To Hurt°

Weeks passed after my argument with Eudora. I ended up not attending Dad's funeral. Taw came in that day to check on me, I played sick so he would understand why I didn't come.

Our Cafe was almost ready. It was time to set up the decorations, layout the tables, set out job vacancy notices, buy the necessary equipment, cutleries and customize our menu.

It was a great distraction for me. For us.

Dream stayed by me all through. He was like a fresh spring of water that suddenly burst out in a dry desert. I was grateful to him.

I clipped one more paper onto a street pole as I made my way into the Whale Train Station. I handed a few elves, elderly ones too who most likely had young grandchildren...or children.

Getting off the train, I hailed a taxi and was driven to my cafe.

The place was coming together nice, Dream was at home customizing the menus and other 'stuff'.

I unlocked the door and locked it behind me, I didn't want to be harassed or worse taken advantage of almost like the last time. Ah!

I forgot!

I forgot to thank Mr Iun!

I quickly pulled out my phone, rummaged through my bag for his card.

Should I call or send a text?

I settled for a text

Me: Good morning Mr Iun, it's me Elora. I'm so sorry this coming late but thank you for the other day.

I slumped at the cashier counter wondering what to do. I dropped my phone on the counter and set to clean up the mess left by the painters. I had picked up a broom when my ringtone echoed through the empty cafe.

I dropped the broom and picked my phone

Mr Iun

Huh? Why is he calling me?

I hit the accept button and his smooth buttery voice came in

"Good morning Elora"

I coughed and cleared my throat

"Good morning Mr Iun"

"Hmm, did you sleep well?"

"Mhm-hmm, I did"

"That's great, I was going to reach out to you when the doctor said you had requested a early discharge but I realized I didn't have your contact"

"Ah yes, something came up at home and my presence was requested"

"Has it been settled now?"

"Yes"

I heard shuffling of paper and someone talking in the background

"Are you busy Mr Iun?"

"No...well yes, I'm in a board meeting right now"

I gasped and put a hand over my mouth

"Then why did you call me, you could have sent a text?"

"You're right but I wouldn't get to hear your voice,would I?"

I pulled the phone to look at my screen, surely the real Mr Iun hasn't been killed right?

"...uh, I-I guess"

He chuckled softly

"Will you be free in the evening?"

I stifled a cough, what the hell?

"Oh um no, I'm still going to be at work by then"

I heard a long silence before he spoke up again

"I see, well then Elora please do tell me when you'll be free. I would like to treat you to dinner"

"Elora?"

I heard faintly in the background, followed by scuffling and the call disconnected.

I stared at my blanket screen for a moment before dropping my phone and resuming what I was doing.

By the time I was done, it was already noon. The cafe was looking much better than it was. I had set the tables, arranged the counter, set up some small branches that Dream gave me. Looking proud at my work, I slung my bag over my shoulder and locked up the place.

The walk home was nice, memories of my little self following Mama around whenever she went for a walk. I shook my head and hurried home.

"I'm home!"

I greeted but my enthusiastic call was met silence.

"Dream?"

I looked around pulling out my phone, I dialed his number but it just rang.

The pieces of decorations I left him doing this morning were on the ground unfinished

Me: Dream? Where are you?

I sent a text before dialing his number again.

A soft tune played and the door to our home creaked open. It was Dream's ringtone.

I rushed to the front door.

The elf limped into the room before collapsing onto the ground

"Dream!"