The next day, I ultimately had to go to a café in the very center of the city to meet with Richard.
From early morning, a strange feeling had not subsided within me — a mixture of curiosity and caution. I did not know what to expect from this meeting, and that was precisely what troubled me most.
I decided not to tell anyone about this meeting. Not even Ruby.
Instead, I merely mentioned casually that I was going into the city to do some shopping — to replace my gloves and perhaps stop by the bookstore.
Since I still had not the slightest idea of the true purpose of this invitation, I preferred to keep everything a secret. Just in case.
The café turned out to be small but elegant — light-colored walls, neat little tables, a delicate aroma of freshly brewed coffee and sweet pastries lingering in the air. It was located just a few steps from the central square, yet secluded enough to avoid unnecessary glances.
When I entered, he was already there.
