Me After Meeting You

“Calvin … this isn’t about whether I can treat him or not. He got sick after leaving my place, and his allergic reaction also first started at my place. Thus, as my professor’s sponsor, and with her request, I really do have to go and see how he’s doing.”

“Is it really just that?”

“Yes.”

Calvin looked at her, and Amber looked back at him, her gaze completely devoid of evasion or hesitation.

He finally released her. “Alright. Then go and come back quickly.”

“Alright.” She smiled and consoling said, “I’ll do my best to return early. If you’re hungry, then you should order something to eat. There’s a Chinese restaurant near my place that makes great beef dishes, I’ll give you their number later. If you’re bored, you can also read some books or watch TV. I’ll be gone for a bit and will be back quickly.”

“Okay.”

Amber turned around to head out, but just as her hand touched the door knob, Calvin hugged her from behind. “I really don’t want you to go. What should I do?”

She didn’t respond, and instead gently leaned into his caress, comfortingly rubbing the back of his hand as she did so.

She knew that he wasn’t someone who would endlessly pester her. Sure enough, after a short but intense hug, Calvin let go of her. Amber turned around, reached up on her tiptoes, and then kissed him lightly on the cheek. “I’m sorry.”

He shook his head and lightly caressed her lips as he lovingly replied, “Go. I’ll wait for you.”

Amber smiled, eventually turning to leave.

***

Bathed by the bright and resplendent lamplight, Amber was waiting for a bus by the side of the road when she saw a roadside food cart selling scones. Even from a distance, the crispy, golden brown toasted scones emanated an enticing aroma.

It had been a very long time since Amber had last eaten something like that. She used to eat them every so often back when she was a senior in highschool. Whenever she studied late into the night, she would walk back home with Calvin. It was often so late that the roads would be empty.Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

They would slowly stroll back, and at the halfway point, they would always see a young man pushing a food cart and selling scones. Amber would always buy two without fail, and then eat them side by side with Calvin, the two of them basking in the lovely scent of the scones.

Even long after she had graduated from high school, Amber would dream of their scent.

She walked over, bought quite a number in one go, took two out for herself, and then packed the rest away in a bag, which she gave to the security guard office nearby. “Could you please help me find someone to bring this back to my place?”

The security guard was familiar with Amber, so he readily agreed without any questions.

Amber then got on the bus with her two scones. Nancy had sent her Ian’s address, it wasn’t the one in Axton Hotel or the Axton’s manor. Rather, it led to a small area that had a very homely feeling.

It was a bit far away. When Amber left, it was only six. However, it was already eight when she arrived. She called Ian twice, but he didn’t pick up either time.

So with no other choice, Amber called Nancy, who said, “Give me a moment.”

After a while, Amber received a four digit number with the description, “This is the passcode to his main door. He’s at home, and you can just enter. If the inner door is locked, then just bash it open. There’s no problem even if you break it.

Amber started sweating and nervously asked Nancy, “Is this really alright?”

“It’s fine. Don’t worry about it. I just called his grandfather, and he told me that Ian only started not picking up anyone’s calls recently.”

“Is there anyone else inside?”

“No. This is one of the quirks of our dear Director Axton, he doesn’t like there to be anyone besides him in his house. But I believe that you’ll definitely find a way to stay there.”

Amber was speechless. She didn’t know where Nancy had found so much confidence. Amber herself had no expectations because she didn’t know what Ian would end up doing.

Without any helpers, the stress was a bit overwhelming.

After exhaling slowly to calm herself down, Nancy stepped forward. This area seemed low profile, but the security was quite strict. Amber reported Ian’s name and house number, and even had to take out her ID to register her visit before she could obtain a temporary pass to enter the community.

Ian’s house was in the innermost region of the area. It was a small stand alone bungalow with its own wall and backyard. As Amber walked up, she didn’t see a single light on inside. When she got to the door, she first pressed the doorbell, but no one answered. Then she used the passcode that Nancy had given her to open the front door.

After stepping inside, she found that the house was silent, and it was lit solely by a little wall lamp on the other side of the main corridor. As she followed the light, she found that the living room’s door was half closed, which she then pushed open lightly.

It opened smoothly, so silent that even Amber was surprised. Luckily, the living room was bright and well lit. When the door opened, the first thing she heard was her own voice. “… little fox, I like you!” And then she saw Ian, asleep on the sofa with his head tilted towards the sofa and a trailing hand touching the ground.

Her own unfamiliar voice reverberated inside the room. Then, a voice echoed from behind. “I like you too.”

And then it kept repeating the same story about the little rabbit liking the little fox. She had recorded many stories inside that device; it seemed like this was the one that he liked best.

Amber stood at the door, hesitating about whether she should first enter and look around, or whether she should wait around for him to wake up. Suddenly, as if he had sensed something, Ian turned around. His jaw dragged on the sofa, but he still managed to look at the door.

Amber felt a sudden sense of anxiety overcome her. She explained, “Sorry, your door was unlocked … may I enter?”

Ian maintained his original posture, not moving or speaking. He merely continued to watch her silently.

“Alright, I’ll assume that you’re ok with it.” Amber walked inside. Only when she got closer did she realize that he was visibly thinner, and his complexion was sallow. Nonetheless, he was still very tidy and clean shaven.

He looked weak, as if he’d just woken up, and his eyes were still bleary with sleep. This created a bit of an innocent aura about him, stripping him of his usual aloof attitude and replacing it with a bit of cuteness instead.

He seemed like a big, sickly dog lying pitifully on the ground, waiting for his owner to pat him on the head.