Twisting to the side, I was deluged in bewilderment. A fleeting look of surprise far greater than mine greeted me. Upon gazes collision, the pupils adorning that pair of dark grey eyes dilated, suggesting a significant amazement. However, I was more engrossed by the light growing hair spreading from the person's jawline, revealing the unfeminine layout. The sight couldn't spare me a doubt that he was a male.

Him, whatever he was, parted his lips. Albeit no words came out at first, the corner of his mouth lifted. "I'm sorry, did I startle you?" He finally spoke.

Was there another word to say I was more than shocked? I was stiffed in place until July appeared. She crouched next to me, wearing a concerned look.

"She just got a jump scare from the automation. You know those things glitches sometimes," she said while patting my shoulder.

Her lack of reaction towards the man was enough to tell me that it was somehow a normal occurrence; these men were now living among us. Despite still puzzled, I mustered a hum in response.

In return, I took in his growing grin. To say the least, his looks were alluring, especially while gracing the smile on his face.

"Yes, those things can be very unpleasant to look at sometime. Let me help you." He stood up, standing at what I assumed to be a level of Alfie, then he held out a hand to me.

At the corner of my eyes, July vaguely nodded, probably signalling me to take the man's offer. While hesitation slowed down my reaction, eventually I reached for his outstretched hand.

With a gentle pull from him, I was on my feet once more. Concurrently, I retracted, but my movement hindered since he was still holding on to my hand. Thankfully he noticed my unease and abruptly let go. A hint of guilt was masking his face.

Clearing his throat, he started again, "Let me introduce myself, my name is Thalaa. Do you need help with the thing?"

Before I could talk, July cut in. "Yes, please help her. I need to call the boss because we are late for work."

I was utterly speechless when the man made a gesture for me to walk back towards the service section. When I passed him, he followed me from behind. His cologne, which I could decipher as something oddly familiar was hovering in the air.

"Don't worry, this glass is thick. It won't break," he said while knocking a few times on the window.

Howbeit, my sternness wasn't prompted by the machine; I was uncomfortable with the proximity with him. It was different from what I felt around Alfie.

The 'thing' once again appeared and repeated its designated question. "How may I help you?"

"What will it be, Miss?" The man turned to me.

"I would like to open an account please," I replied with courtesy. Even though I was talking with a machine, I was used to the manner.

The machine seemed to understand my voice command. With rigid movement, it got up, a hand gesturing towards the tinted window. "Please follow the instructions," it said.

A video suddenly manifested, playing an animation sequence of steps to follow. Then a small hole opened up, just the right height for my shoulder. I stuck my whole arm inside as instructed and after a few low frequency thumping sounds and a tickle on my fingers, something rectangular fell on my palm.

I pulled my hand out and examined the card. It looked the same as July's; nothing could tell it apart.

"It's programmed with nexus, so it will only work with a registered fingerprint. Everyone can use the same card because the whole system is in a chain. The card identifies who holds it as the spender. But as a convenience, everyone can have a card for easy usage," the man suddenly spoke.

Oddly, he seemed to have the idea that I was oblivious about the card. Although I quickly set the thought aside, convincing myself he just guessed it from what was probably the obvious look of curiosity on my face.

"Oh, I see," I replied, simply having no idea of what to say.

The sudden mute brought my eyes to his face. He was watching me with an obscure expression, but his pair of shaded grey hinted a look of sadness.

I cleared my throat, extricating myself from the growing awkwardness. "Erm... Thank you. I should go now."

Without waiting for his response, I spun around. But I was halted by a grasp on my arm. The hold was gentle yet felt rushed.

"Can I... see you again?" He asked with a tone laced with hesitancy.

It wasn't that I refused to be on a friendly term, but I thought that avoiding people would make hiding my Alfie easier. Having friends meant possible visits to my house and severely risking secrecy. The inevitable flaw of our hearts was trusting people easily.

