Throwback | Writing a Shortstory in 2016

Disturbed. That was how I felt when she sat next to me. I felt squeezed, uncomfortable and lacking privacy. She could have taken another seat, there is so much available. I merely kept my headphones on and continued with my music.

The dark times are looming, making my days as dull as can be. I feel like moving blind in an everlasting cold night on a mined road. Where I am heading, I don’t know. 

The touch of her fingers on my hand snatched me from my dark thoughts. It was so soft and warm that it gave an outburst of emotions. The moment I turned to her, I could read the happiness in her eyes; coupled with a lovely greeting smile. I was a bit bewildered and while removing my headphones I mumbled a yes.

“Good morning, sorry if I am being intrusive but, I have been observing you every day and have noticed the grief in your eyes. I can feel the sadness you are going through, and wanted to meet you” she said,  quickly changing from this happy greeting to a grave tone.

I could not find my words. I stayed there stuck in this moment, in disbelief and overwhelmed by this undeniable truth. I was going through a tough time for some months and have turned into a loner since losing my father. He was my mentor, my rudder, my everything. He had so much to give and I have so much to learn from him. From now on, I kept wandering in life without any fixed goal. 

“You know, I have never seen my own sorrow, maybe that I have never took the time to look into it. Well, time passed by and I realised that this veil was becoming a mask which was slowly setting its anchors.”  She stopped for some time and her face changed. Taking a deep breath, she sighed then look at me straight in the eyes. 

“I am not here to give you some kind of life lessons, but only my testimony. You have the same look as me. Your body language says it all. From the very first day I saw you, I could not keep myself from thinking of my personal journey. I made it a must, to come over and meet with yourself. It might sound crazy but… just hoping that I might be of some help.”

My first words were: “I am Joey and you ?”

“Oh completely sorry, I didn’t even think of introducing myself, well I’m Gabrielle.”

“Nice meeting you Gabrielle. You know, my father passed away six months ago and till now I am struggling as he means a lot to me. I am utterly confused and lost. Just asking, what made you come over to me?”

“Well, since the last days I was willing but it was one step forward and then I backed down. Since I woke up today, I felt the need was pushing, I let it go and here I am. I don’t know what has triggered my move. It was spontaneous.”

“To be honest, I have been praying for an answer to my situation; maybe it’s you. Thank you for taking time to make it.”

“You know Joey, I have lost someone dear too. I can understand your grief as I have been through the same painful experience. It was hard to overcome each day, there has been lot of warfares but I have tried. Even in my darkest moments, I have tried. Give yourself a chance to embrace a new day, a new beginning because it’s worth it. You have the right to.”

“Alright, many thanks for these kind words, I’ll keep that”

We both smiled. The bus came to an halt.

“You are welcome Joey. I must leave for now. Here are my contact details. Never give up and fight for your life.”

“I will”

Steve Maudrame © 2016