“It’s a good day today,” Zeno said, opening his curtains after his afternoon nap. However, the view was foggy because of the amount of fine dust in the air. In fact, everyone was advised to wear masks because it was worse than usual.
Zeno closed his eyes and took a deep breath. “The air smells nice.”
Maxie had just finished pooping on his doorway.
“The neighborhood is peaceful,” he muttered.
A couple nearby was having a fight because the guy forgot about their weeksary1. And since the walls were as thin as someone’s skin after a fake chemical peel, it was heard throughout the other units.
“It’s our 52nd week! How can you forget? It happens every week!”
“Baby, I’m sorry. Please give me another chance.”
“Ah,” Zeno sighed, shutting the curtains close. He then fed Maxie and even patted her head.
She growled in response but paused when she saw how happy her owner looked.
“Eat a lot, okay? Do you want some chicken, too? Wait, I’ll get it for you.”
Her eyes narrowed as Zeno placed some chicken cubes into her food. Maxie barked softly, wondering what had gotten into him.
Then, Zeno went out of his apartment and into Minji’s for dinner. As expected, his friends were already there, appearing as if the world had fallen on their shoulders.
They saw how Zeno scooped some food into his plate while humming a happy tune.
“At least one of us is happy,” Eli muttered, picking at his food.
“What happened this time?” Doha asked.
Eli shook his head. However, Doha caught on. “Is it your tuition again? I told you to let go of that part-time job so you can focus on getting a scholarship.”
“How can I? Who would pay for my rent?” he asked, massaging the bridge of his nose.
Doha pursed his lips before turning to Minji. “And you? You sent your salary to your mom again, didn’t you?”
Minji didn’t respond and continued eating.
Zeno listened to their conversation and sighed. Earth was truly a cruel place. It was a good thing he didn’t actually live here!
Well, these guys weren’t too bad to live with, so he could give them some advice. He still didn’t know them fully, but in the past three weeks he had been here, they helped him a lot.
“You guys are good people,” he said, capturing their attention. “You are trying your best to live on this unlivable planet, and you do it with smiles on your faces. You are much better than you think you are. So, don’t belittle yourself because of your struggles.”
Zeno had lived worse lives than they had, and he knew they would be able to succeed if they persisted. The three listened to him intently. Doha’s eyes began to fill with crystal tears.
With that, Zeno also decided to put in a good word for his host.
“Oh, and I hope we can stay friends in the future. I know I would appreciate that,” he continued.
They were speechless for a while before Doha ran over to give Zeno a hug. His eyes widened, and his body was on alert.
Eli, on the other hand, looked away with pursed lips. Minji couldn’t hide her emotions and covered her mouth with both hands.
“Why are you saying such words?” Eli muttered. Although, he was also touched.
“Just because,” Zeno said. “It might be the last time I’d say it.”
He held in the urge to chuckle out loud.
It was definitely going to be the last time he would say it! Tomorrow, he will finally leave this place and get his ten-year-long rest!
[Mediocre meter: 99%]
After paying his bills on time and improving his acting skills to a B-, he now only had one percent left before he finished the mission. Aside from that, he had found a farming job near the city and was going to start tomorrow. There was no doubt he was going to complete his mission by then.
“Those were such good lines,” Doha said, dabbing his eyes with the hem of his shirt. “You should consider going into script writing, too.”
“Ah, right!” Minji suddenly exclaimed. “The last episode of ‘Broken Chains of Justice’ is going to be aired tonight. You’re finally going to be shown again, Zeno!”
“Let’s watch together,” Eli grumbled under his breath.
“I thought you had to read something for your Anatomy class,” Doha said.
“That can wait,” Eli said.
“I’ll prepare some snacks!” Minji excitedly said. “I can’t wait to see what Zeno’s role is. You never spoiled us about it.”
“You guys go ahead,” Zeno said, drinking some water. “I have work early in the morning, so I need some rest.”
“But you just had a nap,” Doha pointed out.
“One can never have enough rest,” he said and went to the door. However, before he left, he momentarily stopped.
“Thank you, guys,” he said with a genuine smile.
“For everything.”
“Week Anniversary”