『As I wait for someone who will never come,
my body burns like the seaweed drying
on the shores of Matsuho.』

-Fujiwara no Teika*

-Saturday, 4:00pm-

My eyelids flipped opened,
roused from their slumber
by a prickling sensation
deep within my stomach.

Grrrr
rrrrrrrrrrr.

Faint growling noises erupted into
a shrill tune--
serving as a clear but harsh reminder
of hunger's insatiable nature.

Propping myself up from the bed,
I headed groggily for the kitchen
in hopes for some quick nourishment.

"Gilbert, prepare the-"

I started to say out of habit.

But my words came to a sudden halt
as soon as I noticed the lights were still off.

Ah, that's right...

My shoulders slumped.

He's not back yet.

Turning around on my toes,
I went to the corridor
where the home phone was.

Click click, rrring.

"Hello hello!!
You have reached
Tennie's Family Restaurant!

How may we help you today?"

An overly-peppy voice droned on
from the other end of the line.

"Um, I'd like to place an order for delivery.

One hamburg steak dinner set.

The address is-"

Ding dong.

The bell rang just then,
conveniently interrupting my call.

Could it be Gilbert?

"Nevermind. Please cancel the order."

I hung up the phone
and ran over to check the intercom in haste--
a slight anticipation surging in my chest.

--------------------------------------------

A/N:

*Poem 97 of the 'Ogura Hyakunin Isshu'