THE MAN IN BLACK
(He came without urgency and left with answers)
Shadow_vee
The city woke up differently for everyone.
Claire had come over the previous night for a sleepover, and this morning they moved around the house together, getting ready for work.It felt… nice. Warmer. The kind of comfort that came from sharing space with another person small conversations, the quiet understanding that you weren't alone.
Orabella had never really had a clique people drifted in and out of her life, but Claire stayed. She was the closest thing Orabella had to a constant and even tho they had totally different personalities they were really good friends always being there for each other, the one person she could talk to about almost everything.
They talked while getting dressed,fixing their hair, while making quick plans for the day. Claire, as usual, found a way to bring up the journal half-joking, half-serious but Orabella brushed it off with a shrug and a change of subject.
When they finally stepped outside, Orabella glanced back at the house. The yard felt emptier than it used to. She had sold off the remaining animals to buyers, and though it had been the practical thing to do, she missed them. Their presence had filled the silence, made the house feel alive. Now, it was just quiet again.
They got to the bus stop just in time, barely catching the bus as it pulled in. Breathless, they settled into their seats, laughter still lingering between them as the vehicle lurched forward.
From the corner of the street, a man dressed entirely in black stepped into view. He stood still, eyes fixed on the moving bus until it disappeared into traffic. A few seconds passed before he turned and walked in the direction the girls had come from.
Minutes later, he arrived at the house. He knocked once. No answer. After a brief pause, he stepped back and left.
Orabella and Claire began their shift at the coffee shop later that morning. The place wasn't overly busy, but it wasn't quiet either just the right balance. They moved easily behind the counter, exchanging small talk with customers, the day unfolding smoothly.
During their short break, Claire slipped away.
"An ice cream date," she had whispered earlier.
Orabella rolled her eyes. "Isn't that the third guy this month? And it's not even the fifteenth."
Claire giggled and waved her off before disappearing.
Left alone, Orabella returned to her sketchbook, pencil gliding absentmindedly across the page.
The bell above the door chimed.
A man dressed in black walked in and headed straight to the counter.
"Hi," he said.
"Hello, welcome," Orabella replied with a polite smile.
"I'll have an espresso," he paused briefly, "and maybe a croissant."
"Alright, right away."
She prepared the order and placed it before him. He thanked her and drank in silence, slowly taking in the aesthetic of the café. It was obvious he wasn't in a hurry.
When he finished, he approached the counter again.
"The service here is excellent," he said.
"Thank you," Orabella replied professionally.
Then he asked a question that startled her
"Orabella… what about your dad? It's been a long time since I heard from him. I lost his contact."
Her smile faded.
She stared at him, uncertainty flickering across her face. "How do you know my name?"
"A lot happened," he said calmly. "I was abroad for a while. I only just returned. I wasn't even sure it was you at first although I asked around and was told you work here you."
"I'm sorry," Orabella said slowly. "I don't remember you. My dad never mentioned you."
"He wasn't much of a talker."
There was a pause.
"My dad died last year," she said, her voice breaking despite her effort to stay composed.
The man stiffened. "I...I'm so sorry for your loss. I truly didn't know. He was a good man. May his soul rest in peace."
Orabella nodded, blinking back tears.
"I'm sorry for triggering you," he added quietly.
"It's… fine," she replied, though it clearly wasn't.
They sat in silence for a moment longer before he stood.
"I'll check on you again," he said before leaving.
Claire returned shortly after and immediately noticed the change in Orabella's mood. She didn't need to ask twice.
After hearing everything, Claire pulled her into a brief hug, murmuring reassurance.
Inside a tinted car, the same man in black sat expressionless as he dialed a number.
"What's the update?" a voice asked.
"I initiated contact with the girl. Her father died a year ago."
There was a pause.
"Hmmm. Return back," the voice replied before ending the call.
Andre sat alone in his study, hands clasped, gaze distant.
"Too bad," he murmured quietly. "I'm sorry I didn't reach out before your demise."