Paper Lanterns

Chapter 6 Φ

Chapter 6 Φ

"Empty? Are you sure?" I asked. Eric nodded his head. I took a deep breath, trying to think back and recall if there was something I'd missed. "No, that's not possible. There was someone who was sending me letters from this address."

"Don't take this the wrong way, but that's a bit creepy." Eric turned to the house, looking closely at it. He glanced over to me and asked, "Who was sending you those letters?"

I shook my head, perplexed. "Mr. Harold Stevenson. Or... I don't know. This must be an old address, or the person living here must have gone on a vacation or something."

Eric told me, "As you can see, this place has been vacant for a long time now. It had always been like that, ever since I moved here when I started attending New Waulds University."

"Are you sure?"

"We can ask around if you want," he offered, motioning across the neighborhood. "But about the one you're looking for, what does he look like? Maybe I can help you if you describe him."

"I..." I paused. How should I say this? "Eric, the truth is, I don't actually know what he looks like."

"You don't?"

"Actually, I was planning to see him for the first time," I admitted. Properly, anyway. I only saw a silhouette the last time we'd met.

"Oh," he muttered. "Okay. Wow, you're full of surprises. Do you have any idea how old he is or what is his job? Anything might be helpful."

"I don't know," I replied with a small voice. "He never told me anything like that."

"How are you related to him, then?"

"It's a long story," I replied, letting out a heavy sigh. He seemed to be waiting for me to continue, so I added, "Maybe I can tell you about it some other time."

He slowly nodded. "Okay, if that is what you want."

"I mean, if we ever bump into each other again," I clarified.

He laughed. "If you're going to stay here for a while, we'll definitely see each other again. I won't be surprised if I bump into you in the next few days."

"I guess it could happen," I replied with a shrug.

"Do you have a place to stay?" Eric asked.

"I'm about to look for it. And I'm so sorry for making you accompany me all the way here. You must be going somewhere else." I tried to get my things from him, but he moved the bags away from me again. I looked up to him and realized the uncomfortable proximity. Turning away, I placed a breathable space in between us.

He didn't seem to notice my sudden uneasiness. Instead, he asked, "You mean, you came here without having a place to stay?"

"Don't worry. I'll look for one," I hastily answered, not wanting to bother him any further.

"Right now?" He sounded baffled.

I checked my watch. "It's still early."

"To look for an apartment? I disagree with that," Eric told me.

"Then maybe tomorrow morning. I'll just find a hostel to stay at. It's fine."

"A hostel? I don't know," Eric said, looking worried. "My conscience will kill me if something bad happens to you."

"No, it's okay," I tried to convince him.

"Look, I'll just find you a decent room," Eric offered.