10. Night Market

"Without realizing it, I spent all day just to patrol and contemplate--this was beyond my expectations. I never expected a situation like this. When I started to live like an ordinary human, problems arose.

"Do I have to fast forever? No need to drink animal and human blood? But if I do that, I will kill myself.

"Should I steal blood from the hospital, but what about patients who need blood? God! Why is my life complicated?" I said, sitting on a chair in the Huge Garden alone.

After that, I was surprised because someone was holding my shoulder. I looked back and saw Ammar, and he was smiling at me. I am panicked if he heard what I said earlier.

Because of that, I asked, "Ammar, how long have you been standing behind me?"

"Just now," said Ammar. I am not sure whether he was telling the truth or not. Then he asked, "Why are you sitting here alone?"

"Oh, I'm resting."

"Can I accompany you?" asked Ammar.

"Yes, sit down, please," I smiled happily.

"Ela, since when did you know Layzal?"

"Long ago, he was the one who helped me when I had no place to live. He is also the one who has helped and made me become a police officer. I have considered him--as my brother, and I will not forget his kindness."

"Layzal already told me about you, but if I have not heard directly from you, something is missing," said Ammar.

"What is missing, I mean lacking?"

"Lack of communication," he replied, smiling down at me.

"What about you? I mean, how come you know Darcia? Is it because she's a famous model, or is there something else?"

"Darcia and Layzal, they were my old college friends. But, you see, we have a different way of life. Layzal likes solving mysteries, Darcia likes wearing high heels and walking sideways, and I like being an entrepreneur."

"You mean the top CEO?" I asked, smiling at him.

"Hahaha, you could say that. Come on, Ela, come with me," Ammar asked me to go with him.

"Where are you going, Ammar?"

"Just go with me," he took my hand, then asked, "Ela, are you sick? Your hands are cold. Where is your jacket? Usually, you wear a thick jacket."

"I'm fine. I do not wear a thick jacket at night because there is no sun," I smiled.

He smiled and took off his tuxedo. After that, he told me to put it on because he thought I was cold. I did not want to miss this moment. So, I put them on, and we walked in Huge Park.

"Is the Tuxedo smelly?" asked Ammar.

"Oh, no-no. My nose is itchy so badly," I pretended to scratch my nose. Because I was caught kissing his tuxedo, in my mind said, "Shameful."

***

After a long walk, we finally arrived at our destination, "Tada!" Ammar smiled.

"Night market?" I was astonished because we ended up at the night market.

"Yeah, the night market. Tonight you want to go shopping, want to eat anything, want to ride the carousel, rollercoaster, or other game as you please, I will pay for it. It's my treat."

"Wow, thank you," I said happily.

We started walking around at the night market.

"Ela, do you like cotton candy?" asked Ammar.

"What's that?"

"Hahaha, you don't know cotton candy? It seems you don't know cotton candy. Ah! Your face is confused like that. This is called cotton candy," said Ammar, showing the cotton candy.

"Looks sweet like blood."

"What did you say?" asked Ammar.

"The color, it's red like blood."

"Hmm, if you want all the colors--you can let it be like a rainbow. Here try the cotton candy," he wanted to feed me.

Because I do not want to miss every moment with him, I open my mouth and eat it.

"So sweet, I mean the candy," I said, even though he is the sweet's one.

"Here again," he wanted to feed me again.

"That's enough, Ammar. I will get diabetes later," I joked.

"Okay then, let me get diabetes," said Ammar, laughing, and he ate his cotton candy.

After finishing eating cotton candy, we walked again to enjoy the beauty of the night market. Then we plan to ride the game rides at the night market. Of the many games at the night market, we finally got on the carousel. After riding the carousel then, we go for a walk again. In the end--we stopped at the flower shop and looked at the flowers.

"Surely Ammar will buy me roses," I thought because I saw Ammar looking around and holding the roses. But apparently, I was wrong because he did not buy me roses.

"This is for you, Ela," said Ammar.

"Cactus?" In my mind said, "Of the many beautiful colors of roses lined up in the shop, but why did he buy me one ugly little cactus?" my gaze fell between the red roses and the cactus.

"Ela, why is your face like that? I know because Cactus plants have prickles in them. It is assumed that gifting cactus plants is bad's. You must think that giving you a cactus means I have bad intentions for you. But did you know that cactus is just like flowers and other plants? Cactus has a symbolic meaning that is not negative at all.

"Cactus plants symbolize endurance, tenacity, and toughness. Now that I give you a cactus plant. It means--I want you to know that you are a tough warrior who doesn't give up in difficult situations.

"Besides, I want you to know that I care about you. Let's just say this cactus represents warmth, protection, and motherly love from me--which can protect you from all negative energies and misfortunes.

"In this way, I hope to keep you in my life. If this cactus is likened--to an ugly book cover, then never judge a book by its cover.

"Besides that, there are other benefits, namely, the cactus does not need to be watered every day. So, you don't have to worry if you don't have time to water it because the cactus won't wilt," Ammar told me.

"In this way, I hope to keep you in my life. Is this a code from him that he loves me? I'm sure he loves me," I said in my thought.

"Ela, why are you smiling?"

"Ammar, thank you, this is the most beautiful gift in my life."

"Cactus?"

"Yes, cactus and its meaning. It means a lot to me."

We looked at each other and smiled. I wanted to hug him, but it was awkward because he just looked at me and smiled. If only he was like Layzal who dared to hug me, I would never let go of his hug.

"Ela, it is late--let me take you home."

I am speechless. I just nodded to be escorted back to the hostel. I want to be like this forever because with him I feel happy. Right now-- I'm just a friend, but I feel happy already. What if I'm his lover--this world is like ours.