“Walk a Bit, Catch Another ride”

After relishing a delightful dinner, my thoughts gracefully swayed towards the idea of returning to my family home, a comforting notion that had been gently tugging at the corners of my mind for some time. The prospect of reuniting with my loved ones, sharing stories, and bathing in the warmth of their presence was incredibly appealing, akin to a cozy blanket on a chilly evening. Despite the frequent constraints on our time together, the longing for the familiar comfort of my family's embrace endured.

I glanced at the time, the digital numbers reading 9:45 pm. It was a moment primed for action. So, I picked up my phone, ready to dial my parents and inform them of my imminent arrival. But, as my finger hovered over the screen, hesitation settled in like a quiet fog. The night was still young, and I had earned a reputation for my occasional spontaneous impulses, much like a whimsical artist struck by a sudden burst of creativity. Besides, the clock had its own tricks – it was a Friday night, and the alluring scent of freedom wafted through the air.

The idea of deviating from the predictable path beckoned to me. A surprise visit, the thought of catching my family off guard, seemed like the perfect adventure for a night charged with possibilities. Not to mention the pleasant absence of incessant phone calls from my dear mother, each one bearing the same question: "Where are you now?" If she had any inkling of my tardy arrival, that symphony of maternal concern would undoubtedly play out.

My decision cast in stone, I made myself ready for the night ahead. A soothing bath reinvigorated me, making me feel like a traveler embarking on a spontaneous journey. I delved into my wardrobe, and with the luxury of choice, I picked an outfit – a pair of white sneakers, brown shorts neatly paired with a matching hoodie, and a black face cap, a touch of stylish casualness. My backpack held only the essentials: a charger, a power bank, and a vial of my favorite perfume oil, a concoction of alluring scents bottled in secrecy.

I stepped out of the apartment, locking the door behind me. The wheels of my car were more than ready to roll onto the asphalt, ready to carry me on my voyage. However, I was quick to realize that the night was a mistress of unpredictability. I opted not to take my car, considering the possibility of heavy traffic. Instead, I was open to using public transport and walking, a strategy that had often proved effective in bypassing traffic bottlenecks. The "walk a bit, catch another ride" approach had saved me from countless traffic jams.

I found myself stuck in a sea of red brake lights, my car inching along in the snarl of traffic. Frustration loomed on the horizon, a dark cloud threatening to creep in and shroud my mood. However, in that moment, I clung to the reassuring lifeline of my tried-and-true strategy, keeping it firmly in my mind as I remained hopeful of escaping the clutches of traffic soon. They resembled a river, usually flowing freely, but now, it had been choked to a crawl under the weight of countless drops of water. Despair made a fleeting attempt to breach my calm, but then, like a strategist recalling a well-practiced tactic, I applied my old faithful plan. The "walk a bit, catch another ride" strategy was my secret weapon against traffic's clutches.

Abandoning my ride with a determined sigh, I stepped into the lively fabric of the night. I knew it would take everything to get me back into a taxi, especially now the city's streets, typically hospitable and welcoming, had now succumbed to the tyranny of heavy traffic.

Regardless, the city had shed its daylight attire and was now adorned in the neon lights of bars and restaurants. Laughter and conversations filled the atmosphere, creating a vivid tapestry of activity. The night was alive, like a grand orchestra performing its opus for the city's eager audience.

My unplanned excursion soon led me into a new bar, a promising beacon of entertainment in the night's embrace. This place, with its modern facade and tantalizing allure, had managed to capture my wandering attention. I entered, noting that it was not overly crowded, and the air resonated with Afro Fusion beats that swayed the heart. I settled into my preferred spot, perched on one of the high bar chairs. The elevated seating gave me a commanding view of the surroundings and, more importantly, allowed me to playfully swing my legs, a habit I had come to adore.

I removed my face cap, placing it on the tab as a glass of my beloved martini made its way to me, delivered by the barman who, though a bit amateurish in his flourish, executed his task with perfection. I took a skilled swing at my cocktail, one gulp, and it's gone, a familiarity and warmth that had become a ritual. Ahhh Smoothe.

As I ordered a refill, the barman's astonishment was palpable, his eyes widening at my audacity. I couldn't help but tease him a little. "Heyy," I said with a friendly smile. "It's okay, I won't do it a second time. And you have to choose a different expression if you expect me as a regular customer, you know."

As amused as he was, he refilled my glass, I continued to sip my drink, simultaneously scrolling through a stream of memes on the Vibly app, a digital diversion that often led to moments of amusement.

It was then that I noticed her entering the bar in a stunning, floor-length red dress that seemed to command everyone's attention. The dress was a vivid scarlet shade, and it flowed gracefully as she walked, catching the warm, ambient lighting and making her stand out in the dimly lit bar.

The dress accentuated her light chocolate skinned figure, hugging her curves in all the right places, and its open back revealed a tasteful amount of skin. The silky fabric shimmered under the lights, and the gown's design was both elegant and alluring.

She exuded confidence as she moved through the crowd, her red dress making her the center of attraction. The dress, paired with her radiant smile, seemed to tell a story of self-assuredness and charm. It was a perfect choice for a night out, and it left an impression on everyone in the bar, including me who couldn't help but be captivated by her presence. Her choice of attire not only showcased her beauty but also her keen sense of style. She looked like a vision in red, and it was impossible not to notice her in that stunning dress. A sudden spark of curiosity ignited.

Like clockwork, she glanced in my direction and altered her course toward the bar. It felt like a duel of unspoken challenges as our eyes locked in a wordless staring contest. Initially, I considered the possibility that she might be someone I knew, but those doubts were swiftly dispelled, she didn't seem familiar at all. What sort of games are you trying to play here? Her deep, inquisitive eyes remained locked onto mine even as she pulled out a seat few meters from me.

In a hurry, I discreetly scanned the surroundings to see if anyone might be accompanying her, or if she was being followed and in need of a plausible alibi. Aside from the admiring gazes from customers who already mistook her for my date, everything seemed clear. I returned my gaze to meet hers, and moments passed in this silent exchange. I had always excelled at these staring contests from a young age, and this silent dialogue continued to unfold, with each second marked by a daring exchange of gazes. Then, a gleam of mischief sparked in her eyes, as she made her move, taking a few steps closer with her seat, breaking the ice with a mischievous smile.

"Ain't you charming?" she quipped, tilting her head to the side and taking measured steps in my direction.