Chapter 39
CHAPTER 39
When winter came to San Diego, Hal became visibly ill .
His cheeks became pale, and he looked like a cadaver, but, not wishing to skip work, went to the office, dragging along his thin body, sat down at his desk, and wrote the program with all his might .
When asked by people around him, he just answered, “I’m fine . ”
“It’s just because it’s my first time leaving the country,” Hal answered in a soft tone . “I may be a little out of order . But only a little . I’m fine . Thank you . ”
In fact, his work skills were even sharper and the deliverables he submitted to Nika were more complete .
There was no problem .
But was that really true?
Nika noticed Hal‘s situation and began to watch him carefully .
Nika thought his spirit was like a tense steel cable . Rugged, supple but overworked, yet still tense after many years of being exposed to the elements .
It seemed like he had some kind of problem, and was suffering because he couldn’t reveal it to anyone .
But as the new year arrived, spring passed, and finally summer, Hal seemed to have recovered slightly . It was certain that the mild and pleasant climate of San Diego had a positive effect on Hal .
The work was also good, and “Fragment” had reached the point of testing .
In the beginning of July, Nika invited Hal to the bar when his work was finished unusually quickly .
In the rain, they walked side by side with umbrellas out . Nika was wondering what to say .
She gazed at Hal’s long neck, gentle shoulders, and wide back next to her .
She was already convinced that Hal had some hardship that he was keeping a secret from others . However, someone unrelated to the deep suffering or sadness that a person has inside should not intrude . She was young and inexperienced in life, but already understood that much .
But what should she do?
She arrived at the bar without any decision .
Nika ordered a watered-down Jim Beam whisky and Hal ordered a Bloody Mary .
“I’m surprised . You drink a lot of romantic stuff,” Nika said, and Hal shook his head silently .
The two talked over a light drink .
They rambled for some time .
What’s been going on and plans for the future .
Their jobs, the industry, and life in this country .
Nika carefully changed the topic when it was about to lean toward Hal’s private life, and took the story in another direction .
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Not willing to learn about Hal’s personal affairs, Nika disciplined her thoughts .
Nika spoke about the time she was getting drunk .
“Hal, you need to take a rest . ”
Hal silently listened to the opinion of his younger boss .
“If you’re comfortable with the tests, go on a trip . There are many tourist attractions near this town . ”
“That’s true,” Harold nodded .
“But…”
“But?”
“It’s the same wherever you go . It’s lonely do that alone . ”
Nika thought a little . She was trying to figure out if Hal had misunderstood her words or if it was her own mistake . Then she spoke .
“If you like…”
Nika chose her words carefully so that they wouldn’t be annoying .
“I can give you some simple guidance . ”
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“Thank you . I’m glad,” Hal said with a smile . It was a smile she hadn’t seen for a long time .
Nika felt her heart pounding . She held some Jim Beam in her mouth to avoid reacting to it .
“But… that’s no good for the time being . I can’t take a break . ”
“Why are you so persistent? Don’t you think you’re working too hard?”
“I have to see her . ”
Nika knew she would never forget the look that Hal made at that moment . No, not the face, but the eyes .
Hal‘s eyes looked like dark holes in his pale face . His voice seemed to echo from a void .
“She says she doesn’t want that . I have to convince her no matter what it takes,” Hal murmured .
“I have to meet Morganna…”
Should Nika leave it? Should she press the issue? Nika’s decision came quickly .
“Morganna? An acquaintance of yours?”
A shade of anguish appeared in Hal‘s eyes .
“An acquaintance, yes, that’s right . She called her Morganna, our daughter . ”
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After muttering up to that point, he suddenly blinked as if he had come back to his senses and stood up .
“I’m sorry . It seems I’ve gotten a little too drunk . Excuse me . ”
Nika tried to piece together the words she just heard from Hal as she watched him stray into the bathroom . But that was impossible . The new keywords were just fragments, and they just confused Nika . ‘Her, Morganna, daughter . ’
By the time Hal returned, he had already regained his usual composure and calmness .
After that, they continued drinking for a while, but both of them opened up the conversation without touching on the previous topic .
Before they knew it, it was raining .
“Hal . ”
Nika called him as he left and Hal quickly looked back .
“See you tomorrow,” she said with a smile .
“See you tomorrow, Nika . ”
Harold smiled a little and waved .
Then he turned his back and disappeared into the back of the alley . But the next day, Hal didn’t come to work . Hal did not come the day after nor the day after that . After that, Nika would never see Hal again . Harold Hoerwick disappeared from Veronica Bain’s life at the end of that day .
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