The aged woman asked, “Have you heard of them? It is believed that they are capable of changing faces like Bakeneko. Beware of them, they come with a familiar face, and with the intention of taking you with them. Not all of them are lucky to escape from them.” She ruffled my wavy red hair.

“Where would they take us, Grandma? I asked her. 

She frowned, “I don’t know, but do not go too deep in the forest. If you do by mischief little boy, at least keep your distance from the Halcyon Lake at night. Be wary of that lake.” She warned me.

 I woke up to the sound of my alarm. I immediately shut it. Brownie was licking my feet. “No, brownie, don’t do that, come here.” I motioned the brown dog to come near me. He sat next to me for the morning petting sessions. I petted him merrily. He wagged his tail with excitement.

It did not take this smart fur to put together my college schedule. He would stay at grandpa’s room on working days and in weekends would come to my room for my attention. 

Grandpa knocked on the door and said, “Come down for breakfast, both of you.”

“Yes, I will be there in a minute.” I responded. Brownie perked up and raced down to the kitchen.

Grandpa and I both shared a laugh. Grandpa said, “Well, there he goes. You should get going too.”

“Have some more scrambled eggs, Mich.” Mom said while adding some more to my plate.

“Thanks, Mom.”

“Dad, are you taking Brownie to the vet today? Mom asked Grandpa.

He looked away from his newspaper and hushed her, “Hey, do not say that out loud. That dog would run around the house before I could even get my car keys.”

 I observed the brown dog, he was devouring his breakfast. “I am sure he has not caught that yet.” I whispered to Mom and Grandpa.

“He better not, this is just a medical checkup. Anyway, Grandpa, did you keep the books on the sofa table? Michael will take them back to the City library today.” Mom asked him.

 “Yes, they are at the table.” Grandpa said, pointing towards the living room.

“Can I return the books in the evening? I got an assignment to do today.” I said with the most pleading eyes I could make.

Mom sighed, “Okay, but you have to deliver them today itself or else you are paying it's fine.” 

“Why me though? It’s grandpa who borrowed it not me.” I said, while looking towards grandpa, who was now pretending to read the newspaper.

Mom smiled, “Well then don’t delay on it. Get it done today itself Mich.”

Grandpa simply nodded his head in agreement, while mom began collecting the dishes.

~~

I glanced at the clock, 5pm. Time to head to the library. I put the library books in my bag and began to look for the bus schedule on my phone. The bus will arrive at stop in 15 minutes. 

I live somewhere near Wornville, and it might come up in a few minutes.

Christopher, did not seem much of a talkative type. But it felt quite nice to be around him. At first, I was worried that he wouldn’t like the idea of me giving him accompany for bus rides. But luckily he agreed. I had seen him before with Mason, sometimes near the basketball court.

The bus arrived and I got on it. Mom said she had some work at the company but would do it from home today. Guess, the dinner is on Grandpa then. I wish I had some cooking skills, but it’s a tough nut to crack for me.

I was pulled out of my thoughts when an unknown number called me. I picked it up.

“Hello, Michael, is that you?”

I frowned, “Yes, and why are you calling me now? Hold up, how did you get my number in the first place??” 

“Look son, I am sorry, I just wanted to ask how are yo-”

“I was doing great, until you called. I told you we have nothing to do with each other now. So there is no need to contact me.”

His voice began to waver, “I…I did not mean to hurt you. It’s just that I was worried for yo-”

I cut off the call before he could complete his sentence. He was never there for us. And now is he worried about me?

The bus stopped and I got off. I headed straight towards the library. Better return these books and head home. 

“These are a lot of books. How did you manage to read all of them in a month, young man?” The librarian asked me doubtfully.

“No, I am not the one who issued it. You should ask my grandpa, he is a bookworm.” I responded.

“Oh, I see.” The librarian said while scanning them. “Well, it’s done. If you want, you can issue some for yourself.” The librarian said while adjusting her glasses.

I responded, “I am not that keen on it, got some other stuff to do now.” 

“We have covered a major part of the research, now we just need to put it together properly.”

I looked around immediately. It was Christopher's voice. I saw him leaving the library with Clara, Stephanie’s girlfriend.  

Clara told him, “Yup, this brainstorming session was a good one. The sooner we finish it, the sooner I can get back on my other pending work.”

“I will leave now, Thank you.” I told the librarian before dashing out of the library. I don’t understand just how I was able to catch on to his voice. Oh wait, it’s a library, it is easy to catch other voices when it’s silent. But why was I running towards him?

“Oh, hi there Michael, when did you come here?” Clara asked me. 

Christopher turned around and said, “Hi, how are you doing?”

I responded, “I am well, and I came here recently.”

“Spending weekends in the library? That sounds unlikely of you.’ Clara said curiously.

“No, I am here to just return some books.” I said.

“Well, I see. OK now I gotta go, bye. See you both in college on Monday.” Clara said, bidding us goodbye.

“Bye, I will text you later Clara.” Christopher said to her.

I waved my hand to her.

He looked at me, then moved his eyes away from mine in a second. “So…do you have to go somewhere?” He asked.

“No, I don’t need to go anywhere. Are you free now?” I said.

“No, I mean yes. I am just heading towards the Mason’s café. He asked me to drop by. Do you want to come with me…?” He asked hesitantly.

I swear now I am close to over the moon. “Alright. Let’s go. Lead the way, Chris.”

“Ok, the café is within walking distance.” He said, pointing towards a street.

Hold up a second. “Mason owns a café?” I asked the black auburn hair boy.

I saw him lightly smile, well that’s the closest I have seen him smile so far. “No, he works at a café. He began working there after he got in college.”

“Oh I see.” I responded. That was obvious. What was I thinking?

“We have reached it, here it is.” He said looking towards the building lighted with neon lights wording Berry’s Café. There were some tables and chairs lined along the outdoors of the 2-story building. There was a large contrast between concrete buildings with bill boards and green plant life. The rooftop’s railing intertwined with vines.

We went inside. “It’s lovely…” I said, looking around. There was mural artwork of coffee and some snacks mixed with starry views. There were warm toned lights hanging on the ceilings. The décor inside café was mostly of wood accompanied by indoor plants. The place was slightly crowded. There was some noise, but it was not much of a bother. Rather, the atmosphere felt cozy. 

Christopher motioned towards a booth against the glass wall. I followed him. His golden skin was gleaming under the warm light.

There has been something I have been thinking. I decided to ask it straight to him. “You don’t mind me calling you Chris instead of Christopher, right?” 

He looked towards and shook his head immediately, “No, I don’t mind that.” 

“That’s good. I was concerned that it might have come as rude for calling you that.” I told him.

“Don’t worry, it did not bother me much. But thanks for asking.” He said before showing me the menu.

“Hello there, Christopher. It’s been quite a long time. What can I get for both of you?” The waitress asked us.

“Hi Nora, it is good to see you. I would have a black coffee and some loaf cake.” He said.

“I would like to have cinnamon rolls and a cappuccino.” I responded.

“Alright, I will get your order in some time.” She said with glee and disappeared behind the counter.

A man peeked at Chris from behind above his seat. “Chris, is that you?”