128 (Operation Armageddon: Book 1)

Chapter Five: The Museum Visit | Part 1

Uncountable dozens of cars filled the sardine-packed roads of Manhattan. It was true that the city never slept. Lights shone across the breathtaking skyline from Lower all the way to Midtown Manhattan. Of course, while the metropolis was buzzing with life at night, Matthew had to get some rest after his dizzying experience with the maniac, animal-like beings.

At dawn, he got up fresh and energetic, happy to be back home. He grabbed his phone and texted his friends.

Matthew: Want to meet at Rose Bakery for breakfast? It's the one at Columbus Circle, near my apartment.

Megan: Sure, I'm free and hungry anyway

Daniel: yea, why not?

Emma: mk

As such, Matthew put on his favourite casual coat and left his apartment. It was a busy Wednesday, and cars swooped around and exited through different routes away from Columbus Circle. Unlike Matthew, people going into the Time Warner Centre, most dressed in stylish clothing, were entering the towers to work, not live there.

"Morning," Joel from the café acknowledged him.

"Hey. How's Drake?" Matthew stopped for a moment to pick up a conversation with Joel.

However, Joel sighed tiredly upon hearing the question about his son. He was reluctant to speak about Drake, but he knew that Matthew would force him to spit it out either way. "He... he left. He was just so insolent, and I couldn't convince him to stay. He's probably living with his cousin in Brooklyn now," Joel muttered miserably.

Matthew paused, trying not to be too quick with what he would say. "Hey, it's all right. If he doesn't appreciate what you offer him, let him endure having nothing," Matthew assured Joel with a hint of anger and impatience in his voice.

"I am grateful for your help convincing him to stop bringing up discord in our relationship. I know that you have always been sensitive about this matter of being appreciative of fathers because I still remember you lost yours. But it's no help anymore. I'll have to move on. Once I'm gone, maybe he'll—"

"Don't say that, don't think about your end. Just live life as you want to," Matthew cut in, starting to feel attacked right at his weak point. "Well, I suppose you didn't come all the way for a meal here. I'll talk to you again later, Matthew," Joel finished the conversation with his voice just as husky as usual.

Matthew shook his head and stepped down from the slightly elevated café before continuing his journey to Rose Bakery.

As he took in the fresh air, tree leaves fluttered and danced in the winds, and the absence of balmy weather kept insects like flies and ants away. Attractive flowers emitted favourable scents and aromas as he used the calming atmosphere to keep the trauma from the disturbing events of the past weeks behind him.

He walked further down the street before entering the bakery, taking off his coat and hanging it onto one of the hooks on the wall. He sat down as he waited for his friends patiently. Not much later, Megan, Emma and Daniel walked in and waved to him. "Hey. Good to see you guys again so soon." Matthew smiled as he stepped into the café. It was at that time that he felt that he really needed some friends.

"Wow, looking fresh, huh?" Emma complimented as Matthew took his seat.

The quartet then began selecting their favourite foods. The morning menu that the bakery had was relatively limited, which was why they didn't take quite too long to make their order. Despite this, Emma was still racking her brain, trying to decide between two dishes.

Before she could really make her choice, however, Megan had already called for the waitress. And, in fact, the waitress was awaiting Emma's order. Megan nudged Emma's shoulder, hurrying her up. And so, Emma finally decided between the two, as the awkward silence ended with her speaking.