That hit a nerve.
Grandma.
"Grandma." I called her exactly that. I sounded like a parrot immediately copying what was said in front of me.
I thought it would taste bitter in my mouth. But it didn't.
It tasted like candy.
Nostalgia washed over me and I had to purse my lips in a tight line to stop myself from getting emotional.
But sweet f*cking candy. Just like what my parents used to give me after dinner. Sneakily. Because I was not allowed sweets after the day's last meal one of them always managed to pass me one. I thought it was a game we played. "Who can give Owen the sparkling sugary ball without getting caught." Now I understand they just wanted to spoil me without the other person knowing.
I took a deep breath to ground myself before bowing again and going on my way, silently memorizing the stalls and a few landmarks so I could come back next time with my friends.
My friends — I should start finding them.
—
The quick influx of memories was over in an instant. Owen simply picked up his glasses, placed them on his nose and got back to reading.
Lucy was getting off the building elevator when Victor passed by.
The man noticed her immediately and gave a polite greeting.
"Hello, Miss Lucy. Heading out?"
"Ah, yes. but I'll be back later." Lucy felt a little hesitant but there was something she wanted to tell Victor since their first encounter. "You can just call me Lucy."
"Lucy." Victor repeated her name with a smile. "Do you need anything? A car?"
Why would I need a car? Lucy initially thought before understanding Victor's intention. "No, no, I'll just walk."
"Oh, okay. Take care, Lucy." Victor waited for the woman's acknowledgment before heading in the opposite direction.
Lucy had a peaceful walk towards the hospital. Nana was waiting for her when she arrived. Fortunately, the old timer didn't ask more questions about the recent events. They spent time talking and eventually prepared to rest.
She texted Owen that she'll be spending the night at the hospital. There's a scheduled session at Top Gym for tomorrow so she's planning to get up earlier than usual to get her things organized. She'd also want Owen's opinion on their arrangement. She's not comfortable going to the gym together and also disclosing how she's sleeping at Owen's house.
I know we're not doing anything wrong but why does this feel so criminal?
She left the thought for later as she checked her alarm for the last time before shoving her phone under her pillow.
Now she's all set.
*Bzzzzzzzz. Bzzzzzzz. Bzzzzzzz*
The buzzing alarm attacked Lucy's head at exactly 4 am.
She put the alarm on vibrate to avoid disturbing Nana.
They had a prior conversation about her needing to leave early to prepare for work. She hasn't been able to tell Nana that she'll be staying at Owen. Disclosing that would mean she'll have to talk about the thug situation and she's not yet ready to have that conversation.
It's the last thing Nana needs right now.
She folded her blanket neatly and gave Nana a light peck on the forehead before heading out.
It's still dark outside. She walked back to the path she had taken yesterday. A different doorman was waiting at the building's entrance. She was momentarily nervous and unconsciously fiddled with a piece of paper in her pocket. It was Owen's passcode.
What if the doorman doesn't let her in?
Her worry was left unfounded when she was a few meters away and the man gave her a friendly nod before opening the glass door. He was a younger fellow than the morning doorkeeper but had the same welcoming demeanor now that she saw him closely. She returned the greeting with a curt smile and headed in.
Unknown to Lucy, Owen had arranged for her to be treated as a resident of the building and Victor already informed the staff the night before.
She arrived at Owen's front door and thought about sending a message before opening the lock. She was reluctant to send him a message earlier because of the unreasonable hours but now that she's right at the front door she found it rude to just let herself in.
I'm at the front. I'll use the key.
And hit "send".
Alright. I think that'll do.
Lucy took the paper from her side pocket and carefully pressed the written digits. At that moment she decided it safer to memorize the lock code so she took a few moments to do just that.
She carefully strolled inside, bag in hand, with all the intention of staying quiet until she got in front of her assigned room. She was about to turn the knob when she heard a weird sound.
A ghost.
Owen's earlier remark replayed in her head. She turned her head towards the room at the end of the hallway. She's not afraid of spirits particularly but the unfamiliarity of the place added to the variables. Her heart was beating unusually hard right now. Her breathing got shallower too.
Her ears tried to zone in to find the source of the noise. It doesn't sound far away. She returned her attention to her door, contemplating if she should just ignore it. It'll be morning soon, anyway. She can stay awake until she can talk to Owen.
Before turning the knob she noticed how another round of weird noise fills the air. She tilted her head to the side and saw Owen's bedroom door not completely shut.
That's a serious security issue. Why would you not close the door? But that was a thought for another day.
She realized the sound came right from the gap in Owen's room. She went closer to put her ears near the open space to confirm her initial observation. There it was again. Okay, it definitely came from there. It was an uncomfortable moaning, as if in pain.
Lucy felt an internal struggle if she should go in right now. She didn't have much time to ponder because her thoughts were interrupted by a particularly loud moan for pain, the shock caused her to open the door, ready to rescue her benefactor from whatever the situation it was.
*Mmmmmmm…*