THE CARRIER

THREE

"When old people speak, it is not because of the sweetness of the words in their mouth. It is because they see something which you do not see."
~Chinua Achebe
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As I park my car outside the café, I admire the beauty still not believing it's actually mine. I guess this has been the best birthday gift ever. I remember how I always fantasized about this car, willing to save every dime even if it meant buying it at forty.
Such is life.
"What a robust car you've got there."
"Thanks, Ryan. It was my birthday gift from last year." I smile sheepishly.
"I can tell it was from your dad. No guessing."
"Enough about me, why don't we go inside and catch up."
As we enter the café I notice it's quite empty considering it's after - school hours. I take a seat at the back of the café while Ryan volunteers to get our order.
He comes back, dropping the coffee mugs on the table. "So, how's life in Finnel?" I ask.
"Not bad. My mum actually wanted us to come here for summer but something came up." he replies.
I nod.
"Everyone misses you guys. Even Lisa will freak out if she hears I met you without inviting her."
He laughs "how about that nosy neighbour of yours. Elliot or is it, Edward."
"Edward," I say. "Guess the interesting part, he even goes to medical school with me."
"Are you for real? What does he intend to specialise in"
"Paediatrics, I think."
"Oh no!! Poor kids". We laugh
"So what about you. "
"Neurology, it's mentally appealing," I joke. "Do you still intend to fly? "
"Of course, that's why I actually visited Rosewood. we are having a three-day training conference."
"Right. Should I be expecting a free cruise in the future? "
"Of course, you'll be my number one passenger."
We reminisced our childhood memories, our dreams and fears.
"I guess everything that has a beginning must have an end." I say feeling reluctant.
"Do you mind joining me for a ride, I might even give you the privilege of driving the Veneno. " I say
(I remember him saying his hotel was a walkable distance from the café.)
"What? You know...."
I hear someone coughing violently. I turn, trying to locate the source of the sound. I'm surprised to see a middle-aged man waving at me. I quickly walk up to him.
"Excuse me, sir, do you mind if I get you a glass of water."
"No need, but please give this to the attendant." He drops some bills on the table.
"Okay." I felt a bit hesitant considering he looked in dire need of water. On my way to the counter, I felt someone touch my arm. The man said two shocking words "Be careful." I slowly nodded and left. Ryan meets me at the counter. He asks,
"Is he one of the nosy neighbours?"
"No, I've never met him before." I look back to the now-empty seat. (confused)
"Strange."

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