CHAPTER 2

I walked up to my study desk, dragging a chair next to the window. It revealed no view of the outside view. Just a sticker pasted from the outside of the building. It was a picture of a scenery of green lush grass and snow carpeted on the tip of some random mountains, probably life-less now. And the sky, it was clear blue. A few clouds, maybe, but they were so faded that no one would notice them in the first glance. Even with those vibrant colors, I knew this wasn't real. It was probably edited by the one who took this picture, to make it prettier. Or even if this picture was real then I'm certain that this view is no more. The virus killed all...

But I still liked sitting in front of it. At least it was better than to idly lay on the bed and stare and the ceiling. Much better.

I grabbed the tray from the table and sat on the chair, placing it on my lap. I set the napkin resting on the top on the side of the tray to reveal the food. I smiled. A birthday treat. Instead of hard toast and eggs, I was blessed with pancakes and maple syrup. How could I have forgotten? Helen always gifted me this breakfast when I would achieve something. But birthday isn't an achievement. You just grow older. You don't really struggle or fight or win a competition. I always found this confusing but hey, you got them pancakes, who'd care if the world's in crisis? At least you got pancakes.

I laughed, softly. Everybody cared about the world being in crisis. Who wouldn't care about the world being covered in an unexplained virus with no cure whatsoever?

I shook my head. Need to focus on the pancakes. I grabbed the fork and knife, smacking my lips even though I hadn't even started eating. Just for a minute all my worries, the world's worries disappeared from my head as I stabbed my fork in the soft cake, steam pouring out as I did. I chewed it slowly in my mouth trying to save the flavor till the next year. The aroma was bland. I had forgotten to pour the syrup on them but I didn't mind. It was worth it. It took only five minutes to lick the plate clean. I grabbed the water bottle I always had and gulped down some water. My stomach churned a little with the sudden amount of food but I didn't mind. I was loving the taste in mouth. Nothing but pancakes to make your bitter life a little sweeter.

I took the napkin to wipe my hands and frowned to see a piece of paper resting below it. Throwing the napkin on the floor, I grabbed the paper and unfolded it. A note. My eyes rose in surprise to see who it was from. Alexandra Lynn.

To Harry Skale,

I assume you will be a little surprise while receiving this letter. I admit that I haven't answered the letters you have sent me but I truly hope that I can answer these questions of yours now. You can expect anything, that's all I can say. Neither get your hopes high nor down, is my advice.

Kindly meet me in my office at 12:00. Be there.

Sincerely,

Alexandra Lynn.

Hope you enjoy your pancakes.

I read the note four times before scoffing. It was weird the way she had written a note with few words not even answering one of my questions. Not one! A brief letter. A stupid point-less letter. With frustration growing in my body, I crumbled the paper and tossed it in the dustbin. I never kept my hopes high but a pang of something had hit my chest. I couldn't tell if it was a good thing or bad but I decided to keep it to remind me to go to her office at twelve. Looking at my wristwatch, I groaned to see that it was only eight. So I had time. And as promised, I had to go out and... I didn't even know what I'll do but I need to get out from my room. I had promised to go out to many people. And a promise is a promise.