A Hat, A Love Letter And A Broken mirror

ANOTHER KROFT

ANOTHER KROFT

"Melissa,"

I heard grandma calling me after I wore my work uniform. I went to her room where she called me from.

"Morning granny, you called." I said.
"Yes morning sweety. I need to ask you to do something for me later today. I would have done it myself but I don't think I'll manage," she said as she went through the top drawer, looking for something.

She took out a paper with writings on it.
"I need you to go get me my blood pressure pills at the pharmacy down town. What's written there is the name of the pills you should buy."
I took the paper she held out for me.
"Oh and here's the money," she said, handing over the money to me.
"Okay granny, later today right?" I asked.
"Yes Lisa later today. And the change, buy something for yourself. I'll also suggest you don't come right away, do some window shopping you need some time out of this café." She said giving me a rub on my left shoulder.

"I don't think I'll be gone for long, and besides I have everything I need." I said smiling at her.
"What? Nonsense! You are a girl, you can never have enough. Buy yourself a lip gloss, sandals or a nice blouse or dress, anything that you like. You work too hard, I'll handle the café and the workers are enough."

I didn't deny anything she said, I probably do work hard.

It was afternoon and I decided to go change to my casual wear. I wore a dress that was shortly above my knees and wore a plain cardigan to cover my exposed shoulders. I took my purse and left the café to the pharmacy.

Grandma told me I can take a taxi on my way there, but I decided to walk instead.

The streets of Annesterville were not that busy. People at this time were busy with their jobs at small businesses and big companies. The temperatures were quite high, I decided to remove my cardigan. I was crossing the road as I did so.

I didn't notice there was a car coming my way until I heard the hoot sound, and the car was just inches away from me when it stopped.

I froze. I didn't know what to do. Apologise, run, scream, kneel down and pray?

"Young lady, are you okay,?" I had a voice of a man, but it sounded older. The old man walked my way to check if I was not harmed.
"Ye..yes I'm fine sir,"
"You should be careful and watch where you're going, okay. You are very lucky dear."
He said, looking at me.

He stood in front of me, waiting for me to respond, but I was lost in my own world.
He was a very neat old man dressed in his suit. His hair was neatly combed to the back. His face though, looked really familiar.

"Young lady, I can give you a lift to your destination if you don't mind. Where are you heading to?" He asked.

"I uhm...to the pharmacy sir," I said.
"But there won't be any need for a lift I will manage," I continued
"Oh no, please call me Ryan, and I insist. I seem to be heading to the same direction."

I looked at the old man, Ryan sounded really familiar. I just don't recall where I know it from.
I couldn't deny his ride, it was really hot out here. I smiled and nodded my head.

A man came out of the car and opened the door for me. I thanked him. Once I was inside, It took me seconds to adjust to the car. I don't know anything about cars, but this one was sure fancy. It was really comfortable too.

"I didn't catch the lady's name," Ryan said breaking the silence.
"Melissa, my name is Melissa," I answered.
"Oh Melissa, well I'm from the doctor for some check ups, I've been feeling really weak latley,"
He said.
I looked at him, and he looked sad rather than weak.
"My body is really tired and I don't know exactly what is the cause of that. The doctor said it might be the change of diet or just the mere fact that I'm old," He giggled, a dry giggle though.

I would say something was bothering him. I think he just needs someone to talk to about whatever situation he is facing.
He looks like a successful business man, it probably was work related. He still needs someone to talk to nonetheless.

"Is everything okay Ryan?" I found myself asking.
"Yes Melissa, I'm fine. Tell me, what are you going to do at the pharmacy? You do not look sick at all, instead you look really well," He said,
"It's actually for my grandma, she asked me to go buy her blood pressure pills." I said. He nodded his head.
The car came to a stop on the pharmacy parking lot.

As I was about to thank him and open the door to leave, he said.
"I was about to go have lunch, before I bumped into you. Do you mind joining me, that's if you don't mind having lunch with an old man like myself," He said.
He probably needed someone to talk to. I was about to say no but again remembered I had an afternoon off.
"Well, I wouldn't mind having lunch with you old man," I said.
He smiled, a genuine smile. That was pleasing to see.

After I bought the pills, we went to a restaurant nearby.

"So tell me what do you do for a living ?" Ryan asked.
"I'm a waiter at Vel cafe, and I leave there too, with my grandma." I said looking at the menu in front of me.
"Mhh well you probably already know about me and my living, The vice mayor,"
The vice mayor? Yes that's where I know his face from.

Oh my, another Kroft?!

I didn't realise my mouth was opened this whole time.
"You are Mr Kroft?" I found myself asking
He laughed.
"Yes Melissa but please don't stop calling me Ryan. So you leave with your grandma, how about your parents?"

I didn't know how to reply to that question. It's not everyday I get to share my life story or that I don't have parents. Or that I do but have no idea who they are. These were somethings I so wish I could change, but I can't. This is a part of me.

"I don't have parents," I said, more like whispered. I didn't think he'll figure out what I said.

"Oh I'm sorry, to hear that atleast you still have family sticking out for you. Family is really important," He said.
If only he knew.

"Speaking of family, it's just Simon and myself ever since my wife passed away. I miss her everyday of my life. A part of me left with her. I don't think I moved on after that. I'm still holding on and hoping one day I'll wake up and still see her smile. Which is insane if you think of it.
Oh well, on the other hand, I don't know if Simon wants to die alone. He should get married already. But that boy is really stubborn." He sighed, a very deep sigh.
"Sorry, I probably shouldn't have told you that," He said, looking into his menu.

"Oh that's totally okay Ryan," I replied.

He really has been holding on to his thoughts for a while. The sigh was just a relief.
I could see he was still clinging to his wife and the memories they had together. It was hard moving on or doing anything to make himself happy because he thinks he won't have much fun as he had with his wife.

He also wanted grandchildren from his son. But of course, he has to wait until Simon decides to, which kills him.

"I say, you deserve to loosen up a little. Do things you enjoyed doing when she was still alive. Be yourself, I'm sure your wife would have loved you to move on. Your son will do what he wants to at his time, for now concentrate on your own happiness and health," I told him.

He looked at me, he smiled and said.
"Well I'm glad I've met you,"
I looked at him, wondering what that actually meant.

We had our lunch and talked about the town as we ate. I found out a few things about Ryan. It was sure a great afternoon and meeting another Kroft was quite interesting.

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