Chapter 5

Abel barely reaches the tram, slipping through the already closing doors. He scans the ticket and sits down to the nearest free seat. After catching his breath he digs out his pocket mirror from his bag and checks if his hair is in order and if his face is clean. He wipes some sweat off his face with handkerchief and ruffles his hair before putting the mirror into his chest pocket. A little girl who's sitting next to him and whom he only now notices stares at him in awe.

"Is there something on my  face or something, kiddo?", he asks as he reaches into his bag, reaching for his notebook. The girl startles.

"Uh, no, mister. Sorry for staring". Abel smiles at the girl, grabs the small pen attached to his notebook and starts drawing.

"It's-it's just that you look like a soldier, mister. A good, beautiful soldier that helps people", she blurts, still staring but turning her eyes away every time he glances at her.

After a couple of minutes of silence Abel rips the page he was drawing on from his notebook, handing it to the girl. Her eyes start glimmering as she sees what's on it - a detailed yet clearly hastily drawn picture of a hummingbird.

"That's not a soldier you're describing, kid, that's a knight. And on the paper there, that's a hummingbird and he's yours. Take care of him". The girl looks to him, then to the paper, to him again and her face lights up. She gives him the biggest smile she possibly can before hugging the paper tightly.

"Oh, look at that, it's my stop already", he mentions, standing up from his seat. As he steps out of the tram the girl shouts: "Thanks, mister knight!", and in response he raises his index and middle finger to his forehead, almost like a soldier greets his superiors, and turns his hand towards her, hearing a joyous giggle in response.

As the tram continues its run Abel glances at his wrist watch. 'Crap, I'm late', he thinks to himself, 'it's already four-fifty'. He holds his bag to his chest, takes deep breath and begins running as fast he can.

The clock strikes five as he reaches the coffee shop. At one of the tables in the window sits Kato, looking like he's been there for at least ten minutes. He looks through the window, seemingly daydreaming, and flashes a big smile as soon as he notices Abel who stands outside, trying to hide the signs of running most of the way there.

Once Abel's near enough to the door Kato gets up and runs to hug him as if he hadn't seen him in years. The white of his cheerful smile creates a stark contrast to his dark skin.

"I hope you don't mind but I already ordered some tea for us. This is for you, catch!", he tells, throwing an unopened can of energy drink towards him. Abel twitches but manages to grab the can.

"Green tea flavor, huh", he responds as he checks the label. "Thanks".

"No problem, amigo".

Kato pulls a thin folder from the bag sitting on the floor next to his chair and hands it to Abel.

"I'm really glad you're helping me out with these. Since you're leading the project you're the only person besides me to be allowed to see them", he explains, seemingly relieved as Abel goes through the files.

"It's fine. Besides, it's better for me to be up-to-date with your branch", Abel replies and nods to the waiter as she brings them tea. He takes a sip, fills it up with some energy drink and drinks some more.

After Kato takes his first gulp he grabs the can and pours some for himself.

"Damn, that's hot. Good, though, but hot", he announces, and takes another gulp. "You can really taste the green tea in this. A weird combination, but I guess it works". Abel chuckles.

"So then, let's get to work".