The Cat Vampire

My First Date

Adama Thioy

"Earth to Adama! Hello?"

Débo waved her hands in front of my face to snap me back to reality. I shook myself out of my thoughts rather abruptly.

"So, are you going to this date or what?" my friend insisted, while her boyfriend looked from one of us to the other, laughing.

"I..."

"You're going, and that’s that!" she cut me off.

I wanted to tell her about my vision, but in the end, I thought better of it. Maybe it was just my imagination. Besides, vampires are just a collective hysteria... they simply can't exist.

"Fine. You’ll give me more details when you have them," I replied with a brief, half-convinced smile.

"I think it's time for me to go. Otherwise, my mom is going to worry herself sick over nothing."

Débo stood up at the same time I did and gave me a hug before I quickly hurried off.

On my way, I was distracted by a notification on the app. I rushed to read it:

Hi, my name is Idrissa Diallo. I saw your profile and really liked it. So, I sent you a request for a date. Would you be up for it?

I smiled stupidly, even though I didn’t want to. It was the first time I felt so interesting. Usually, wherever I go or whatever I do, I’m like a ghost—a void. Sometimes, I want to scream at the world: "Hey, I exist!" But now, I think that’s no longer necessary. Someone has finally seen me.

I walked while replying to Idrissa with enthusiasm:

Hi. Yeah, I’m definitely down. Just tell me where to meet.

He sent me a location along with a short message:

"Saturday, 8:00 PM. I hope you’ll be there."

Unable to find anything better to say, I just sent back a thumbs-up emoji, then tucked my phone away to focus on the road. I can’t wait for Saturday...

"Where have you been?" My mother's voice made me jump. It’s silly to put it this way, but the front door is a total snitch—it can’t help but creak whenever it’s opened. I bit my lip and approached on tiptoe. Mom was there, in front of the hallway mirror, braiding her hair with an almost disinterested air. "I was with Débo," I said, sliding my backpack off. "Where?" "Um... at her place, of course."

She turned toward me and let out a scoffing laugh. It was a typical reaction for her, the kind that preceded a lecture.

"Do you think I'm a senile old fool, Adama? How many times do I have to tell you to stop hanging out with that girl?"

"It’s simple: zero times. You should really stop seeing her as some kind of demon. Débo is a good girl, and I promise she has no negative influence on me."

"I'm not talking about that!" she thundered. "Then what is the problem?"

She gave me a fleeting look that meant everything and nothing at the same time. This time, I wasn't going to just sigh and walk away like before. She had to give me a concrete reason.

"I'm forbidding it, that's all! Your dinner is in the kitchen. Eat and go to sleep." I crossed my arms, determined to confront her.

"I'm not hungry. And I’m not moving from this spot until you give me a clear explanation."

Mom’s expression shifted; she suddenly looked preoccupied.

"Did you eat at her house?" she asked.

"Yes... what does it matter?" At that moment, I started to panic along with her, her reaction was so intense.

"You don't understand! That girl and her whole family have a bad reputation in the neighborhood. Their maids disappear. Débo has several friends who died... do you hear me? Dead!"

"Three? Is that so huge to you? Unbelievable! Just say it and get it over with: it's because they're accused of being vampires, right? I didn't think you could fall for such superstitions."

"Listen to me, Adama, people don't just invent things at random..."

"Fine, Mom. I'm exhausted, see you tomorrow," I said to end the discussion.

As I turned on my heels, a flash of my waking nightmare—with Débo holding the funnel—lashed across my mind. Then came the image of myself drinking bissap juice at her house—and the moment my mind linked it to the blood in my dream, a sudden shiver gripped me.

Everything became a blur in my head, to the point where the house seemed to spin 360 degrees. It wasn't long before I collapsed onto the floor. The last thing I heard were my mother's terrifying screams... and her silhouette multiplying into two.

