Canra Natividad

I woke up from a nap. When I looked out the window, it was already dark. I slept for a longer period of time than I anticipated. I went down to the cafeteria to get a cup of tea as well as some pastry. Canra and I saw each other from afar, but because of what had happened, I avoided her.

After finishing my snack, I walked out of the inn. I was supposed to speak with the mayor, but he was too busy doing his job, so I went for a walk around town instead.

As I stepped out of the town hall, I noticed Ador outside, who appeared to be on his way to the inn. I approached him right away to strike up a conversation.

"Good evening, Sir. Are you also going to the inn?", he asked.

I explained that I had come from the town hall and was supposed to walk around town.

"I'm so sorry, Sir. I'm sorry I can't keep you company! Perhaps next time."

I told him I didn't need company and that I was approaching him to investigate about Canra's personal data. To be honest, I ended up sounding like a creep.

"I see. Do you want to know more about Canra? Sir, you could perhaps ask her! Your age difference with her doesn't appear to be significant. She's only in her twenties!"

I shrugged and crossed my arms. I am only five years her senior.

I thanked Ador for informing me and told him I'd keep exploring the town.

"All is right, Sir. Canra's shift should be done by midnight. So, if you want to learn more about her... you know where to go! Ha-ha!"

After the conversation, we parted ways, and I ended up going to the blacksmith to check on his items. He had given me his key, so it was also my responsibility to ensure his belongings are in order.

Two houses away from the blacksmith's shop was a busy household. I'd noticed kids running around and mentioned Canra's name.

"Armando, just get it over with! Sister Canra will arrive home by midnight! If you play much, you won't see her!"

I approached the children gently and introduced myself as Canra's friend. I knew they were talking about the same Canra I knew, so I asked if she lived in the house I pointed to.

"Uhm, yes, Mister. Did you even know it's her birthday tomorrow? Mama and Papa had prepared a feast for us to enjoy later because our sister had to work the next day! It's unfortunate that she's such a busy person...". The child responded with a sad expression on his face.

The other youngster took my hand and ran to their house, where he delightedly introduced me to the family.

As we approached the porch, he yelled loudly, "MAMA!!! PAPA!!!"

The entire family rushed to the door just to see us. As I tried to take a step back, I felt embarrassed and smiled hesitantly.

"This is my sister's man!"

They laughed and motioned for me to enter. I told them that I had only met Canra a few days before and we barely knew each other though I had overheard her name while checking the blacksmith's materials.

The mother said, "Oh. Come on in! It's all right. Her birthday is tomorrow, but we'll celebrate it tonight since she's busy focusing on her job!"

I sat by the table and mentioned that I had come from another town and had relocated here for my own safety. They told me that the people here are friendly and that they haven't heard of any criminal acts in decades.

They served me roasted pork with a homemade sauce on a platter. The father invited me to join him for a drink. I sat next to him without hesitation.

"You see, Canra is my first child. We were struggling at the time. She started working at the age of ten and gave us her earnings. Of course, we told her she must use it for herself, but she insisted!"

Canra was clearly working hard for her family. She adores them so much that she spends little time with them.

The mother gently tapped my shoulders and joined in the conversation.

"You are a very attractive man! What is your given name?"

I introduced myself as Elias.

"You have a nice name, boy. Tell me how old you are. ", the father initiated.

I informed them that I am twenty-five years old. Both of them smiled as they looked at each other.

In a humorous tone, the father said, "Canra celebrates her twenty-first birthday tonight!" You two are destined! Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!"

I laughed with him, and we kept drinking.

We've had five bottles down and hadn't noticed the time. I took my pocket watch out of my pocket and noticed that it was already midnight.

When I turned around, I saw the family rearranging the table with a homemade pie.

Canra arrived a few minutes later, and the family wished her a happy birthday.

Except for his drunken father, who was sleeping beside me, she smiled and hugged her family. When she saw me, her smile vanished and she went to what appeared to be her room.

I sighed and chugged the last bottle of beer.

I felt dizzy and decided to return to the inn. I got to my feet and staggered to the door. I fell to the ground as the world spun around me. Canra's younger sisters alerted their mother, who followed Canra.

I couldn't make out what they were saying, but as my vision blurred, I noticed a figure who appeared to be Canra.

After a while, I heard them celebrating from a distance. I had no idea where I was, but it feels like home.

I awoke later with a heavy head. When I looked around, I noticed that I was in a room with a well-lit lamp. My jacket was hung against the wall.

I looked beside me and noticed a woman sleeping; it was Canra.

I had no idea what had happened after I collapsed. I slid out of bed and put on my jacket.

"Sir, Elias?"

When I turned around, I saw she was awake. I was at a bit of a loss and told her I'd return to the inn.

"You accompanied my father earlier, according to my mother. Thank you very much."

I explained that it was only a gesture of respect and that I didn't expect to be thanked for it.

"My father is a solitary man. I remember seeing him cry on my mother's embrace when I was a child because his siblings turned down his request for assistance. That's when I started working because I realized we were in difficulties and my mother was pregnant that time."

I noticed her eyes tearing up and she immediately wiped it away.

"Oh, I forgot. Regarding the earlier incident..."

I remembered what had happened and assured her that everything was fine. I apologized and said I was sorry for acting strange.

I said my goodbyes to Canra and told her she needed to sleep more. It had only been two o'clock in the morning. As I walked out of the room, I greeted her a happy birthday.

"Sir, please wait–!" she hurriedly got out of bed.

I told her to forego the formalities because I am only four years her senior. She asked me how she should address me, and I told her to call me Elias.

"Elias…"

"I…"

"I like you."

She confessed as if nothing had happened. I asked her how she came to that conclusion given that we hadn't seen each other in a week due to our schedules clashing the majority of the time.

She commented that I appeared hardworking and that I was involved in town activities such as assisting other villagers. She also mentioned that I resembled someone she had seen in her dream.

I accepted her feelings for me, but I apologized because I am unable to reciprocate her emotions.

She told me she understands and will continue to admire me from afar. She had no idea I had a wife and a child. I couldn't tell her sooner and just hoped she didn't hear anything else about it.

I left their house after saying my goodbyes to her parents, where his father was fast asleep.

I arrived at the inn and went to my room to take a shower before getting to sleep for a few hours before 4 o'clock.

After changing my clothes, I sat on the bed and thought about Canra. I wanted to get to know her better, but I didn't want to misbehave behind my wife's back.

I dozed off as soon as I came close to making a decision.