Although feeling guilty, I commenced my rejection. "I'm sorry but, I--"

"No, it's okay. I understand," he interjected. A smile failing to reach his eyes traced across his face.

The short remorse ended as abrupt as the meeting. With urgency, I curled my hand around July's arm and pulled her away. Thankfully, she didn't protest.

***

After our not so sway trip to the bank, the pawnshop was a compensation for the event. Thanks to the cash Peyrel had given, Alfie and I would have foods on our table for months. I'd only sold two of the historic green paper and still have one in my possession.

"The trans seems to like you," July started. She cheerfully hugged the carryout bag filled with goods from our stop at the bakery —which I happily paid for her.

"Trans?" I questioned, puzzled by the word I'd only just heard from her.

"Yes, the handsome fella at the bank. She's a trans."

More perplexed with it, the questioned rolled instantly. "She?"

"Oh no wonder you were shocked to see her. I forgot a certain someone was hidden away from the world for years. Sorry." A series of incoherent words and giggles ensued before she resumed, "She's a transgender. The programme was introduced two years ago."

Somehow the thought that the person I acquainted with at the bank was a she, gave me a sudden worry. Yet, it made sense in a way. Peyrel had mentioned the absurd idea about pod men being a monster, so how would they be walking freely if given such ill impression.

"What's a transgender?"

"It's complicated. They identify as the opposite of their birth gender. In our society's case, some she feels comfortable as a he. Hence they transition to a he. Well, actually they didn't win the title he yet, but we could say they look like men with the testosterone shots."

As I contemplated the new information, she spoke again. "Someone or some anonymous group spread a whole lot about men on the internet a few years back. So that's how it happened."

"How do we tell them and pod men apart?"

She eyed me for a moment before answering. "The pod men" —she made an air quote while voicing out the word pod— "is said to be feral. They won't be walking suave like the trans. But what do I know? I never met them."

While denying inwardly, I responded with a nod. The woman was smart, so I had to be extra careful with my words and actions. I couldn't let myself be suspicious and risk Alfie's safety.

However, I was curious about the news of the killing more than ever. The feral word mentioned was to be blamed. But my Alfie didn't seem dangerous to me. It couldn't be him, I told myself.

Occupied with the thought, I didn't realise we'd arrived. After the slight nudge on my arm, I trailed my eyes towards the big sign attached to the two-storey building's centre. A very familiar name was written on it in black and white; Reypal Brew.

"Well, let's meet the boss. I'd informed her about you.

Entering the cafe was like a walk down the memory lane. I'd gotten the whole setting rooted in my mind since it was the last cafe I'd visited before I was arrested. The design still aired the same peculiar yet compelling ambience. The tables and chairs still adorned silver embellishment. Clocks contrasting from one another ticked on the walls, integrating with the sound of chatters and cutlery.

My flats pit-a-pat on the floor as July guided me to the back of the cafe. We passed two other women, one at the front attending to the customers and the other in the kitchen cutting a cake. They nodded at me as acknowledgement.

"Are those one of mine? I'd fill in for you attending the orders BTW," said the woman with blazing red hair. She eyed the bag on July's arm after placing the sliced cake on a tray.

"Sure baby," July replied with a wink. Then she turned back to me, "Go on, just enter, the boss is inside." She pointed to a door a few feet from where we stopped.

Sweeping over the invisible wrinkle on my dress, I took in a deep breath before knocking on the door.

"Come in," a muffled voice answered.

Once the door swung open, a middle-aged woman appeared inside. A sudden shock, mixed with excitement hit me. Her heartwarming smile radiated without any hint of surprise.

"I knew we will meet again," she said, walking towards me with open arms, ready for an embrace.

To be continued...

***

Thank you for reading. I know my chapter ending seems cruel and some are expecting Alfie to appear in this chapter, so I apologize. Alfie will be in the next episode, and it's a promise.

So here we are with another trivia. Who do you think are the mystery characters?