I woke up feeling great, in my room, on my bed. Next to me, on my dresser, sat a steaming cup. I sat up slowly and picked it up. It didn’t smell very good… probably one of my mother's weird herbal concoctions. Speaking of the devil, my door pushed open, and she appeared. She had heavy dark circles under her eyes.

"What time is it?" That was the first question that came to mind.

"Ten o'clock. I thought I had lost you."

I remembered passing out, but I still didn't understand why it happened. As Mom sat down beside me, I took her hand to reassure her:

"You're not going to lose me. I've said it before, and I'll say it again: you're wrong about Débo and her family. Those things don't exist. I fainted because of exhaustion, not because they sucked out my soul. Otherwise, I wouldn't have woken up, don't you think?"

She sighed, running her hand over my face.

For the first time, I felt like we were on the same wavelength.

"I’ll give you that, for now. I'll let the wisdom of time decide which of us is right. Get some rest. It’s Saturday; I have a date with Sidi."

Ugh, I don’t even want to talk about it. All you need to know is that my mother is divorced and recently started a new relationship with the infamous Sidi. My dad didn't cheat on her, but she cheated on him—and it was blamed on the "depressed housewife" syndrome of a woman who almost never saw her husband.

"When are you leaving?" I asked.

"Nine o'clock. And you—don't you dare go out today. You need to get your strength back." I nodded, with absolutely no intention of following her orders.

After she finally left my room, I tried to kill time by drawing. Unconsciously, I managed to create an illustration of Idrissa exactly as I had seen him in my nightmare. He’s too handsome to be a monster…

A few hours later...

My mother and I cooked pasta together, which we ate in the supreme silence of the kitchen. We had learned to live alone within the four walls of this apartment without the loneliness becoming too heavy. Looking at her, I see an adult version of myself. She might not be perfect, but she is so human.

"Oh, it's almost nine o'clock, I didn't see the time fly!" Mom cried out, breaking our communion.

"I have to go. Do you need anything?"

"No, I’m good."

"How do I look? Am I beautiful?" She twirled around so I could get a better look at her outfit.

"You're perfect."

"Thanks, sweetie. See ya! Lock the door and don't open it for anyone."

"Got it, Mom."

As soon as she left the apartment, I started getting ready for my own date. In front of my closet, I chose my black jeans and a pink top. I don't need to be overdressed, I guess. As I finished pulling on my top, I received a voice message from Débo. I played it while brushing my long braids.

"Hi sweetie! I tried to play matchmaker by suggesting your profile to him, but it turns out he already invited you to a one-on-one! Why didn't you tell me, you little rascal?"

I didn't have time to reply, so I tucked my phone into my bag, pulled on my boots, and ran quickly to the door. I made sure to lock it carefully and pocketed the keys. The cool evening air caressing my skin made me feel light. I walked slowly, checking the location. The route map pointed to a restaurant just a few steps from my place: Sen Délice. Thrilled by this happy coincidence, I headed straight there.

In front of the entrance, I spotted Idrissa, wearing a black shirt and trousers. He was looking all around, as if searching for someone. Me, obviously. I picked up my pace, a big smile on my face. Once I reached him, I didn't even need to introduce myself: he recognized me instantly.

"We can't say you didn't make yourself wanted. By the way, you are desirable... a true moon." He kissed my hand, making my heart flutter.

"Thank you."

"It's an honor. Come with me."

I followed him without a word. One detail, however, suddenly intrigued me: there was no one in the restaurant, except for a single couple sitting at a table in the back.

"Why are they the only ones here?" I finally asked.

"Actually, since the restaurant belongs to my uncle, he decided to make it exclusive tonight for his date... and mine."

"Oh, I see." I couldn't find anything else to say, even if the gesture was flattering.

As Idrissa, with his hand on my waist, led me forward, the woman's silhouette began to look more and more familiar. "Uncle!" he called out to the man who was busy chatting with his sweetheart. The couple turned toward us, and I stood there, speechless. The mysterious lady was, in fact... my mother.

Talk about a nice reunion.