Chapter 5: Let The Water Flow

I had no idea where I was driving to. I had no set destination. Hotel? A friend's house? I honestly didn't care at this point, all I knew was I am free. Free from emotional corruption. Free from acrimony and woe. No more more lying, cheating, toxic relationship.

I am better off now.

I ended up finding myself at my happy spot: the Cafe Conclusion. Unusual, for I never come at night, let alone twice in one day. But, I find this place comfortable and where I find my peace. It's almost 9pm. They usually close at ten, so I use this time to figure out a hotel to stay at until I get my own place. It's empty and quiet and a bit chilly here at the Cafe, but I'm fine with that. I look up and see Jordan wiping down counters. Either he works full-time or two shifts. When he notices me noticing him, I noticably look back down at my noticably closed notebook and noticably continue "looking for a hotel", even though I already noticably had one picked out. It's a five-star nightly pay, and it's close by the Cafe Conclusion; it's called the Frjaun Hotel.

I look out the window at the busy street and windy gusts. It's been a half hour since I got here, and only two customers came and went. I take out a pencil to begin a sketch, but nothing comes to mind, until I remember the Art Galla. It was today. I missed it! Now I have to wait a whole year for it to come back again. I've been so stressed and focused on everything around me that I missed the one thing I always look forward to. I missed the very event that brings a smile to my face every year. And it's gone in the matter of hours.

My life was slowly deteriorating, I can't imagine staying in that relationship with all these goals in front of me. For what? I couldn't be in that place with that man; the man I would define as a "love breaker and a dream taker". I have a life to live, a purpose to fulfil. And he was nothing but in the way. I have a new life now, a better consent to a blessing. I lift up my hands and interlock my fingers. I bow my head and pray silently.

"...Amen".

All my built up anger and sadness started raining down on me in an instant, and soon I felt a clutter forming at my tear duct. Before I have time to wipe the physical portrayed emotion away, it fell to the surface of the table. I couldn't hold in the sorrow any longer. So, with the first fall's instigation, I tried silently to just let the water flow. I guess the lonely girl crying in the corner brought attention, so I heard a man, who's voice I've grown familiar with, call out my name.

"Asia?".

I don't respond.

"Are you okay? I realize you might not know me too well, but I could be someone you might need to confide in for the night..as I've noticed you crying?".

I still don't respond. I attempt to look at him, but with embarrassment, shame, and agony all hitting me, I bury my face in my hands to hide the sounds of my sulk.

"Look. You don't have to acknowledge me or say anything, you don't. But, here's my number if you reconsider.".

He slides a piece of paper towards me and returns back behind the counter. I stare at the paper until it becomes fuzzy, then I shake my head back to reality. I gather my things quick and head out the door, with the tiny slip of paper in hand. I look back at Michael, and stand there for a second or two.

"Have a good night", I finally say and before he could respond, I get in my truck and head to the Frjaun's Hotel.

I get a room and unpack and settle in. It's a little after 10:30 at this point and my eyes become too heavy to keep open. I eventually fall asleep, with the tiny slip of paper sitting on the bedside table next to me.