I spent several hours studying in the library to fill in the gaps in the topic of my project that was supposed to be the end of my university days. Honestly, I was looking forward to it. Studying, working and worrying about your future all at the same time was tiring and too complicated. It would free me from at least one thing which occupied my head.

Somehow over time, I worked more than I had the time to actually study, which made me feel like an adult who tried to get a degree in his spare time.

It didn't make any sense, and I knew it, but I could do nothing.

My parents kept telling me to quit my job and focus on what I had to do. I appreciated their support and the help they carried, but they could not be trusted. I remembered when they took me to the swimming pool for classes. I loved it, so they promised to keep me there for a year so I could become good enough to try to join the swim team we had in town. After a few months, they gave up on them, saying they had no money.

This was the first time they disappointed me so much, the next ones were easier, and now I just expect them not to live up to everything they offer me. I love them in some ways, but they were simply irresponsible, and I wouldn't expect this ever change. 

I skipped a few steps as I entered the building where Jasper and I lived. I was hoping he was home. I wanted to tell him about the message and the meeting. Listing all the emotions I felt was pointless as I was feeling everything and nothing- all at the moment. 

"Oh, you are here." I breathed out.

"Is that bad? I live here?" He said, smiling. I stared at his confused face as he stood in the middle of our living room, holding a plate full of sandwiches.

"No, not bad. Quite the opposite." I took off the shoes, and then I walked closer. "That girl texted me. We are meeting today in the evening."

"That mysterious girl? From that guy?" He furrowed his eyebrows when recalling his name. "Emory?"

"Emery." I corrected. "Yes. Exactly the one."

"Wow. That's good. Maybe she will tell you something about that note or anything since she couldn't bother to text you back."

We settled on the sofa, and I stole a sandwich from his plate after he placed it on the table. "I hope so." His birthday sandwiches are always great. He puts so many different ingredients and vegetables on them. I consistently call them birthday sandwiches because they remind me of the ones we had at school when we were kids. I loved them, but they took so much work. Jasper was the patient one to cut everything in pieces making them occasionally.

"How about you?" I asked him. "Any plans for today?"

"Not sure but I think I'm going with Danny to some party with his friends from uni. It's time to start socialising. I had so much to study for exams that I saw no sunlight for a few days. And finally, I can chill a bit. I passed them all, by the way. Just the project left."

"What is it about? I forgot."

"Problems between finances and marketing. It's shit, honestly. Sadly I need to go through it. I regret that I didn't go into business like you."

"Nothing to be jealous about. At least you like money." I laughed.

"Everyone likes money, but it doesn't mean I want to work with them."

"You are five years too late to realise that, you know? You can be an accountant or something like that. They earn good money, and the job is stable."

"And that's fucking boring," Jasper added. " You know I'm not an accountant. Argh, why is it so hard? I don't even know why I started studying it. I didn't know what to do, so I listened to my mother. I liked it, then suddenly I didn't. Maybe I can do payroll or some side shit." I laughed at it, and it seemed to lighten his mood. I can't imagine him doing something that repetitive, but I think he'll figure it out eventually.

"How is your's going?" I heard him ask.

"Good, my business plan is almost complete, so great. I will have a bit more time to prepare the knowledge to back up anything they will get sceptical about and I should be done in no time. Then I will look for a proper job somewhere comfortable."

"You talk an old person."

"I guess I'm in some aspects. I'm not one to be crazy about the career."

"I know. I wish to feel the same." Jasper sighed. I could sense his struggle and distress. Sadly I couldn't decide anything for him. 

We chatted a little more, and then I saw on my watch that the moment was slowly approaching when I needed to leave. I ran out of my apartment shouting goodbye to Jasper on the way. He wished me good luck. Who knows how badly I needed it?

The place the GPS took me to was a house. A simple, average one-story home. White walls, brown doors with small windows. Medium-sized porch with two stairs to climb on. I didn't know what to expect. Maybe a cafe or a park bench to have a neutral space, but not a family house.

I didn't get any more information apart from the address. And then, as I was standing on the side of the road, intending to knock on the door, I began to wonder if it was really safe.

Just as I was about to call this girl, the door opened, and a woman my age waved at me, inviting me in.

I slowly walked forward, opening the metal gate and silently closing it. She watched me closely, and I couldn't help but feel a weird tingling in my soul. After all, all I had was the trust I placed in her, trying to believe her intentions were right because that was the only close connection to Emery I had.

I was too desperate at this point to question her.

She opened the door wider, and I entered a modern white and clean space. I followed her into the living room, where two glasses of water waited for us on a glass coffee table. She didn't say a word, so I stayed silent too. We were facing each other, she was sitting on the armchair and I was on the sofa. She was wearing a white dress which fit the interior of the house. Simple and elegant. Her aura and the fact that she felt comfortable told me this must have been her home. I suspected that Emery was a rich kid, and it would be logical to have rich friends. She took a sip of water before she started to talk.

"So, we spoke over the phone a while ago." I nodded, and she continued. "First of all, apologies for ghosting you, but I didn't know if I could trust you. I hope you understand that."

"To be honest, I don't." I cut in before she could continue talking. I was angry about it, and I wanted her to understand that. "You knew I was a stranger, and I did call you even when I could easily ignore it. Then you couldn't be bothered to pick up my calls or even text me back. You didn't have to tell me anything, but just out of respect, you could pick up."

"I could, but I had my reasons to ignore you. You were persistent, so I know you care enough to trust me. Also, no one knows you from his family, so I will need your help."

I took a sip from the glass and rushed her for explanations. "Can you tell me what happened? Help with what?"

"I don't know the details or why he left that note for you, but he was technically most likely kidnapped, and I need your help to bring him back." I froze in my seat, processing the bomb she had dropped on me. 

Emery was indeed in trouble.