The warm aroma of coffee and sizzling bacon filled the diner as Alex and Mark waited for their meals. The hum of quiet conversation and the clinking of cutlery created a sense of normalcy that Alex found oddly comforting. But beneath the surface, his mind was still swirling. The confession about his schizophrenia hung in the air between them, though Mark had done his best to keep things light since.
Mark shifted in his seat, tapping his fingers lightly against the edge of his coffee cup. "So," he began, his voice casual but tinged with concern, "do you think this will impact our case in any way?"
Alex glanced up from his cup of hot chocolate, swirling the liquid with his spoon. The marshmallows slowly melted into frothy clouds. He sighed, his expression unreadable for a moment before he spoke. "I don't know, man. It's hard for me to know what's going to happen." He stopped talking and looked outside, watching as the rain began to fall slowly. "We need to put our focus on more important stuff."
Mark wore a concerned expression. "I agree, and I know I can count on you. It's just that... what if we're in a crucial situation, and your schizophrenia or panic attacks kick in? What will happen? Not just to the case, but to you as well? What if you die?"
Alex remained silent while Mark spoke. When he finished, he looked at him and said, "Do you think I didn't think of that? Or that I'm useless?"
"Alex, that's not what I meant. It's just too risky to—"
"Again. Do you think I can't handle it? If my illness was such a big deal, I wouldn't be here talking to you like a normal person, would I?"
Mark's expression shifted, visibly hurt by Alex's words, but also sensing a glimmer of relief. "You're right. I'm sorry. It's just that... I don't know how to say it."
"It's okay," Alex said, staring at the rain as it began to pour. "I'll be alright, I guarantee you that."
"When did you start this medication?" Mark asked, shifting the topic.
"I don't remember. I assume around the same time I started experiencing schizophrenia."
"Oh, I see. Makes sense." Mark laughed awkwardly, trying to lighten the mood.
"Yeah," Alex replied, a small smile creeping onto his face.
"Are you going to your mother's now?" Mark inquired, taking a sip of his coffee.
Alex nodded. "It's been over a year, I believe, since we last met in person. I mean, I've talked over the phone and sent letters, but still."
"No, no, I understand. It's fine. At least all that training was worth it, huh?"
Before Alex could respond, the waitress returned, balancing their plates with practiced ease. She set the pancakes, syrup, and blueberries in front of Alex, then placed Mark's eggs and bacon down with a smile. "Enjoy, fellas," she said brightly before moving on to the next table.
Alex stared down at his food, suddenly feeling the weight of everything pressing down on him. "We'll see. After all, it's not just the case," he muttered, almost to himself.
Mark paused, his fork hovering over his plate. "What do you mean?"
Alex hesitated, but after a moment, he met Mark's gaze. "There's something else going on. Something... I haven't fully put together yet. It's like there's this piece I'm missing, and I can't shake the feeling that it's connected to the case. To everything."
Mark frowned, concern etched on his face but also intrigued. "What do you mean by something? Do you have an idea of what it is?"
Alex shook his head. "I don't know. But I'm going to find out."
"Don't worry; we'll do this together."
Alex stopped for a moment before laughing.
"Wha—what is it?" Mark was surprised by Alex's reaction.
"Nothing..." Alex paused to regain his composure. "It's just that what you said sounded too cheesy, and I found it quite funny."
"For fuck's sake, you can't be serious," Mark said, a mix of upset and embarrassment coloring his tone. "I'm trying to be there for you, and that's what you think of me?"
"No, no, it's not that. I mean, I appreciate it, but still." Alex was slowly regaining his composure. "But in all seriousness, thanks for your support."
Mark rolled his eyes before speaking. "Yeah, yeah, whatever."
They finished eating after a while.
"Ahhh, exactly what I needed," said Mark, a satisfied grin on his face.
"Yep. Very delicious, and good to last the rest of the day with."
"Only with breakfast? Come on, don't be serious."
"I mean, it's not impossible," Alex chuckled.
"Not something I'd recommend, though."
They both laughed about it.
"So, you'll go back to the station now?" Alex asked.
"I guess, but with what vehicle? You're taking the car, aren't you? Maybe I should call someone."
"No need. It's better if I take the bus or something."
"Oh, okay. Very well." Mark called the waitress to pay the bill. "Guess we should get going."
"Agreed."
"Hello, so how was the meal?" the waitress asked as she approached.
"It was very good; we're both satisfied," Mark said.
"That's perfect! Oh, yeah, that'll be $23, please."
"Of course. Here you go." Mark handed her $25. "Keep the change and buy something good for yourself."
Both the waitress and Alex laughed at Mark's words.
"What?" Mark said, grinning.
"Nothing, man," Alex replied, shaking his head.
"Thank you, fellas," said the waitress, smiling.
As Mark and Alex were leaving, the waitress called out to Alex. "Good seeing you again, Alex."
Both Alex and Mark stopped for a moment, and Alex turned around, confused. "Do I know you?"
The waitress looked puzzled that Alex didn't recognize her. "You don't remember me?"
Alex shook his head.
"Really? We were in the same class all through middle school."
"I'm sorry; I can't remember."
"Does Lily Harper ring any bells?"
Alex strained to remember. After a few moments, he spoke. "Oh, yeah! I remember you—you transferred halfway through the year in 9th grade, right?"
Lily scoffed and said, "Thank you for remembering me by the day I left."
Alex laughed awkwardly. "Yeah. Anyway, it's nice seeing you again."
"Yeah," she nodded. "It's nice."
"How's life been treating you?" he asked, trying to make conversation.
"Not the best, not the worst either. No biggie." She smiled.
"Good, very good."
"You—how's life been treating ya?" she asked mockingly, with a funny expression.
"Same as you. Still good, though."
"I see you're in a hurry. Anyway, see you around. You're welcome anytime."
"Thank you, goodbye."
"Bye!"
Alex and Mark took cover from the rain after they got out of the restaurant.
"How about I drop you at your parents'?"
"What about pick-up?"
"Call me when you're done. I think it's better this way."
"Yeah, sure. Let's go."