Fallen Rose

Phone To Michael

Rustle rustle

"C'mon...it's got to be here somewhere.."

Hiroshi rummaged through his messy old drawers, mumbling to himself with anxiety. An old desk sat before him, full of old trinkets he kept as memories. He never expected that he'd need anything in here again.

"No...no... aha!" A small, tan leather booklet peeked through the junk. He fished it out, swiftly looking through it. An old book of phone numbers his mother had left for him many years ago in case of any emergencies. He wasn't in touch with anyone in it anymore, but saved it as a keepsake. He flipped through the yellowed pages, scanning for a certain name.

"Michael Marfil..."

He paused, gazing at the page with nostalgia. Michael, the man closest to Aladdin, as well as Hiroshi when he was younger. The man who was more of a father to him than his own; he was certain that he had seen him more times than he saw Aladdin. They both knew Aladdin still cared for his son, occasionally complying to visit in the later years of his youth. Michael knew the young boy still needed a fatherly figure. Not to mention his mother was needing help, especially as he began to weaken from the sickness that killed her.

Though, as the years went on, even he visited less. He assumed he just grew busier, brushing it off. Letters and phone calls here and there, but eventually, they faded. He hadn't seen him since the death of his mother.

Surely, he should have some leads on Aladdin. He was the last person who saw him, after all. He did tend to keep in seclusion, hardly anyone seeing him in two years. It was speculated to have spiraled from the loss of Aladdin, he was never the same after that night. Distant from the media and family, no one truly knew what he was up to.

'Could it be possible Aladdin was with him? No, that's silly... it could be why he keeps his life so private?'

His optimistic thoughts floated in his mind. He usually denied them, though, it just wasn't realistic. He still may know where he could be; and even if he doesn't, he could definitely assist in the search. It would be nice to catch up with him after all these years, too. When had they really seen each other last- 4, 5 years? There would be a lot to talk about, a newly strengthened bond even. If they found Aladdin, too... they could find a new bond between the three. Filled with bursting nostalgia and hope, he excitedly dialed the number.

Beep Beep

'Please work...'

"Hello...?" A soft, confused voice came through the speaker.

"M-Michael! Hello! I-I'm so glad I could reach you, I-"

"Hiroshi...?" Michael's voice interrupted, surprised, jovial recognition in his voice.

"Yes...!"

"Hiroshi, it's been so long! Do..." He paused, "Do you know where he is?"

Hiroshi sighed, twiddling the phone cord. He shook his head, shifting in his seat.

"I'm afraid I don't know exactly, but I believe we may be able to find him. I think I know where he may be hiding."

Krssshhk

"Y-You do?!" He gasped, perking up, voice louder through the phone "Where?! Please..."

"I believe he is somewhere near Florence, Italy. If you come with me, I really think we can find him. I really want to help him."

"Y-Yes! I'll be there to help, any time, when can we get to this?!" His voice wavered as it grew into a soft yell, seeped in hope. "I'm available whenever!"