Tears In Heaven

— "Are you familiar with philosophy? It delves into the deeper aspects of reality, knowledge, and existence. It's a way to grasp life's complexities without complete understanding. If you're new to philosophy, I suggest exploring it. I bet you'll feel more liberated and alive."

Lady Bellaruby tossed out these words with a casual shrug. Vincent, wearing a puzzled expression, pretended to understand, though he truly didn't. Before heading to his table, he inquired with a faint smile.

— "But what if studying philosophy doesn't lead to any changes in my life?"

— "Remove the word 'if' from your vocabulary, and the rest will unfold according to your thoughts, Vincent."

Vincent let out a small chuckle, realizing that despite Lady Bellaruby's stern demeanor, she was much sweeter than she appeared.

Suddenly, he felt he might have been mistaken in thinking he was entirely alone.

Maybe no one would always stand by his side, but many people entered his life at just the right moment. Like the man in the black hat a few hours ago and now this lady he had just met.

Sometimes, those you spend the most time with hurt you, while those you encounter briefly touch your heart in ways even your family cannot.

Vincent, placing a hand over his heart, expressed gratitude to Lady Bellaruby with a soft and thankful tone.

— "I truly appreciate your kindness towards me. Your words have touched my heart. Thank you, Lady Bellaruby."

Lady Bellaruby reciprocated the gesture, touching her heart in response, but said nothing more, simply gesturing for him to take his seat and asking about his order.

— "By the way, would you like to order something, Vincent?"

— "May I ask if it's mandatory?"

— "It's entirely up to you, Vincent!"

— "In that case, may I have a cup of iced coffee, please?"

— "It'll be ready in ten minutes! Also, if you'd like to read while you wait for someone to arrive, we have a library here."

Vincent politely declined.

— "No, thank you. I'm not a big fan of books."

— "Oh, that's perfectly fine."

After exchanging peaceful smiles, Vincent made his way to his designated table.

Meanwhile, Lady Bellaruby relayed the order over the phone before resuming her seat with a composed and serious expression, her eyes fixed on the door in anticipation of any arrivals, considering three out of the four tables were already reserved.

In the same setting, Vincent settled into his chair, observing his surroundings. He deliberately chose the seat facing away from the door, ensuring he wouldn't see anyone entering the café.

The partition added a touch of peculiarity, but the large window to his right provided a gentle breeze and a clear mind. Vincent smiled as he glanced out the café window at the other three tables.

He couldn't figure out why there were only four tables available, but the space was creatively designed with a keen eye for beauty and comfort.

Six people occupied three separate tables with partitions, engaging in conversation and attentive listening. The scene brought a sense of peace to Vincent, who suddenly felt invigorated.

The vintage furniture and average-looking ceiling with three fans contributed to the café's cozy atmosphere.

The café wasn't overly spacious, nor was it cramped, but it was perfectly suited for its purpose.

Positioned in the center of the four tables was a large artificial cherry blossom tree, so convincingly natural that one could easily be deceived.

As he gazed out the window, Vincent pondered two things: why he had never noticed this café before and why he was smiling again after trying to attempt suicide.

Lady Bellaruby was right—sometimes, the unconventional brings more joy than the ordinary. Embracing a new experience, like deviating from life's stereotypes, was refreshing to Vincent. Isn't that novel?

The slow, tranquil breeze outside had a calming effect on his mind. At thirty-three years old, Vincent had never realized how soothing Amsterdam's midnight wind could be.

He looked out at the street he had traversed countless times on his way home, yet had never truly appreciated its beauty.

As the saying goes, people often fail to notice the moon right beside them while chasing after distant stars that appear grand but lack substance. Vincent could now attest to this truth.

He was completely oblivious to the world around him, yet a lingering emptiness gnawed at his heart; the fear of joblessness and loneliness weighed heavily on him.

What had brought him to this point? Just hours ago, he had contemplated suicide until a mysterious man intervened, filling him with an unexpected surge of confidence.

Lady Bellaruby then kindled a spark of hope within him, motivating him once more. But why did he still experience these fluctuations between motivation and despair?

He couldn't fathom it amidst the chaos of his thoughts, as a sweet and profound aroma of cold coffee enveloped the air, lending a soothing quality to his surroundings.

Turning his gaze from the outside world to the spot where Lady Bellaruby had served the cold coffee alongside chocolate cookies, Vincent offered a faint smile of gratitude, mirrored by Lady Bellaruby before she departed.

Just before she could leave, Vincent ventured a question tinged with both hesitation and anticipation.

— "Has anyone else come into the cafe?"

Lady Bellaruby responded with a playful smile.

— "Not yet."

— "Oh! Thank you for the cold coffee, Lady Bellaruby."

With Lady Bellaruby's departure, Vincent's attention shifted to the cold coffee, poured generously into a wide, coffee-colored mug.

His eyes then fell upon the digital clock mounted on the wall behind the counter, displaying the time—2:20 AM.

The cafe would close at 6 AM, leaving him to wonder if he would encounter anyone else before then. Embracing the uncertainty of fate, Vincent resolved to savor the cold coffee until someone arrived.

Its bittersweet taste seemed to echo the despondency in his heart, yet its chill and deep sweetness brought a sense of comfort.

Every sip was a perfect blend of sugar, coldness, and aromatic richness, delighting his senses.

Vincent acknowledged the flawless execution of the coffee, crafted with meticulous care by the chef. The vintage ambiance of the surroundings further heightened his enjoyment.

Seated by the window with his cup of cold coffee—an effortless delight—the soft, melodious strains of a song, likely chosen by the cafe owner, filled the air.

The music perfectly complemented the beautiful atmosphere, lifting Vincent's spirits once more.

He marveled at the cafe owner's or Lady Bellaruby's impeccable taste in creating such a captivating vintage vibe.

Though unfamiliar with the song's title, Vincent was captivated by its lyrics...

"Would you know my name?

If I saw you in heaven

Would it be the same?

If I saw you in heaven

I must be strong

And carry on

'Cause I know I don't belong

Here in heaven

Would you hold my hand?

If I saw you in heaven

Would you help me stand?

If I saw you in heaven

I'll find my way

Through night and day

'Cause I know I just can't stay

Here in heaven"

From somewhere, Vincent heard that while closing eyes, the music felt by people even more deeper; although he wanted to feel that moment.

Vincent closed his eyes and heard the music's every bit and pitch which get sometimes normal, sometimes up and down.

Time can bring you down

Time can bend your knees

Time can break your heart

Have you begging please

Begging please

Beyond the door

There's peace, I'm sure

And I know there'll be no more

Tears in heaven

Would you know my name?

If I saw you in heaven

Would you be the same?

If I saw you in heaven

I must be strong

And carry on

'Cause I know I don't belong

Here in heaven