*Buzz! Buzz! Buzz!*

" I want to sleep more daddy.. shut that thing off "

" Me too sweety.. me too... "

And I laid down again.. savouring the warmth of the bed.

*BUZZ! BUZZ! BUZZ!*

" Fuckkk . Come on " I groaned .

The shrill beep of the alarm clock sliced through the silence, yanking me from my sleep.

I peeked over Sylv and was releived to see that she wasn't stirred . I would be in so much trouble if she learned another curse word from me. Her mother would kill me.

" Haaahhhh ..."

With a sigh, I dragged myself up, heading into the bathroom to start my morning routine.

Although Sylv's presence calmed me down but there were still some remnants of that dream last night .

" Sunny .. what's happening my friend? "

I muttered, staring at the ceiling, talking to no one in particular.

That day.. the day he vanished. I don't remember it much clearly.. it's like a blur.

My memories feel like they have been covered with thick, heavy strokes of clothes.. blurred and distorted, just out of reach.

It was as if memories of that day.. that time are locked somewhere.. the thought itself give me chills ..leaving me with only scattered, broken pieces that refused to fit together.

Everything before and after is intacy..crystal clear. But that one day, that time, remains a locked door in my mind.

It's been five years since then. I was getting ready for work when it happened.. whatever "it" was. I blacked out and woke up in a hospital bed two days later.

I just remember waking up in hospital after that . All in between is obscure.

I only know what I was told , a delivery person reported when he found me on the floor lying.

The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.

I was taken to the hospital where I woke up after 2-3 days.

I was baffled that I was in a minimal conscious state.

And sunny wasn't to be found anywhere.. it was like he vanished into thin air. Not a single trace left behind.

My bestfriend was no where to be seen and I didn't even know where did he go .Did he go by choice or someone took him by force?

Why was I unconscious and what actually happened? There were just questions and no answer to them .

The thought still send shivers down my spine . Was he even alive?

I wasn't myself for years, spiraling into a darkness that nearly consumed me. But it was my wife who saved me, pulling me out of that abyss, giving me a reason to keep going.

It took some considerable amount of time for me to accept and move on.

That's another reason why the dream felt even more terrifying . Could it be related to that? My past? I felt like there's more to this rather than just being a nightmare?

Or am I Just paranoid for no reason?

*Sigh*

I stepped into the shower, letting the cool water wash away my tension. After getting out, I stood in front of the mirror, giving myself a quick once-over.

" Not bad huh " I muttered.

If i were to describe myself..

I'm around 25, standing at 5'11" with a build that's more on the balanced side.. strong but not overly bulky.

My hair's white, medium-length, but I keep it tied back in a short ponytail, inspired by various main characters I have loved as a kid..which I guess gives me a bit of an edge.

My beard? Well.. It's well-trimmed, nothing too wild or long, just enough to add a bit of definition to my jawline.

My wife doesn't like long beard.. but I am thinking of growing it nowadays.

My eyes are brown, and they contrast with my fair skin in a way that people seem to notice.

I have had my share of compliments.

I put on a fitted black gray crew neck T-shirt highlighting my physique without being too flashy , pair that with well-fitted straight fit dark jeans.

I'd throw on a tailored leather jacket deep brown in color over it to match the edgy look of my white hair and short ponytail. Accessories would be simple, a minimalist watch, something that adds to the style without being too loud.

I like to keep things low-key, blending a calm presence with a bit of quiet strength.

I woke Sylv up and while she get dressed. I made us breakfast.

The kitchen came alive with the sharp hiss of the skillet as a dollop of butter melted, bubbling around the edges.

In the warm, amber glow of the stove, the smell of sizzling onions and green chilies wafted through the air.

As the onions turned translucent, a handful of chopped tomatoes followed, softening into a rich, tangy base.

I added some salt over it .. I always put salt after tomatoes.

Then it was time for the eggs. I whipped to a pale yellow froth. With quick flicks of the spatula, i stirred, folding the eggs into the fragrant masala.

My favourite Spices were added and then the eggs were poured and mixed with onions and other substances.

Coriander leaves were scattered on top, they just are chef's kiss for any food you make.

In minutes, the dish transformed into a fluffy, spicy scrambl-

" EGG BHURJI "

Sylvie shouted excitedly as she comes out of her room .. well it's one of her favorite dishes. I made this especially for her as a thank you for last night.

" Yes yes egg bhurji.." I chuckled. "come sit. Let's eat together "

We had our breakfast.. chatted for a bit .. and then after washing the dishes.. I checked time.

* 10:30 *

" Sylv.. it's 10:30. We have to go and receive your mother at the train station so get ready"

My wife went to funeral of one of her distant relatives. She didn't wanna take Sylv since she was small so I stayed home as well.

It suits me as I could open our cafe and spend more time will Sylv.

And today she was coming back. We both got ready.. closing the door to the house and checking everything.

I started our somewhat old car

"Va va vrooo-- "

"Va va vrooo-- "

I looked back and so Sylvie emitting these car sounds and somehow she knew not to complete the vroom like she was confident it wouldn't roar to life on first try.

"Dad I think it's high time we buy a new car. This poor thing has gone through a lot already"

I had no idea what to say. She was right of course. Our car was old but it still had some years left.

"It hasn't been started for some day.. that's it "

" Mom would certainly disagree though " she quipped, giving me a sly grin.

This mom daughter duo. I rolled my eyes at her antics.

*sigh *

I tried starting the car again.

* Vrooo-- *

* Vroommm *

" See? It's just fine "

She gave me a side eye which I gracefully just ignored.

How would this four year old know how much a car means to a man.. especially the first he bought with his own money.

Even if it was a second hand car.

Tucking the seat belts.. and checking the keys of the house again , we drove of...

And so the day began..