As Ryan stepped out of the meeting room, his phone buzzed in his hand.
He glanced at the screen.
Unknown number.
A faint frown appeared, but he answered.
"Who is this?" His voice was cold, steady.
"How did you get my number?"
Standing just outside the café, I straightened unconsciously, gripping my phone tighter.
"Uh… are you looking for a tutor?" I asked, my confidence wavering slightly at his tone.
"I got your number from the listing."
A brief pause followed.
Then—
"…Fine. When can you come?"
"Tomorrow is fine," I replied instantly, a little too quickly, excitement slipping into my voice as I realized it was the weekend. No college… just helping Mark with his assignment—and my café shift later.
I was free.
"Okay."
Short
Dry.
"Thank you so much!" I said, smiling brightly—even if he couldn't see it through the phone.
"Don't get your hopes up."
The words came flat.
"You'll have a demo session."
"Oh."
…How cold.
"And we'll discuss your experience professionally," he continued, voice just as composed. "I want the best for my little Felix.
Felix? Why did that name sound familiar?
"Further information would be shared via text..and make sure to be on time..I hate waiting"
The call ended.
Just like that.
I slowly lowered the phone, swallowing.
"Experience…?" I muttered under my breath.
What was I supposed to tell?
Volunteer work at the orphanage?
My grip tightened slightly around the phone.
"…That should count, right?"
__________________
"I… I'm sorry, Cynthia… I was barely there for you…"
The voice came through soft, breaking—like it was holding back tears.
My breath caught.
Wh… what?
Mom?
The world around me felt strange… blurred… distant.
A white ceiling.
Hospital…?
Then_
My eyes snapped open as the early morning broke through the window.
I jolted upright, breath uneven, heart racing as I tried to steady myself.
Silence.
My room.
Not that place.
I pressed a hand to my chest, exhaling slowly.
"…What a strange dream."
But it didn't feel like just a dream.
Too Vivid
"Mom…" I whispered softly.
I hadn't thought about her like that since coming here.
A faint unease settled in my chest.
I wonder how she's doing…
My fingers curled slightly against the bedsheet.
"…Have I completely disappeared from there?"
I looked down at my hands—
quiet.
Still.
Present.
"…Or am I still there?"