It’s been really hard to keep it together for the past several days. You just broke up with your partner of several years, though it wasn’t a nasty break up, something, felt like it was missing.
You had to push your thoughts aside and continue on with your life, you still have to make ends meet, no matter how much you’re hurt.
By being around your coworkers you seem to be able to distract yourself a bit. The small talks with them, having your supervisor explain the new project, you were able to prioritize other tasks before your feelings.
Soon the workday ends, and on your way back to your apartment, the emptiness crawls back to your mind and body and almost takes possession of you.
Needing to shake this feeling off, you got off the next stop on the bus. The stop was by a local park, not too far down there were neighborhood of houses that each had their own quirks.
You walked into the park to wander around, looking at the greens and hear the birds chirp, no thoughts, what so ever.
But emptiness is so hard to get rid of, because what are you suppose to forget if there were nothing there to begin with?
You sat down on a bench, looking toward the sky. Tears starts welling up in your eyes, the feelings has to escape somewhere.
There was a boy in a snapback and some athletic clothing nearby, seemingly out on a run for his workout. You quickly wiped away the tears from your face and took several deep breathes, so you don’t make strangers worry for you in public.
Unfortunately this boy was no stranger.
The boy jogged closer to you and you recognized who this non-stranger was, “Vernon?” you called out, you weren’t sure if it was him since it’s been a bit since you saw him.
When you said his name, the boy gives a smile, “I thought I was seeing someone I knew! I think it’s been 8 years since we seen each other!”
“Right, ever since I moved I don’t think I saw you again,” you thought back at the memories you’ve had with Vernon. He was a childhood friend, whom also was your neighbor. After your family move to the other side of town, the two of you have lost connections.
While you were deep down in your memory lane, Vernon noticed your puffy eyes and slightly red nose and cheeks, “hey are you alright? You seem like you’ve been crying”
You flustered by his questioning and you hesitated for a bit, which to him seems like you didn’t want to answer, “it’s alright if you don’t want to tell me, but just want to know I’ll be here to listen if you ever need anyone”
You smiled and nodded, “thank you Vernon, something happened recently and I’ve just not been in the right place of mind… I will explain to you once I’m ready…” the words came out fragilely as if it can break from a slight touch.
Vernon took off one of his earbuds, and hands it to you, “I’m not good with my words for comfort… But I can share my earbuds with you?”