The Hat Man Left

Before Vincent could respond, the man continued with a serious expression, his black straight hat still perched on his head.

—"Life isn't about complaining; it's about forgiving and forgetting."

—"What do you mean by this? And who...who are you?"

Vincent asked curiously, his tone tinged with suspicion. The man gazed at him knowingly, as if he held all the answers about Vincent. He remarked,

—"If I were to reveal my identity, you wouldn't believe me. Sometimes, understanding a person doesn't require knowing their name."

Vincent's expression conveyed his confusion. To clarify his message, the man spoke again.

—"Perhaps your life seems bleak now, but give it time. Happiness will find you, filling the emptiness in your heart, and destiny will grant you the love you've longed for. Your yearnings will dissolve in gratitude for your fate."

—"How...how do you know all this?"

Vincent muttered, wary of doubts about the man's intentions—was he a dangerous individual with ill motives?

Before Vincent could voice his concerns, the man rose from the bench, prompting Vincent to stand as well. Towering over him, the man exuded an air of authority, resembling a figure straight out of a crime drama.

—"It's time for me to bid you farewell. I've said what needed to be said. Look around and discover your destiny. Goodbye, Vincent!"

Vincent stared in shock, blurting out hastily,

—"But please, tell me who you are? You saved me..."

Vincent paused, realizing his mistake, then corrected himself.

—"I saved myself, and you inspired me. Can't you share something about yourself too? Who are you?"

—"Desperate souls don't easily attain their desires. Exercise patience."

The man interjected, cutting off Vincent's attempt to speak further.

—"But..."

Vincent was halted by the man's mysterious smile—or was it more of a smirk? He didn't seem sinister, just deeply enigmatic.

Turning away with that enigmatic smile, the man started walking, his trench coat billowing gently in the serene midnight breeze.

Meanwhile, Vincent watched his retreating figure, pondering the mysteries surrounding this intriguing man who revealed nothing about himself.

In the tranquil midnight, amidst sporadic streetlights and in the company of a mysterious figure, Vincent found himself adrift. The man didn't glance back or pause, walking away with unwavering purpose and speed.

To Vincent, the man remained an enigma. Whether they would cross paths again was uncertain, but the encounter had stirred something deep within Vincent's soul.

After meeting the man, he felt a resurgence of purpose, reclaiming the life he once lived. Through newfound eyes, he saw the chance to let go of the past and embrace a new destiny.

Vincent stood in a state of mild confusion as he watched the enigmatic figure of the man disappear into the distance.

Despite the man's departure, Vincent couldn't shake the feeling that he was a perplexing puzzle—an unsolvable enigma that lingered in his mind long after he was gone.

Reflecting on the recent events that had unfolded, Vincent came to realize that the man had swooped in like a hero just as he was teetering on the brink of suicide.

The man had appeared suddenly, like a shooting star in the night sky, and then vanished as swiftly as he had arrived.

Amidst the tumultuous whirlwind of thoughts swirling in Vincent's mind, he cast his gaze around, but there was no one else in sight to witness the man's timely intervention.

Unbeknownst to him, Vincent had unwittingly made one of the most pivotal decisions of his life by choosing against suicide.

The second significant choice he had made was to listen attentively to the man's words and, unintentionally, to place his trust in him.

Perhaps, at some future date—perhaps on the fateful day of September first—the true significance of these moments would reveal itself to Vincent.

With a newfound sense of hope and despite his current state of unemployment, Vincent resolved to make his way back home.

The image of the man's face and his aura of mystery were etched firmly in Vincent's mind as he began to walk towards the right side of the bridge.

Somehow, the challenges that had previously seemed insurmountable to Vincent now appeared less daunting.

Amsterdam, often hailed as a dream city by many, now seemed bereft of its usual allure as Vincent found himself lost in introspection.

It wasn't that Vincent felt any shame in sharing his struggles with the unknown man; rather, he felt an overwhelming sense of relief.

However, he couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to be said to the man who had saved him without seeking any acknowledgment and had offered him a new perspective on life.

Crossing the bridge and making his way through the deserted streets, Vincent found himself on "HJ Cafe Street."

Renowned as the busiest and most bustling area in the city, even in the dead of night, the street was alive with people savoring coffee and conversation.

Vincent found himself pondering how people could leisurely sit in cafes late into the night. Did they not have jobs, or were they, like him, grappling with unemployment?

As he strolled through the area, the murmur of voices and the sound of laughter filled the air in contrast to the solitude he felt.

Amidst the vibrant atmosphere, Vincent's sense of loneliness resurfaced as he lamented the absence of someone to talk to.

Suddenly, his gaze fell upon a tranquil cafe nestled away from the bustling crowds. Its vibrant exterior, adorned with a palette of blue, purple, yellow, green, and ivory hues, caught Vincent's attention.

This particular cafe stood out from the rest, eschewing the typical black facade for a unique blend of colours. Vincent took note of the cafe's intriguing name, "Cafe Wabi-Sabi: Start From The End"!

Surprised, given that he frequented this street often but had never noticed this establishment before, Vincent found the name unfamiliar for a cafe in the Netherlands.

Intrigued, Vincent's eyebrows raised as he observed the two-story building with its colorful facade. The exterior was a captivating display of colors reminiscent of a 90s palette.

The architectural details hinted at the cafe's historical roots, with ornate balconies adorned with potted plants and twinkling lights. Gas lamps cast a warm glow on the cobblestone sidewalk, adding to the enchanting ambiance.

Through the large windows, Vincent caught a glimpse of the cafe's interior—a nostalgic haven frozen in time.

Vintage decor adorned the walls, featuring posters of iconic musicians and films from the 90s.

The interior boasted a whimsical mix of retro-style furniture painted in pastel hues, lending a playful touch to the space.

Standing there, Vincent felt a gentle breeze carrying the inviting aromas of freshly brewed coffee and sweet pastries, heightening the allure of this hidden gem.

The soft golden lighting created a calm, romantic atmosphere inside the cafe, accentuated by the thoughtful decor choices that Vincent admired.

Curiously, outside the cafe stood a crimson red telephone booth, adding a touch of romance to the cafe's exterior. Vincent's feet paused in front of the door, captivated by the scene before him.

Inside, he noticed an unusual setup—wooden partitions between tables, ensuring that patrons seated opposite each other couldn't see one another's faces.

Vincent found this arrangement peculiar, as he had never encountered anything like it before. Uncertain of what to expect inside, he observed two individuals seated at a table, separated by the wooden partition.

Once more, Vincent pondered the cafe's intriguing name, "Cafe Wabi-Sabi: Start From The End"! Intrigued by the name's significance, Vincent felt compelled to step inside and uncover the cafe's unique concept.