The soft glow of the morning sun filtered gently through the reflection on the windowpane, casting a warm, golden hue across the room. The light touched Heka's closed eyelids, coaxing a subtle warmth that spread through his weary eyes.
Slowly, he stirred from his sleep, the remnants of a restless night fading as he sat up and shuffled toward the window. With a quiet breath, he drew back the heavy curtains, allowing the full embrace of the morning sun to flood the room.
It had been exactly one week since he had received the mysterious Soul Delivery, a gift that had changed everything. For the first time in what felt like an eternity, Heka sensed that he could live a normal life again.
The shadows of his past struggles, the relentless pain and weakness, had finally lifted. He felt reborn, as if a heavy burden had been lifted from his shoulders, leaving him lighter and more hopeful than ever before.
Reaching for his phone, Heka's fingers trembled slightly with anticipation. Yet, the screen remained dark, no messages, no notifications, no sign of Ansel. A pang of disappointment settled in his chest.
He tossed the phone aside and collapsed back onto the bed, the soft mattress cushioning his tired body.
He had promised himself, firmly, that he would avoid any entanglement with Ansel. After the Soul Delivery, he believed that distance was best for both of them, a way to protect what little peace he had regained.
Still, despite his resolve, a small part of him longed for a message from Ansel, a sign that he hadn't been forgotten. Since returning home, silence had been his only companion, and it gnawed at him more than he cared to admit.
Suddenly, the shrill ring of his phone shattered the quiet morning air. "Clancy..."
"Heka can you help me?" Clancy's voice was urgent yet hopeful.
"Today I had to meet Troy Cole to take the hand watch, but I can't. I have to go to the airport to pick up my parents. Can you meet him for me?" Clancy's request was clear.
And without hesitation, Heka responded. "Okay!!!" he said immediately, the decision was made before he even fully processed it.
"Thank you. I'll send the location." Clancy replied gratefully.
As Heka ended the call, a strange mix of anticipation and unease settled over him. This simple favor might be the first step back into a world he had tried to leave behind.
***
Heka has arrived at Geiger Coffee and Market early at 3 pm. Meanwhile, Troy Cole would arrive at 4 pm. Next to his laptop he had ordered a croissant and a cup of red velvet latte.
He knew he had arrived earlier than necessary, but that was exactly how he preferred it. He had deliberately planned it this way so he could finish his tasks without the pressure of rushing.
Waiting for an hour might feel interminable to most people, especially if they had nothing to occupy their minds. But for Heka, an hour was fleeting, almost negligible.
His occupation as an editor had trained him to lose himself in work, making time slip by unnoticed. He barely registered that sixty minutes had passed as he immersed himself.
Suddenly, a voice broke through his concentration. "Excuse me, are you Clancy's friend?"
The greeting pulled Heka back to the present, and he glanced up to see a man approaching. It was then that he realized the time. It was already 4 p.m.
"That's right, you are Troy Cole, aren't you?" Heka replied, standing up.
Troy Cole nodded and took a seat across from him. "Sorry for making you wait too long."
"No problem at all." Heka assured him. Though he had been waiting for an hour, for someone like him, an editor accustomed to long hours of focused work, an hour felt like a minute.
Troy reached into his bag and pulled out a small, elegant box, placing it carefully on the table between them. With a practiced hand, he opened the box to reveal a pair of watches. He explained. "This is the couple watches that Clancy has ordered."
Heka leaned in to examine the watches more closely. Both were shades of blue, designed as a matching set. The female watch was a delicate cyan, while the male counterpart was a deep navy blue.
The watch faces were beautifully crafted, featuring a heart image at the center, surrounded by tiny dots that resembled stars scattered across a night sky. The design was subtle yet meaningful, a perfect symbol of love and connection.
"Do you like it?" Troy asked, watching Heka's focused expression as he admired the craftsmanship and the thoughtful design Clancy had made.
Heka smiled softly. "No, this is not for me. This is for her sister's wedding gift. It holds next week on September 11."
"Sorry I thought he ordered this for you." Troy said, a hint of embarrassment in his voice.
"Clancy is perfect at designing everything." Heka chuckled lightly. Heka remembered that it has been Clancy's hobby. She often bought custom items that she makes herself.
With a polite nod, Troy stood up. "Okay then I'll leave. Sorry, I can't stay any longer."
"Yes please. I have to leave too." Heka replied, closing his laptop and preparing to stand.
As he moved toward the window to gather his things, Heka's eyes caught a familiar figure outside.
It was Ansel, but he wasn't alone. Standing beside him was another man, and the two appeared close, sharing an intimate moment that made Heka's heart tighten unexpectedly.
Because he hasn't seen each other for a long time. He thought it was better to say hello to him. He walked quickly towards the door.
Heka took a deep breath, summoning every ounce of courage he had, and took the initiative to greet him first.
"Hi, Ansel!!!" His voice was a little louder than intended, betraying the nervousness beneath his calm exterior.
However, he owned Ansel. Even though, he had desperately wanted to avoid seeing him again.