While it has been about four years since I had set through those doors, my cousin's café never seemed to isolate me. It is always here in my time of need. In the winters of my life. A lot has changes in four years. Almost everything can turn upside down. Nevertheless, this café right here is where I belong. I belong frozen here in the time capsule that is my cousin's achievement.

The smell of coffee hits my senses in a million and one different ways. I welcome it as if it is an old friend. The lights are low as a way to conserve energy since my cousin is an environmental freak.... no offense to him in any way. "Belle! Belle is that you?" I hear someone shout. I look to my left and see my cousin, Maurice.

"Hello Maurice." I greet my frazzled cousin. The man in question is thirty-four, tall, olive skinned, brown eyes, and black hair. His facial structure looks like Ion Grofud from the original 2000s Fantastic Four, or whoever plays Mister Fantastic in those movies. I hear an explosion. In the kitchen and look at my disheveled relative. "Uh, Maurice...." I try to gain his attention since my cousin is now paying attention to a customer.

"Ah, hold on monsiuer," my cousin says to the elderly gentleman. He looks at me expectantly. "Oui, Arabella?" I roll my eyes. I am French and Cuban born and raised in America; however, I speak Spanish--not French.

"There was an explosion in the kitchen." I tell him. Maurice's eyes grow wide and his face turns as pale as a sheet.

"NOT MY COFFEE EXPERIMENTS!" He yells and rushes to the back.

I laugh hysterically as my cousin trips over chairs and tables to get to the fire starting in the kitchen. The radio starts playing "Pumpming Blood" by NoNoNo. I smile and turn to the man. "May I take your plate and mug?" I ask kindly. The elderly man nods in consent. I take the white ceramic dishes to the back. Grabbing a pen; note pad; and an apron, I saunter out while pulling the apron over my head. I begin to dance around the café.

A man, who looks two years older than me, stumbles into the café. I move quickly to help him before he falls onto the oak wood floor. His pores wreak of the scent of alcoholic beverages. I am tempted to run away due to how strongly the smell seems to encompass him; however, never in my twenty-two years of existence did I turn away anyone in need. So, why should I start now? Leading the man with bloodshot eyes to the counter, I hear gasps from the other town residents. "Are you okay, sir?" I question him quietly enough not to hurt his head.

"What's it to you?" The man counters bitterly. I let out a sympathetic sigh and go behind the counter. Looking through a few cabinets, I find a dark blue ceramic mug and smile. I take it out and pour some black regular coffee in it before sliding it gently in front of the man. I close the cabinet doors and take the book from my back pocket out and read it.

I peer over the book every so often to make sure he is at least sipping the coffee. "What do I owe you?" The man with the gruff voice asks impatiently.

"Nothing." I answer honestly. I turn the page not even bothering to look up from my book. I hear an intake of breath and believe that the Mystery Man will reply until a cry of fear catches my attention. I place my book on the counter before walking to the source of the cry.

It is Maurice. I begin to open my mouth to ask him what is wrong until the bells over the door are heard twice. The door opens and closes with the Mystery Man no where to be found. A collective sigh full of relief releases itself from almost every occupant of the establishment. A furry of questions rack my brain.

Who is that man?

Why did everyone let out a breath when he left?

Why was he so hung over?

Would he be all right?

What is his name?

Will I see him again?

All these questions and more torment me as the song continues on. The bell rings once more, and I look up momentarily to greet the guest as my cousin entered his office to sit down. However, it is the one person I am glad to have left behind when I went to college. My blood runs cold at the mere mention of his name....

Kazato Karikay.