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.
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.”
“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.”
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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