in the kitchen or in one of the nearby apartments. The place felt still, the hum of distant conversations and suburbs sounds now barely audible from outside.

"Thank you, Auntie!" Zane called out, unsure where Mrs. Nuñez was.

"Okay," came her faint reply from somewhere in the back. "Go on back to your room. Your sister asked me to buy chicken; it's already in your refrigerator."

"Chicken? Refrigerator?" Zane muttered to himself, confused. His mind drifted back to the note he found earlier. It was all starting to feel a bit too coincidental.

Zane frowned, running his hand through his curly dark brown hair in thought. “Why did Auntie buy chicken when my sister isn’t even returning until tomorrow?” he mused. “And a refrigerator? The cost of keeping it running must be high. Do we even need one in our flat?”

His thoughts swirled as he ascended the stairs to his apartment. “Who would have known about my sudden craving for chicken?” he thought. He absently fiddled with the note tucked inside his phone case, the cryptic message replaying in his mind.

Mrs. Nuñez’s words echoed behind him. "Don't worry about the payment—someone’s already covering it." That only deepened the mystery. “Someone's paying for it? Who's keeping tabs on me like this?”

"Who are you, and how do you know so much about me?" I murmured.

He glanced at his phone, the sudden glow breaking the dimness of the hallway. The notification on the screen displayed a familiar number.

Zane opened his father's message.

I hope your first day went well, my dear. Make sure to eat properly and rest. I’ll be sending you some money tomorrow for your expenses. Take care, and don’t hesitate to call me if you need anything. Love you.

He sighed softly, feeling a twinge of guilt for wishing he had come tomorrow instead. Maybe things would’ve been less confusing then.

Zane paused mid-step, his senses instantly heightened by the rich, savoury scent that filled the hallway. “Adobo,” he thought, recognising the unmistakable aroma of soy, vinegar, and garlic. His stomach growled in response, reminding him that he hadn’t eaten a proper meal since arriving.