Blue Hour

Chapter 11

The sound of the rooster woke Ray up. He looked around and noticed that the ghost that he was talking with last night disappeared. It was already six in the morning and it’s still early for him to get up. He just laid down on his bed thinking about what happened last night. Everything was surreal. Part of him was wishing that it was a dream, but he also wished that it was true. 

He picked up his phone and checked on the messages and emails. It was usually what he does first thing in the morning, to check if there are issues with his other business every morning. Well, it’s the same messages that he receives.

He decided to stand up and start his day early. He needs to learn a lot, so that he can help the people at his farm. The sound of nature from outside can be heard inside his room. The chirping of birds, the gentle breeze made him relax. Before heading to the bathroom, he checked around his room again, hoping to see the person he was talking with last night. There was no one. 

After half an hour, he finished cleaning himself. He picked up the broom placed behind his door and decided to clean. He wants to experience doing this, and learn. Usually, their maids do it for him, but this time, Ray doesn’t want to bother everyone. 

He started to sweep the floor, starting from the table. Then he proceeded to reach under the table, and next to the couch. The dust flew to his nose, making him sneeze. He is really not used to this type of stuff. Ray kept on scratching his nose, to stop himself from sneezing. If his friend saw his situation right now, he would laugh hard at him. 

“Perfect!” Ray told himself and wiped the sweat from his body. It was already seven in the morning when he finished doing all the chores. It was tiring, but he was satisfied to do things on his own now. 

He looked around but there were no signs of Sun, especially his presence. Maybe he could just appear at night, since he is a ghost. He heard someone knocking on the door. 

“Come in!” Ray said. 

The door opened and it was Miko. Ray couldn't help himself and laughed at his friend.

“You look like a disaster, Miko! Haha, you did not even wash your face. Are you a kid or what?”

“Whatever. The roosters kept on crowing and I couldn't go back to sleep.” Miko answered and sat down on the couch, scratching his head. 

“What do you expect? You are not living in the city anymore. Everyone in the countryside wakes up early.” Ray said, smiling. 

“Whatever. By the way, I heard you were talking with someone last night when I passed by in your room. I did not bother to check, but I can hear you clearly. I heard something like Sun.”

Ray’s heartbeat suddenly got faster after hearing that name. He looked around and Sun might appear out of nowhere. 

“Are you okay? You look worried.” Miko said. 

“Uh.. Nothing… Go back to your room and get changed. Let’s meet in the kitchen.” 

After that, Miko hurriedly left the room. Ray was left alone, looking around again. His heart was still beating faster. He was worried that Miko might have noticed about Sun. 

“Sun, are you in here?” Ray asked and looked at the couch.

There was no answer. He tried to call out again, but still there was no response. Ray thought that he would just show up, sooner or later. He went out of the room and hurried to the kitchen. 

“Good morning, Sir Ray.” The helpers said and bowed their heads. 

“Oh, good morning. Did you have your breakfast already?” he asked. 

“Yes, we did. Thank you for asking.” One of the employees said, 

“Then, that’s good to hear.” 

“You should eat now, Sir Ray.” Cynthia said and placed the food on the table. He sat down and looked at the plate.

“What do you call this?” Ray asked.

“This one, the eggs are salted eggs. It’s good if you add some onions and tomatoes together with it. As for this one, this is called “tuyo” or dried fish. It’s good if you dip it in vinegar with chili pepper.” Cynthia explained.

He looked around and the employees smiled at him. 

“It’s good, Sir. Go ahead and try it.” Said one of the employees. 

Ray picked up the spoon and got some of the salted eggs. His face wrinkled all of a sudden. 

“Too salty for me. I never had this before, but honestly it makes me want to eat more.” 

“That’s good to hear then. You will get used to it sooner or later, Sir Ray.” Cynthia said and smiled. 

“Thank you. By the way, where is Austin?”

“He is in the chicken coop, Sir.” One of the employees said and placed a banana near his plate. Ray looked at the employee and smiled at her. 

“Oh, thanks. I am planning to check on every facility here so that I will know what to do about them. I want everyone to help me.” 

“Yes sir.” Every employee in the kitchen answered in unison.