Chapter 12: Checking out the Medieval World
Noah returned the bicycle with two minutes to spare, collecting his deposit from Mike with a nod before heading home.
The entire journey back, his mind bounced between worlds—the failed date, the medieval shop, the loan sharks.
Each problem was distinct yet somehow connected through the strange turn his life had taken.
His phone buzzed as he unlocked his apartment door. Aunt Mei. Right on schedule.
Of course she's calling. Probably had a celebration cake ready to order.
He let it ring three times before answering. "Hey, Aunty."
"Noah! So? How did it go?" Her voice bubbled with anticipation. "Did you like Sophia? Isn't she beautiful? I told you!"
Noah kicked off his shoes and collapsed onto his couch. "It didn't work out."
A beat of silence. "What do you mean 'didn't work out'? What happened?"
"We just didn't click." He stared at the ceiling, unwilling to admit he'd been dismissed within minutes
"But she's perfect! Good family, good education, good job—"