ONE WEEK LATER.
The light of Motela Luna flickers in the air buzzing like a trapped bug. It's the budget choice they found a rundown place with peeling paint and carpet smelling of cigarettes. Chloe and Sophia took charge of the inquiry it was this or a bridge.
The streets ahead are quiet. Above the moon hangs, a glowing sphere, in the sky partly hidden by clouds shaped like a heart.
The quartet walks along the sidewalk the gravel crunching under their feet. The air is cold. A sense of tension fills the scene.
"How are we going to cover the motel bill this month?" Sophia asks. She smooths the wrinkles on her skirt her fingers nervously fiddling with the fabric.
"I'm uncertain " Chloe responds. She breathes out slowly her gaze dropping toward the boys walking ahead of them.
Jonathan and Sham are oblivious to the chaos, around them. They are busy arguing over abilities.
"Jonathan dude you've got what it takes to manage this! You just have to connect with the emotion or whatever " Sham says, lifting his hands in exasperation.
"Yeah, yeah… I don't really know " Jonathan replies, pushing a pebble down the pavement.
"You have no idea? You need to understand, man!" Sham yells. He jabs a finger into Jonathan's chest emphasizing every word as though trying to trigger a power switch.
"Pstt " Sophia murmurs to them. "Immature."
Chloe explodes into laughter. A loud snort escapes through her nose. She swiftly covers her mouth with her hand.
"Keep silent Chloe. That kind of laughter drives me crazy " Jonathan whispers, spinning his eyes with force it nearly aches.
Suddenly a scent hits them. Rich broth. Saltiness. Meat.
Their eyes rest on a Ramen Cart positioned at the corner. It features planks, red lanterns swaying softly in the breeze and steam rising into the twilight sky. The vendor, a man in his twenties, with a bandana tied around his head is chopping onions.
GRRROOOOWL.
The silence is torn apart by the sound resembling a chainsaw.
Everyone stops. Their eyes lock onto Sham.
Sham clutches his stomach his face flushing red. "What?!" he yells sharply.
"Do you want something to eat?" Chloe asks, a grin tugging at the corner of her lips.
"I'm famished " Jonathan announces. Immediately he makes his way straight, to the Ramen Cart.
"Me too " Sophia says, following him like a tiny duckling.
Chloe hurries to match the speed. She leans in murmuring softly so the seller won't catch it. "Do you guys have any cash all?"
Jonathan glances back at her. He flashes a wink.
"Follow me " he whispers.
Oh no. Chloe massages her neck showing signs of nervousness. She stays back crossing her arms. What is he scheming?
Sham is already perched on a stool. He catches Chloes eyes. Enthusiastically waves his hand inviting her to come along and sit with them.
Chloe lets out a breath shaking her head. "No way " she murmurs softly. She completely comprehends the implications. She declines any participation. Still her stomach twists sharply with jealousy as she watches them.
The three of them consume the food.
SLURP. SLURP.
The noodles disappear. The soup is finished. They eat it with the haste of teenagers who haven't eaten in days. The sound of their slurping makes Chloe want to shout.
"Hey all… how about we go?" Chloe interrupts as Jonathan puts his bowl down.
"Thanks, man!" Sham yells to the owner while wiping his mouth with his sleeve.
They get up unhurriedly. At first they start moving from the cart at a speed.
The owner raises his eyes from the pot. "Hey! You have to pay!"
Sham twists suddenly a grin appearing over his face.
"RUN!" he shouts.
The four dash away.
They sprint down the streets their shoes hitting the pavement, in beats. Moonlight casts long stretching shadows as they navigate the curves. Their breath burns,. The momentum drives them forward.
They stop in a lane safely concealed from sight.
Jonathan, Sham and Sophia lean forward gasping for air. Their mouths burst with laughter.
"That was incredible!" Sham exclaims, holding his side.
Chloe is standing straight. She doesn't have a smile. Her arms hang down. Her face looks sad.
"That was not okay!" Chloe exclaims. Her voice echoes off the brick walls instantly breaking the mood.
The laughter subsides. Everyones attention shifts to her.
"Come on Sis it was a jok—" Jonathan starts.
"That wasn't a joke Jonathan!" Chloe interjects, stepping nearer. "That man is attempting to make a living. You just stole from him!"
Sophia feels heat spreading across her cheeks. The rush of adrenaline fades, giving way to shame. "Sorry, Chloe " she whispers, looking down at her shoes.
"We have no funds left… we had no choice " Sham states. Yet his tone has shifted. The arrogance is gone replaced by a voice.
"Yeah…" Jonathan whispers, rubbing the nape of his neck.
"Sophia softly whispers, 'We really must find work to continue living.'"
Chloe watches their faces. She takes a breath as the irritation begins to dissipate. They are kids trying to survive.
"Ugh you lot " she remarks, shaking her head. "Please swear you won't say that again?" She raises an eyebrow.
Sham, Jonathan and Sophia look at each other and nod, in unison.
"We promise!" they shout.
They silently head back, to the motel. A sense of ease envelops them when Jonathan unlocks the door to Room 104.
The clock on the wall ticks loudly. Tick. Tick. Tick.
They walk in.
They turn motionless.
The room is spotless.
The trash has been taken out. The floor has been vacuumed. Both master beds are tidily made with the sheets pulled tight and wrinkle-free.
"The room is extremely neat oh wow " Sophia comments. She lets her body sink onto the mattress. The sheets feel cold, against her skin triggering a shiver that travels down her spine.
"Maybe the cleaning lady straightened the room?" Sham suggests. He grabs his bag. Starts changing into his pajamas without hesitation.
Chloe frowns, looking around. It's almost too clean.