Second Road

Episode 6: Pleasure in a day

Back to the present…

Now I'm here. Inside a black car with the grandfather calmly driving it.

The car we were riding drove through the streets of the city. I looked out the car glass. There are many other vehicles running.

The air enters from between the glass of the car, making my lungs full of cold air. My hair danced because it was blown by the wind. A smile continued to be plastered on my face, considering this was the first time I had gone outside after so long at home.

My eyes never cease to be amazed to look out the window. There are many buildings and tall buildings.

My experience of riding in a car has never been so good. I've been in the car a few times before and it was all just a nightmare. I always sat in the back seat in a state of fear and anxiety.

Grandpa turned on the radio on the dashboard of the car, then searched the channel and set the volume. Classical songs began to spoil the ears.

The streets are not so crowded, considering it is now ten o'clock. Employees and schoolchildren will not be seen at a time like this. Well, except for certain conditions. You know what I mean, right?..Play truant.

We arrived in half an hour. I saw a super big building, is this a shopping mall? Many people passed through the front door of the building.

The car I was driving into was dark. There's a ‘area parking’ in front of him, so I'm sure this is the place to park the car. There are only lights that glow dimly as lighting.

I got out of the car, stood planga plongo like a chick that lost its mother. It's serious, it's very dark here and it's my first time to a place like this.

Something touched my shoulder from behind. And that surprised me a little, even though I knew it was just Grandpa. I don't know why I turned into a scared kid in a dark place like this.

“Are you scared?”

Grandfather walked while holding my shoulder, hinting to leave immediately. I shook my head slowly.

“Good, let's go to barbershop first, after that we can shop.”

I said without commenting. I've never been used to being in a crowded place like this. Just as we entered through the front door I saw earlier, the crowd became clearer there.

I can't say the word look at the vast room inside. There are many floors that are connected by a staircase rung called an escalator. Plus, there is a fountain in the middle of the room.

My neck could hurt if I kept looking around.

“You're like a confused person, have you really never been to a place like this before?”

Grandpa reprimanding me. Does my behavior look very strange?

“No, this is my first time. I've been in the room all this time. You could say that I very rarely go out.”

“You're weird, I wonder what you used to live like. But if you don't want to tell me, I won't force you either.”

After that, Grandpa immediately took me to a place he called barbershop. This place was taken care of by a man who was around twenty years old.

I was asked to sit in a black high chair, then suddenly around my body was covered in cloth. It seems like this is indeed part of the correct hair cutting procedure. I don't know either.

After grandfather said something to the man who runs this place, the man then focused on me. In front of me was a large mirror, and part of this place was indeed covered by a mirror.

The man started with scissors in hand. Little by little my hair was cut by him. And then there was a little buzzing in my ear. I felt something trembling near my neck. I closed my eyes tightly because I was afraid.

“Are you okay?”

The man who cut my hair looked a little surprised while chuckling. What's so funny? Am I acting weird again?

“Yes, but can I know what the vibrating object was?”

“Oh, it's just my shaving machine. Have you never come to barbershop or anything like that before?”

“No..., I always cut my own hair with scissors while facing the mirror.”

The man laughed at my answer. I don't know how many things I've missed so far. I don't even know about the shaving machine. Can I catch up with the knowledge of the world?

My appearance had changed drastically in just less than ten minutes. My hair that hangs up my shoulders is no longer there and the long bangs that often cover my eyes have been removed.

“Haru, now you look more handsome.”

Grandpa teased me with this new look of mine. Wouldn't it be a bit embarrassing if you were praised like that? I stuck myself in the mirror. The cut is not too short and still leaves a little bangs in the forehead area. So, there's no wide-eyed word for me.

I still look like myself with a neat version of short hair. Yeah, I still have a little girl who can't grow up anytime soon. It's sad to remember that.

“Next how about going to the store? Let's buy some clothes for you. And you're gonna need a uniform, too. You remember?”

“It doesn't seem like I should buy clothes. The clothes that Grandpa gave me were many and still good. If uniform I want.”

It might be too greedy if I get new clothes. For me, this is actually enough.

“Haru, the one you're wearing is my granddaughter's old outfit, and it's too big for you. One of his arms always comes down when you wear it. I promise to give you whatever you need. And that means anything, including clothes.”

Grandpa exhaled slowly. I can only obey. I can't believe he's watching me in that detail.

Can I hope for something bigger later? Just like a dream. No, it's like a dream in a dream. Or a double dream? Uh..., how do you say it?

Next is the shop. Grandpa bought me a couple of school uniforms. She seemed to know what to buy, like a mother who was shopping in a traditional market.

Not only that, I also bought some clothes and shoes. Now our hands are full of shopping bags on the right and left. It seems like grandfather is a little overreacting.

“Let's put this in the car first, then we can have lunch at restaurant.” It was a good idea, there was no way we could go around dragging all of this around. I am also a bit hungry.

We go back inside. Grandpa took me to a fried chicken restaurant and I really enjoyed it. Grandpa also bought me ice cream after we finished eating.

Am I even impressed as a spoiled child? Whatever you say, I don't care. I am beginning to find my happiness.

After buying some other things, Grandpa invited me to go home. It was about three o'clock in the afternoon. Without feeling it, I have been in this place for quite a long time.

The parking area will be our next destination. The dark floor made my pupils dilate due to the lack of light.

Right near grandfather's black car, I saw the reflection of the shadows of two people I seemed to know. Oh no, this is bad.

“Grandfather, I'm sorry. I have to leave for a while, I'll be right back.” I immediately ran to the opposite side, trying to hide among the other cars.

“Haru, wait!” He tried to stop me, but I was far enough away. He took a breath, then exhaled again.

From a distance of eight meters, there were two men walking towards grandfather. I really don't want to meet them.

“I've guessed it is you, happy evening mr. aries.” Said one of them.

“Oh, hi. Aren't you maheer? One of his men Miss Agnes.”

“Wah, you still remember me? I feel very flattered.” The man showed his respect.

“What do you need here? There's no way Agnes's giving you a day off, right?” Grandfather smiled looking at the two people and was reciprocated by the laughter of the two.

“Ah, no sir. We're following orders from Miss Agnes. There was a boy who ran away from our place. It's been four months and we still haven't found it.” That guy put on a tired face.

I continued to observe their conversation from afar, hidden between the sidelines of another car. This place was quite silent, their voices could be heard very clearly.

“Looks like he's very important. Agnes couldn't have immediately told her personal assistant to step in if this wasn't important.” Grandfather gave a response. That guy laughed a little.

“Yes, this kid is very important. Because she is our best object for now and we have to find her soon.” The man called maheer put on a serious look.

No.this is critical. Am I gonna end up here soon? Miracle, please come and help me…