Hello all! Quick housekeeping. I wanted to let everyone know that with the holiday this week, today will be the only post. I’m going to take a break to enjoy a little rest and relaxation, but also see what I can create at the same time. I’m quickly using up my reserve of old work, and need to try my hand at actively writing again! That means reorganizing myself in many ways. So I’ll talk to you all next week, and I hope you enjoy!
The air wisped with the final moments of fall. Autumn nights prepared for winter and each person the same as they bundled themselves tighter to each other and their collars pulled to shield their rosy cheeks.
She was lost surely, and of course as the first flakes of snow threatened in the clouds above. The city was a labyrinth to her untrained mind. Her feet tired from poorly chosen shoes.
She thought to follow others, locals would be her guide. This way and that she went, how far she was from home she did not know.
The final turn revealed a pub that glowed with warmth and laughter, a mirage erupting from this quiet city. No second thought crossed her mind and her body moved without need of command.
Louder the voices grew as she stepped inside, what was once muffled from walls and weather turned to song and music. The energy of the city seemed to escape and find itself in this small and darkened room, musty from wet feet and fireplaces burning.
Pints clinked as patrons sang along to the small band playing. She assumed it to be words forged from the land and its generations.
The heat clung to her desperate body quickly, filling her again with life and energy. The room was full of couples and families, groups of singles and a stage where a three-man band played. A lonely stool at the bar beckoned her, and she shook off her coat and slid into the seat. A deep breath escaped her, relieving the tension she held in her shoulders. A tall man stood facing away from her, opening beers and passing them across the bar. Dark hark fell over his eyes but a bright smile welcomed each new customer.
She couldn’t help but watch him as he worked, muscular arms moving boxes or flipping a towel over his shoulder. He had yet to notice her in the lively bar. Another woman brought her a glass of wine which she welcomed, and nursed the semi-sweet drink as she listened to the people continue to perform.
A group of young men beside her grew rowdy, singing too loudly and swaying with each beat of the drum. The woman began to stand to seek refuge in a quieter part of the bar, but was not quick enough as a man beside her toppled over his beer with his elbow. She stood quickly to grab the towel another bartender had left in front of her, as the man from before had the same thought.
Hands touched, eyes met, and a flush came to her cheeks as he apologized for the man’s behavior. As he quickly swept the cold beer away, he eased the group of men away by each name, and they all drunkenly apologized to the new woman at the bar.
She laughed nervously, waving off the incident again to the man as he apologized again, his eyes never leaving her once.
“Can I get you a refill?” he asked.
She nodded in thanks as another song began to play.
A moment passed as he turned to pour her drink, she took this opportunity to admire him again. The drink was poured, and he held it out for her.
Hands touched again; eyes found each other quickly.
“I love this song.” She spoke.
“Me too.” He smiled.
From there on music and drink was forgotten, but the warmth remained. She sat at that bar for many hours waiting out the storm, no longer feeling lost.
A Series of Observations 