Eclipse of Identity: A Hybrid's Awakening

nse of excitement coursing through them both. The restaurant, a place Ryan was fond of, exuded

ing easily as they perused the menu. But their moment of tranquility was interrup

e's cute," the waiter exclaimed, her eyes t

o make sense of the woman's words. Who was Ruben? And

ing smile. "Oh darling, you see, Ruben here has never brought any girl here befo

... time out, miss Patty," he interjected hastily, eager to put an end to the awkward excha

yan's rebuke. "Okay, coming right up," she re

ologetic smile. "Don't mind her," he said, his cheeks still

of the situation. "Yeah, I can see that," she re

y piqued. "So, do you live around here?" he inqui

ot really. I'm just out here by myself," she replied vaguely,

re do you live then?" he pressed gentl

Downtown, actually," she replied, hoping to steer the conversation

yes. "Just two blocks away from here," he reveale

corners of her lips. "Right," she replied,

eavy blanket. Before either of them could break the silence, Miss Patty arrived w

ustling off, leaving Andy and

cheeseburger tantalizing her taste buds. As she devoured her food, she couldn'

ls, her cheeks flushed with embarr

g. "Nothing. You just seem to be enjoy

the mark. Seeing her struggle, Ryan reached out a hand and gently wiped

that had been lingering on his mind. "So, ummm... about the maps. What

he knew she couldn't reveal too much, not wh

thought to herself, her gaze flickering wit

s voice soft yet reassuring. "Can I trust you?" A

erstanding passing through his eyes. "Of cou

n. "I'm looking for a place called Eldoria," she confe

cing with possibilities. Quickly realizing the gravity of the situa

? What's your business with it?" he pres

tion. "That is where my real family is from," she confe

zle starting to fall into place. "You need to come with m

in agreement. "Okay," she replied, her voic