Written in Numbers

What prevents us from crossing that one line?

What pushes us to ignore all problem and question?

Those who stay behind, why?

Those who went ahead, how?

Safe yet lost, bold yet alone.

It's all about choices, isn't it? This and that, really. But honestly, it's all got me spinning round.

...

"Mezame!!"

"Lya!"

"I still can't believe I'm finally here!"

"Is that so? Well then, you better start. Tomorrow, I'll take you everywhere to see everything we have to offer!"

"Who's 'we'?"

"Me and the everyone else in the city of course."

"Hmm. Ok! But first, I really want to eat something!"

"I know just the place."

...

"Huh, how'd you find out about this place? It's nice!"

"That's your first question?"

"I'm curious, is all."

"It was purely by chance. Satisfied?"

"Nope. You're lying. You were definitely here with someone else."

"Oh? How would you know that?"

"Cause you're wearing a stupid grin while sipping tea. By that alone, I can almost picture you and a pretty young thing stuffing your faces with fruit tarts and banana waffles."

"Ha! It wasn't anything like that, I can assure you. We were here for business, but I wanted to talk in a more casual setting."

"So there WAS a someone! Please oh please tell me that it went well!!"

"I don't know why you're so concerned about that, since as I mentioned, we were here for business. She was my old partner and editor."

"..."

"Yes, Lya. What you're thinking is correct. Or at least, partially."

"YOU FIRED HER?!?!"

"Do try and keep your voice down, at least while we're in public."

"Sorry (but not really). Why would you fire Ella? She's kind, beautiful, very talented, and not to mention, absolutely perfect for you!"

"I didn't know you thought so highly of her, seeing as you were always giving her such a rude look."

"I was being calculative, and cautious. For your sake!"

"Uh huh. Well, feel free to relax now that that's been settled. I can already see the wrinkles forming on your-"

"YOU-ugh, I already feel like going back."

"Woe is me."

"Gee thanks. Y'know...I uh, I really liked you two. Together, I mean."

"So I keep hearing. In the last few minutes."

"Sorry."

"Ah, I think this might be the first time I hear those words from you. Likely to be the last."

"Yeah, yeah. Let me guess, you're thriving?"

"Yes, I am. It's exquisite."

"I hate you. I don't even know why I said that! I have no reason to apologize to you of all people!!"

"Mm. Even still, I will cherish this moment."

"I'll kill you before I leave."

...

"Father." I greeted politely.

My father is always a tired man, but he never showed it. He was a laid back person, meaning he was calm and composed for majority of the time. Even when anyone else would be furious, he kept his cool. But when that all drops, he doesn't hold back to express what it is he's feeling.

But more often than not, the emotion isn't one that's particularly pleasant.

As per usual, his hands were held behind his back. But his head was down, eyes trained on the floor as though it were an unsolvable mystery meant only for him to solve.

I silently sighed to myself as the sounds of clacking heels made way to my ears. Doubtless, they were tan in color, beige, perhaps? Not very tall, she can't walk in overly tall heels. Despite our differences, I say that without any intention of mockery.

"It's been a while, Mezame." Her voice always sounded like she was singing; loud and clear with confidence and purpose.

She hates liars.

"Indeed it has, Ma'am."

She stopped a foot away from me, arms crossed and narrowed eyes glaring right at me.

"Hmm."

She was judging me.

"Still that irritating little brat with an attitude, are you?"

"I suppose it's true, that one can only try to change their nature. Clearly, I haven't." I say, smiling respectfully at her.

"Clearly."

She and I were almost never able to see eye to eye on anything. My father was especially displeased with this. After all, he held us closest to his heart out of anyone and anything in the entire world. But unfortunately, I couldn't even call that woman "mother" anymore.

First drafted: 7/23/2021

Uploaded time: 10/17/2021 | 01:50 | Sunday