Phantom of the Opera

He helped. He is always there when I need more help, but I don't know his face.

He allowed me to interview him during my first work at work, when i was assigned to do a story. It was year end, everyone was on leave, taking leave for long vacation. It was hard to find someone who could lend credibility to my story.

I spent a few hours searching for a person. I panicked. I only had half a day. I only need one quote. Finally, I found him. He was willing to help, without much persuasion.

The story went up to the top screen, my first top play. So I was eternally grateful to him. I made a mental note that I would take him out for lunch and entertained him with my incessant chatting (yes. some do find it pretty entertaining)

A month later, I messaged him and offered to take him out. He said no.

How strange? Someone actually would reject having lunch with me, especially when I am buying? Rare.

I found out from him that he didn't like to be on record at all. He broke his own rules for me? how can that be? I was puzzled.

``I don't like to be interviewed. I try to avoid that actually.''

``Really? but you didn't show any resistance at that time. You just said yes when I called.''

No response.

``Anyways, I am really grateful. Can I buy you lunch, please? I said.

``No, it is alright. you don't have to buy me lunch for that. It was a small favour.''

``You have to eat, don't you?''

``I am getting fat. I really have to watch my weight?''

``Well, just a few more trips to the gym.''

No response.

``Seriously, if you don't want to eat, we can just have coffee.''

``No, just chatting here would be fine.''

There was a song in my head as we talked. I could hear it in my head.

(In sleep, he sang to me. In dreams he came....)

Is he very ugly?

(That voice which calls to me. And speaks my name.)

He responded to my every question whenever I messaged him online, helping me with my stories, taking time to give me insights to that complicated financial world. But he won't meet me. Does this person actually exist?

(and do I dream again?
For now I find
The phantom of the opera is there,
Inside my mind .........)

``xxx are so illiquid. how can you buy them as a fund which is always looking to exit a market or throw out a security if they don't work out?''

``D, you want yield. you moved down the curve. ''

(Sing once again with me
Our strange duet )

``why would they sell these products to you instead of to the banks? You are competition for business with the banks, moving into their space.''

``D, it is a dog's world out there.''

(and though you turn from me
to glance behind
The phantom of the opera is there
Inside your mind)

``So why would you prefer working in a XXX instead of a YYY. you both are yield-hungry.''

``D, you have a lot of questions.''

``is that why you don't want to meet me?'' ( every chance I get, i moved. I have to uncover his mask.)

(those who have seen your face
Draw back in fear
I am the mask you wear )

Stupid song. Stop it.

``Is that why you refused to meet me?'' I asked again, like a car rearing to go when the light turns green.

No response.

(t's me they hear )

Stop singing lar.

``I have to skip.,'' he said.

``Skip?'' Why does he have to skip? huh? like go skipping? Lose weight?

``I mean I have to go.'' Walau, want to go, say GO, why SKIP? I thought you want to skip to lose weight, then have lunch with me. chey.

``Maybe we will meet up next time.'' He left.

Really? Finally? but he left, without clarifying what he had said.

(In all your fantasies you always knew
That man and mystery )

walau, stop singing.