The two male investigators stood facing each other, their expressions tense with worry. One of them leaned forward and asked, "Does he remember anything about the 'stick'?"
"I don't know," replied the other man, his eyes darting nervously around the area. "He hasn't mentioned anything of it."
The first man furrowed his brow and let out a low hum. "What about the analysis of his test results?"
"They're still working on it at the lab but," the second man hesitated for a moment before continuing, "they're saying that it might have something to do with the stick. They might need the 'stick' to really know what's going on."
The first man let out a deep sigh, his shoulders slumping. "Yeah, I know. That's going to be a problem though." He looked up towards the direction of the stick, which was lodged deep into the ground. "People have been trying to remove it from there but with no avail."
The area around them was bustling with activity, with people going about their day as usual. But for these two men, the stick held a mysterious significance, and they couldn't help but feel a sense of urgency to uncover its secrets.
"What about that kid? The one that was shot," the first investigator asked the other, his eyes scanning the area.
"He's fully recovered. Doctors said they couldn't find any bullet wound," the second investigator replied, furrowing his brow in confusion.
"What?!!! But he was injured and seriously bleeding," the first investigator exclaimed, his voice rising in disbelief."I know, it doesn't make sense. He'll be discharged as of this evening," the second investigator said, his expression grim.
"Get a hold of him before he leaves the hospital," the first investigator said, his tone urgent.
"Okay sir," the second investigator replied, nodding in agreement.
"What the hell happened here?" The first investigator muttered, the question hanging in the air as he continued to survey the scene before him.
Rose took a sip of her tea before placing the cup back onto its saucer. She stared out the window, mesmerized by the breathtaking view of the cityscape below. Her companion, a man whose name she had yet to learn, sat across from her, eagerly peeling an orange.
"You know," he began, "I believe that oranges are the best fruit in the world."
Rose raised an eyebrow, a hint of skepticism in her expression. "The best fruit in the world? That's quite a bold statement."
The man nodded, a smile playing on his lips. "Yes, I know it may sound bold, but think about it. Oranges are juicy, sweet, and packed with Vitamin C. They're versatile, too. You can eat them on their own, juice them, or even use them in cooking."
Rose leaned back in her chair, folding her arms across her chest. "I'm not denying that oranges are a great fruit, but to say they're the best? I'm not so sure about that."
The man chuckled. "Well, what fruit do you think is the best, then?"
Rose took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts. "I think it's hard to say which fruit is the best. There are so many great fruits out there, each with their own unique qualities. For example, I love apples for their crunch and sweetness, and bananas for their creamy texture. And let's not forget about berries, with their bright colors and tangy flavors."
The man nodded, taking a bite of his orange. "I see your point, but for me, oranges will always hold a special place in my heart. There's just something about them that I can't resist." Rose smiled, taking another sip of her tea. "Well, I can't fault you for that. To each their own, right?"
The man grinned, nodding in agreement. "Exactly. And who knows, maybe one day you'll have an orange that changes your mind."
Rose chuckled. "Maybe I will. But until then, I'll stick to my apples and bananas."The man finished peeling his orange and took a juicy segment, savoring its sweetness. "You know, oranges are not only delicious, but they also have numerous health benefits. They're rich in fiber, potassium, and other essential nutrients that are great for your body."
Rose nodded. "Yes, I know that. But many other fruits also have similar health benefits. For example, blueberries are packed with antioxidants, and avocados are rich in healthy fats." The man's eyes lit up. "Ah, yes, avocados are amazing too. I love them on toast with a sprinkle of sea salt and a squeeze of lime."
Rose smiled. "I agree, avocados are versatile and delicious. And speaking of versatility, have you tried pomegranates? They have a unique flavor and can be used in a variety of dishes."
The man raised an eyebrow. "Pomegranates? I've tried them in salads before, but I've never really thought of them as a fruit on their own." Rose nodded. "They may be a bit more work to eat, but they're definitely worth it. Plus, they're full of antioxidants and have been linked to numerous health benefits."
The man seemed intrigued. "I'll have to give them another try. Maybe you can show me how to properly eat them sometime."
The two continued their conversation, discussing their favorite fruits and sharing stories about their experiences with them. As they talked, Rose couldn't help but feel grateful for the chance encounter that had brought her to this fancy living room on the 198th floor of a building, sharing tea and conversation with a stranger who had a love for oranges that bordered on obsession.