THIS MIND IS NOT AT REST

RAVEN POV.

“He must think I'm a weirdo". 

Later, walking outside past bank banners and windows plastered with flyers for APARTMENT BACKED LOANS and SAME DAY LOANS FOR OFFICE WORKERS, I carried my documents with a heavy heart. 

Time blurred through exhaustion. Working at a store, i wiped down tables, picked up bottles, and mopped the tiled floors. At night, i delivered packages on a motorcycle, By evening, i washed dishes in a busy restaurant kitchen.

One night, sitting outside the back exit in my apron, I checked my phone. A notification flashed across the screen: HOSPITALIZATION F*E: $4,037.

Overwhelmed, i buried my face in my hands. i clutched my phone tightly, my fingers trembling. 

Back at the store, I managed the cash register, counting out cash and operating microwave. 

Meanwhile, in the apartment, Justin sat on the floor eating a bowl of food while listening to his phone. A voice message played:

"Justin, I hope this reaches you. You must have been scared. But you know, I think it was a big shock to my Mom too. They said her surgery went well, so she should wake up soon. For now, don't worry about us. Just make sure you're safe. I'll find the money somehow, so don't worry.”

Suddenly, i rushed over, grabbing his shirt in panic. "How the hell can you eat at a time like this?”

In a sleek, white building, DEPUTY DIRECTOR ms. Caris sat in her office reviewing a large portfolio of photographs. Two subordinates stood nearby. 

"It appears the portfolio submissions we receive remain limited," one staff member noted. "If you're okay with photography, do you want to take a look? They may not be famous, but I have a collection of personal favorites." 

Caris turned the pages, her eyes scanning images of beaches, corridors, and ordinary moments. Suddenly, she stopped on a vibrant photograph of a smiling young woman reaching out toward the camera. 

"His work has a nice vibe," the staff member remarked. 

"It does," Caris agreed softly.

"It's because she's loved, Look. Only people who are loved can have that look in their eyes. Who's the photographer?" 

"His name is Justin kim" the subordinate replied. "It was a winning piece a long time ago. He hasn't been active since then." 

"Did he quit photography?" Caris asked. 

"For now, get me his contact info and find out what he's been up to."

"Yes, ma'am," they replied, bowing and leaving the room.

Elsewhere, Dorian in light green shirt walked through neighborhood streets, approaching the large trees, He stopped beneath its branches, reaching into his pocket and pulling out a crumpled piece of paper covered in handwritten notes and red pen marks. 

Unfolding it, he read the lines: "I visit it whenever I feel stressed. There's a store next to it, so I get myself a treat and eat it underneath the tree. It somehow helps soothe my troubles." 

He looked up at the massive tree, deep in thought.

DORIAN POV.

“Found it”

I sat on the bench, my eyes closed in quiet contemplation. 

Hours passed away, night under the same tree. I sat forward in the dark, examining the crumpled list.

Footsteps approached under the streetlamp. I looked direct sharply. A woman in a trench coat walked by, talking on her phone. 

her voice trailing off as she passed. 

I watched her go, with a look of longing and disappointment. I stood up slowly, stepping away from the bench.

"Another day of aimless searching?"

Back in a dimly lit apartment, Theodore handed me a mug. "you're one persistent man. It's been days already. What's so special about her anyway?" 

I stared blankly ahead. "She blew my mind." 

theodore muttered, taking a sip. Then, his eyes widened. "Wait, you finally found the one?! Then you have to find her, no matter what! I'll help you." 

Theodore grabbed a stylus while i described her features. 

"Almond shaped, monolid eyes," i recalled. 

Theodore sketched rapidly on the screen.

"What else did you say?" Theodore asked. 

"Beautiful," i answered softly. "She's really beautiful when she smiles. Her eyes turn into cute puppy eyes." 

Theodore laughed as they finished the rough sketch, both grinning at the screen. 

Suddenly, a knock sounded at the door. "The food is here," Theodore called out. 

Opening the door, a delivery worker wearing a black helmet and vest stood in the doorway. "Hello," she greeted. 

"You're early," Theodore said, taking the bag. 

"Theodore," i called out from inside. 

While Theodore stepped away, the delivery rider stood holding out the card payment terminal. i walked up behind Theodore, glancing toward the door. 

"Do you want beer?" I asked casually. 

"Sure” Theodore replied. 

"Okay," the delivery rider murmured, processing the payment, before still looking down and saying, "Have a good night." 

"You too," i replied, my eyes briefly meeting hers and she walked away.

If only I took a closer look at her face.