Find me, Detective

CHAPTER 2 - HANDKERCHIEF

I'm heading to the nearby café right now, it's my break kaya napag isip-isip ko na lumabas muna ng opisina.

It's been 3 days since the Major went to my office to tell me the offer. Sa tatlong araw na 'yon hindi nawala sa isip ko ang gustong mangyari nito. Ang tahi-tahimik na nga ng buhay ko tapos gusto pa'ko bigyan ng bagong problema. Napa iling na lamang ako sa aking iniisip.

I opened the door of the café and an unfamiliar atmosphere greeted me. Isang linggo palang ang nakalipas ng mag bukas ang café ns 'to. This  café welcomed me like a warm hug on a chilly autumn day. Its old wooden door creaked open to reveal a cozy spot filled with soft golden light and the comforting smell of freshly brewed coffee that wrapped around me like a favorite blanket. You can also see the bright right potted plants lined the windows, their leaves swaying gently in the breeze, while mismatched chairs and tables formed inviting little nooks for quiet thinkers and friendly gatherings. Colorful paintings by local artists decorated the walls, while soft indie music played in the background, mixing with the gentle clink of cups and the laughter of customers. Hmm.. time seemed to slow down, and the outside world faded away, creating a perfect moment to relax, sip, and enjoy the warmth of both the café and its community.

This café is not that bad.

I went to the corner to give my order.

"Good morning, ma'am! welcome to the El Café Hogareño! what's your order Ms?" she greeted me with a wide smile on her face. They also have good stuff here.

"One Cappuccino, Panna Cotta and Brownies Sundae please."

"Alright! One Cappuccino, Panna Cotta and Brownies Sundae. Anything else ma'am?" I gave her a small smile and shook my head.

While waiting for my order, I wander around like I'm familiarizing every corner of this café. I'm sure Mady will love this too. May bago nanaman kaming pagtatambayan tuwing break time hehe.

I noticed the owner of this café is into art. Ang café kasi na ito ay merong mga naka paskil na litrato na parang gawa ng professional, or they just put those pictures para maka attract sa costumers? if that's the case, that person is good at managing this café.

"Here's your order, ma'am." andito na pala ang order ko.

I thanked the lady and find a place that I can enjoy my food. Ano ba 'yan mas padami nang padami ang tao. Habang nag hahanap ako ng mauupuan, napako ang tingin ko sa babae na nag isang kumakain. I'm thinking if I should go there to share a table or not, pero nakakahiya, mukhang busy pa naman 'to sa pag babasa.

Muli kong iginala ang aking mata upang humanap ng ma-uupuan.

Napahinga na lamang ako ng wala akong mahanap. I guess I don't have a choice.

"I-uhh.. are you alone, miss? is it ok if I joined you here? occupied na kasi lahat ng table." she's not looking at me, I'm waiting for her patiently to speak.

Ang bastos ha, kita neto na may nag sasalita sa harapan niya tapos hindi man lang tumingin.

Sa inis, aalis na sana ako ng bigla itong nag salita. Nag titipid ba 'to ng laway o sadyang wala 'tong pakialam sa paligid niya?

"I'm alone." she said.

I rolled my eyes secretly and sat in front her. I look at her direction when I felt a pair of eyes gazing at me. Lumaki ang aking mata ng mapagtanto ko na ang babaeng kaharap ko ay ang babaeng nakita ko sa palengke! kung sinuswerte ka nga naman, sabi ko na nga ba hindi hahayaan ng tadhana na hindi umusad ang love life ko eh.