Chapter 312: Poor Kid
Erasmi drove through the quiet streets as the sun came up. Fatigue etched across his face as his eyes seemed to be getting heavy with each passing moment. As he looked up at the name of the small town that he had just entered and stopped outside a small rustic cafe, he could not help but frown. So close. He was now so close.
Furtively, he glanced at the many pictures that lay face down on the passenger seat. His hand edged towards the pictures before he forcefully shook his head. Now was not the time. He was already quite late. He needed to grab a cup of coffee and drive to the nearest hotel before he would consider his next step.
Surprisingly, as he entered the cafe, it turned out to be different from the quiet outside with people bustling about. It was not overcrowded but it wasn’t too empty either. His entrance earned him quick looks from the locals while his travel-weary appearance made them discard the reason for his presence, assuming he was a passing traveller.
Tiredly, he found a table in a secluded corner and made his way there, ordering black coffee to chase away his tiredness.
As he waited for the coffee, he leaned back his head tiredly, thinking of the daunting task that lay ahead of him. His determination had brought him here to this place while every fibre of his being urged him to run away like a coward.
"Here is your coffee, young man." Erasmi looked up at the older waitress who had just placed the coffee on his table and murmured a thank you before turning his attention to the coffee. Surprisingly, the older woman did not move away after placing the coffee and continued to stand there, staring at him.
Erasmi tried to avoid the gaze, hoping the woman would get the hint and go away but instead the woman ignored the cues he was sending out and asked directly," Are you from around here? Have you come here earlier?"
"No." Erasmi answered shortly and rudely, hoping that at least this would discourage the woman into leaving but instead the waitress crossed her arms in front of her and stared at him even more intently," But your face looks familiar and I have never forgotten a face. Maybe you visited here as a kid?"
Erasmi stilled before giving a quick shake his head," I’ve never been here and won’t be here for long. Now, I’d like to drink my coffee in peace."
The woman finally took the hint and muttered," Geez. Some people can be really grumpy without their dose of caffeine." and walked away.
Erasmi glared at the woman’s receding back for a moment, before turning to his coffee. The first sip was refreshing and he quickly appreciated the unexpectedly perfect coffee.
Finally feeling a bit more refreshed, his eyes scanned the room, looking around curiously. He would need to ask someone for a local place to stay for a few days. If he’d been using his head instead of the tiredness, he could have asked the chatty waitress but if he tried to initiate a conversation now, she would be proven right about his grumpiness.