Missing

When the food arrived, Eleanor urged the person sitting opposite her to take a bite first. He was going to refuse and ask her to eat without any formalities but then just shrugged his shoulders and picked his spoon to taste the soup.

The said soup occupied a cheap bowl, it's color dull and ingredients buried under the opaque surface. Only when he stirred it gently and the vegetables began to rise to the surface did he realize one very important thing.

How was he supposed to eat? Through his mask? How on Earth had he forgot the one most crucial detail? His mind raced, thinking of a hundred plans a second to escape from having to show his face. One stuck in mind. He was adept in many skills. Time to check if acting was one of them.

"Aren't you going to take off your mask?" Eleanor found it weird that he was still wearing the mask. She wondered why he was so adamant on hiding his identity. Is he an escaped convict? That could explain the unapproachable countenance he has. Though his noble bearings and impeccable manners that she observed when he pulled out the chair for her and waited until she was comfortably seated before taking his seat; seemed to contradict that possibility.

"Or are you going to eat through your mask?" She teased in hopes of bringing his guard down and earn a response.

However, it seemed like the fates were in the stranger's favor. Maybe she really wasn't supposed to see his face. Not yet.

When the young man was about to begin his charade he felt his phone vibrate in his right pocket and a simple melody filled their ears indicating the arrival of a phone call.

A good exit card. With that thought in mind he picked it up without checking the caller's id. Hearing the voice from the other side he grew serious. Apparently he really does need to leave, much earlier than planned.

He stood up, his chair moving backwards with a screech. Eleanor gaped flabbergasted at the sudden action.

"I need to leave."

"What? Now? But, you didn't even eat anything." Her mind was brimming with questions that were going to remain unanswered for a while.

"Something urgent requires my immediate attention. Pardon me for the sudden change in our plans. It's too important to be put on hold." He tried to explain to the best of his abilities, his heart aching at having to leave. It was a start that ended too quickly.

Eleanor nodded and tried to not sound as disappointed as she felt inside. "Of course, I understand. It's fine. You know where to find me, if you require my assistance for anything. No need to hesitate, I owe you." She didn't like owing favors. Too bothersome.

"Alright. Please excuse me then. Until next time." And just like that Eleanor was left staring at his muscular back until eventually it went out the door and disappeared. A sigh left her mouth as she turned around, one arm placed to rest on the table, the other folded and her hand cupping her chin, holding it. Her gaze passed over the numerous dishes of food, which had grown cold at being left untouched for too long. How was she supposed to finish all of this by herself?

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A splash of colors exploded in the big, black canvas that is the endless night sky making the several watching eyes widen in awe at the mesmerizing sight. This aurora of artificial lights did not just curve into arcs, but also formed illusions of large flowers and castles. Water jets sprayed water from different sides of the fountain with precision and accuracy forming beautiful arcs and designs with the liquid which which reflected the colors of the colorful lights. The soft background music picked it's pace and slowed down in accordance with the spectacular display, adding a nice all round touch to the spectacle. The show was a success, the unwavering gazes of the audience bewitched and amazed, evidence of that.

Eleanor peered at the familiar display, which still rendered her speechless and unable to remove her eyes from continuing to ogle at the luminous patterns, even after having seen it countless times. Still fresh in her mind were memories of her enjoying this breathtaking sight with the company of her beloved mother. It's been a few years, but that is too little time to fill the large gap within her heart. The gaping wound hurt sorely every time she got reminded of the person who left her alone in the world, too soon.

'I miss you mom.'

Her jade green eyes, clear and sparkling turned glassy as tears filled them, on the edge threatening to spill. In the hold of her crossed arms was a packet containing the left over food from the failed dinner. The food had been good, like she had expected, but she hadn't enjoyed the taste like she usually did. Her mind was too occupied with the thoughts about that certain person. She wondered why she had let her guard down so easily with that man. She didn't have any close friends other than some acquaintances' she seldom kept in contact with. Eleanor only befriended for benefits. She chose to put her trust in only those who deserved it because of the many times she had observed the people around her placing their beliefs in the wrong people only to regret later. She was scared of facing the same pain, but in a sense she already had, although not that intense.

She had one close friend when she was very young. The memory so old it should have faded into the back of her mind, but it was clear as if only yesterday's whenever she recalled those carefree days she had spent happily in his company. He left her without any warnings, his departure as abrupt as his arrival in her life had been. Yet, she never blamed him, for she knew of the loss he had suffered. Similar to the one she had only a few years later. She always kept him in her prayers, wishing for his health and happiness, hoping to meet him again someday.

'I have only known this man for a couple days at most. Why did I suddenly agree to have a meal with him?' She definitely found it weird that he had asked her to a meal, but then left before eating a single morsel. 'Why does he hide his face behind a mask? Is he hiding an ugly scar or something? Must be, otherwise he wouldn't have seemed so hesitant at the thought of taking it off. That call's timing was too coincidental. I wonder what could his important work be.'

Eleanor was a tad bit nosy, her curiosity always got the best of her and she let it. That was a fault of hers.

The aurora of colors that had been luminating the center with the lack of light from the shut streetlights vanished and inky darkness descended upon the silent audience. As the streetlights lit up sequentially, one after another, the loud chatter rose up again as the excited crowd began to disperse. The end of the show marked the end of the day for the merchants, and so the various stall owners began to pack up and shut their shops. Blinking her wet eyes, Eleanor smiled at some familiar passer-bys and left to head home. The full moon high in the sky indicated of the late hour meaning she was going to be welcomed by a scolding yet again.