Story Reader / Festival Event Story / The Destined Surprise / Story
Sorry to keep you waiting, Commandant.
Bianca is already sitting when you turn around.
You came to this tiny bar in Babylonia's commercial district at Bianca's invitation. According to your terminal, this place isn't exactly an easy one to find.
Fortunately, the instructions Bianca left you with were spot on: take a left from the cinema's main entrance, and you'll see the sign at the third alley.
The rectangular space only fits a bar counter, with large instruments like a cello, guitar, and djembe placed in the corners. Every inch of this small area is meticulously designed and arranged.
Happy Birthday.
Bianca still looks a little apologetic as she pulls out a bottle of wine from her bag and hands it to the bartender.
I tried making sparkling wine for you. Had to spend quite some time learning it... and I hope you like it.
When the bartender pops the champagne cork, the rich bubbles within make a pleasant sound.
With glasses clinked, the sweet wine and the tastes of all sorts of fruits quickly spread across your mouth.
I passed by an abandoned vineyard a few months ago and saw some grapes there on my way back from a mission.
So I started looking for fruits that are still growing on Earth and made this bottle of sparkling wine with them.
Third alley to the left of the cinema entrance.
I've always wanted to come here after movies to see performances by musicians from WGAA. They are probably the freest souls of our time.
I find that kind of freedom out of reach, but it gives me a reason to keep fighting.
So I was wondering if... Oh, speak of the devil!
Leila, the usual?
You bet.
"Leila" the bartender takes out four glasses and a bottle of whiskey. The three walk to the corner filled with instruments and pick up their gear.
After a simple tuning, the cello started playing first, its deep and heavy tone initiating their impromptu performance. Leila pulls out a small piano from under the bar—and that's when it hits you that the fourth glass is meant for herself.
Bianca's legs start swaying to the jazz tune as she breaks into a smile without knowing it herself.
Commandant, I want to rebuild that vineyard when everything is over.
Bianca looks at her wine glass and then at you.
Hard to picture that, no? Well, I actually want to build a school there.
And when I'm done... the kids will have a childhood totally different from ours. There has to be a garden, that's for sure, and the classrooms can be a little spacious, and...
Bianca nods with a smile, her legs stopping their rhythmic movement as she delves into her imagination.
Yup, I'll make sure to invite you when it is.
Your glasses clink again. With the wine in your system, you find yourself tapping your fingers to the beat and rhythm.
And there will always be a room for you there.
Both your and Bianca's glasses are empty when the performance comes to an end with a piano solo.
