He looked at his phone in disbelief. The message was very clear and concise, but he had read it for the tenth time:
Congratulations, Michael Reeves. You've been accepted at Castell Inc. Welcome aboard. Please report to the company headquarters by 8 o'clock Monday. Thank you, and have a nice day.
He sighed happily and put his phone back into his pocket. He grabbed his jacket and keys before walking out of his apartment house.
A few weeks prior, the company had posted a vacancy in the software department, and he took his chances after coercion from his sister, Cindy.
He went up to his bike; a black Ducati type, and put on his helmet before bringing the engine to life and riding away. He sped along the highway, eager to share the news with his sister.
In about a quarter of an hour, he had arrived outside the gates of Chicago High School. A girl walked up to him, looking cheerful and bright.
"Hey Mike," she said, getting onto the bike behind him. "How was your day?"
"My day was good," he said, helping her put on the helmet. "I have some great news."
"I'm sure you do. Let's talk about it over a cup of coffee at Starbucks."
"That sounds good." He said, speeding onto the highway.
*****
The Starbucks smelled like vanilla and espresso, with the faint hum of indie music floating above the chatter. Mike was halfway through his coffee, still basking in the high of the job offer, when someone slid into the seat across him.
He blinked. "Uh… Sorry. This seat's taken."
The lady smiled behind her glasses. She had a beanie pulled low and wore an oversized hoodie, like she was trying not to be noticed.
"I know you." She said softly.
Mike frowned. "I don't think so."
"Mark?" she said, tilting her head. "Mark Halloway?"
His eyebrows pinched. "No… My name's Mike."
She blinked, visibly surprised. "Oh, right. I'm sorry." She looked down for a moment. "You just… look exactly like someone I used to know."
Mike chuckled awkwardly. "Well, I've been told I have one of those faces."
But she didn't laugh. She just nodded slowly, like she didn't believe him. It was like she was doing math in her head that didn't add up.
Before Mike could ask anything else, she stood up.
"Sorry to bother you," she said. "It was just… strange seeing you."
She turned to leave, but not before glancing at him one more time, something like recognition flickering behind her glasses.
Mike watched her go.
His sister leaned across the table. "What was that about?"
"No idea." He muttered.
But a part of him wasn't so sure.
*****