Drenched

  I remember that day so vividly. I was walking alone on a night lighted by the bright full moon. I wanted to be alone and wallow in the sadness that enveloped my being at that time. As I walked along a boulevard, I saw different kinds of people pass me by. They paid no attention to me. They're all too absorbed in their own lives. They fail to notice a lost soul walking among them. Someone who seems unable to find a shred of purpose in his/her life.
    I remember walking into this bookstore/coffeeshop. I delighted myself by ordering my favorite dessert. I sat by the window and I kept on watching the crowd walking on the streets. I didn't pay attention to anything, I was just conscious of the fact that people walked passed me. I did not know why I had that heavy feeling that night. All I knew was that I needed fresh air.
    I left the coffeeshop and continued to walk through the night. Feeling the cold crisp air on my skin was comforting. Yet, in that comfort I found a space. It seems as though there's something missing--something I need. I stopped. I saw a bench and sat there to look up at the stars.
    Then I noticed you. I saw you at a glance a while ago. You were in front of me in the line in the coffeeshop. I smiled at the thought of recognition. I saw what I thought to be a hint of hesitation in you. I frowned, thinking, who is he? Why is he here? Soon though, he comes to me. He seems exhausted, as if he's been running around. And then, I finally realized that he was holding my wallet.
    You left your wallet. I just thought you might need it.
    As I take my wallet from your hand, a silence came between us. I was looking at you with this bewildered expression, then I recovered. I broke the moment and said, Thanks. I would have gone back myself. I smiled.
    You would have walked away. But then, I stopped you. You sat beside me. We talked. I ended up telling you my life story. And you did the same. The night just flew away.
    The night ended. You took me home.
    The next time I see you, you were holding an umbrella, waiting for me on that corner of the street near our coffeshop. I was drenched in the cold rain, but I felt warm and fuzzy inside.