Aldrin stumbled along the dimly lit street, his mind racing as his stomach grumbled loudly. His voice, or lack of it, was another problem entirely. The pill forced on him had rendered him completely mute, and no amount of throat-clearing or effort could change that.
Ahead, the soft glow of a humble food stall caught his eye. A simple banner above it read "Tina's Home Cooked Meals" in neat, hand-painted letters. His stomach grumbled again, louder this time, and he made his way toward the small stand.
Tina stood behind the counter, humming softly as she restocked the condiments. Her mom had left her in charge to run some errands, so it was just her and the occasional passerby. She looked up as Aldrin approached, her eyes narrowing slightly at the sight of him. His suit, though rumpled, looked expensive. His hair was tousled, and there was something frantic in his expression.
"Ah, good evening," Tina said cautiously, setting the ketchup bottle down.
Aldrin gave a slight nod and pointed to the menu hanging just above her. His finger landed on the adobo rice bowl.
"Ah, adobo?" Tina confirmed.
He nodded quickly.
"Okay, anything to drink?"
Aldrin scanned the menu and pointed at the calamansi juice.
Tina tilted her head, noticing he hadn't said a word since he arrived. "Uh… are you okay? You haven't spoken at all."
Aldrin touched his throat, then shook his head.
"Oh, I see," Tina said, her voice softening. "You can't talk?"
He nodded.
"Ah, got it. Do you know sign language?"
Aldrin shook his head again, looking mildly frustrated.
"That's okay. Just point, and I'll get it for you," Tina said with a reassuring smile.
She turned to prepare his order, glancing back at him occasionally. His suit and demeanor didn't match the usual customers of their small food stall. Most people who came by were students or workers from nearby shops.
Within a few minutes, Tina placed a steaming bowl of adobo rice and a cold glass of calamansi juice on the counter. "Here you go. That'll be ₱75."
Aldrin pulled out his wallet and handed her a crisp bill, his movements quick and efficient. As he grabbed the food, he gestured a small thank-you with his hand.
Tina watched as he sat down at a nearby bench, eating in silence. Despite his odd behavior, she couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to him than he let on—or could let on, given the circumstances.
She shrugged and returned to cleaning up the stall. Whatever his story is, she thought, it's not my business. But he sure doesn't look like someone who ends up here by accident.