Warm.
Fragrant.
Was this what heaven felt like?
Ratio opened his bedroom door. Standing before him was a young woman.
"Happy Birthday, Brother," she said with a teasing tone.
Ratio let out a small chuckle. "Not today, Alenna," he replied, gently stroking her head.
"I know..." she said, sticking her tongue out. "Come on, let's eat. Brother Louis is already waiting."
They walked down the stairs toward the dining table. Sandwiches were already served there.
Someone was already waiting for them, a scarf wrapped around his neck. Strange. As his eyes met Alenna and Ratio's, he offered a small smile.
"Hurry up and come here."
As soon as they sat down, they began to eat hungrily.
Suddenly...
Louis wiped the corner of Alenna's lip with his hand. "Honestly... you're all grown up and still a messy eater," Louis said softly.
Alenna smiled back at him.
"How are your grades at school? Hmm?" Ratio asked Alenna.
"They're safe... unlike yours, Brother."
Laughter erupted at the dining table.
After finishing their meal, they shared a brief conversation.
Ratio glanced at the clock.
"I'm heading out now..."
"Take care," Louis said.
As Ratio stepped outside and began to walk, Alenna shouted from the doorway.
"Don't forget to buy bread! Or we won't have anything to eat later!"
Ratio simply gave a thumbs-up gesture and kept a smile on his face throughout his journey.
...
The streets of Leodos were quiet.
It was usually like this, as it was still very early in the morning.
Birds chirped.
The sound of bicycle bells rang out.
Vapors of food aromas drifted through the air.
Even the smoke from the industries hung in the sky.
Ratio walked calmly, taking shortcuts through narrow alleys to reach his destination faster.
When he arrived at a fairly large library, he pulled out a key and opened the door.
...
The distinct scent of books made Ratio enjoy working there.
Some time passed for the rest of the world.
Ratio was busy stamping books that were about to be borrowed.
His efficiency made him well-trusted by his colleagues and even the library owner.
"Hey Ratio... let's swap. I'm tired of inspecting books."
"Oh, really? Then keep going," Ratio said with a smirk.
The other man put on a serious face.
"Yeah, yeah... get over here."
A smile.
Ratio rose from his chair.
He began to check the condition of the books on the shelves.
He found many books with torn pages inside. Sigh.
As he was inspecting them, Ratio stumbled upon a book that caught his interest.
AM I YOU
OR
ARE YOU ME?
What did this mean?
Ratio brought the book to the desk to read.
The content was far too difficult for him to grasp.
There was no production year. No author's name. Not even a distribution permit. How did this book even get into the collection?
Ratio continued reading. Truly, there was nothing special about it.
Was this book just selling itself on the title alone? Because there was absolutely nothing to be gained from the text.
What was it even trying to discuss? Philosophy? Knowledge? Psychology?
And on the very last page of the book, something was written that made Ratio sink deeper into thought.
"Who am I?"
What did it mean?
What was the purpose?
I don't understand the contents of this book at all.
Ratio closed the book and tried to forget what he had just read.
He walked back to the circulation desk.
The library was quite empty that day. Perhaps because the variety of books was too monotonous.
Finally, after a long and tiring day, Ratio walked back toward his home.
The twilight sky was beautiful.
The sun, about to set, seemed to be smiling at the world.
The streets of Leodos were deserted now, likely because night was approaching.
Yet, the steam from the industrial factories always seemed to emerge. For some reason.
Throughout his walk, Ratio wondered why God created such a beautiful world.
...
Ring.
The door of a bakery opened.
"Sir... five loaves, as usual."
"Ready..."
After waiting for a moment.
"Ratio... here is your bread," the old man said.
"Okay... so the usual 10 Julz?" Ratio asked, reaching into his pocket.
"Yes."
Ratio handed over five coins and one bill.
Before Ratio left the shop.
"Is Alenna healthy?"
"She is... because if she weren't, she wouldn't be asking for bread," Ratio said with a light laugh.
Laughter filled the small shop.
Ratio said his goodbyes and walked home.
Ting.
The doorbell rang.
Alenna opened the door.
"Welcome back," she said with a smile.
Ratio returned the smile and patted her head.
As he entered the house.
"Welcome home. Thank you."
Ratio sat in a chair, waiting for Alenna to finish cooking.
And laughter filled that house. For how long? Perhaps forever.