Dimensia
Page 23
*
Sitting Indian style on the floor of my apartment the sun peaked over the trees in the distance, confirming that this night I would go sleepless. I turned to look at the clock that read, Five a.m. Exhausted, I decided to take a quick shower then put on some clean clothes. I stepped outside and inhaled a deep breath of fresh air as I felt the sun warm my skin. I heard birds chirping away in perfect harmony, and at that moment a smile came over me as I felt the birth of a new day. This helped relieve my stress and built-up anxiety and left me feeling good for a change. With a new pep in my step, I began walking toward the coffee house. Becoming aware of people up and doing things, which I found odd, as it was so early. I pulled out my phone and checked the time, Five-forty A.M. What? I smiled and realized that I was never up this early. It was a nice, wholesome-feeling change of pace. En route, I enjoyed the little things like frost on car windows and how the light at this hour looked marvelously different reflecting off a mailbox I passed everyday. Most people I passed seemed friendly. I saw others, presumably Dark Siders, who would growl as I passed but didn't really seem to want to bother me. Some seemed straight off a page in a history book, others looked like normal people. This observation was strictly based off of their attire and outward appearance. For every four human beings, I would see one or two Dark Siders. I received glares and other weird looks from everyday citizens who I passed. But overall it was nice having a moment of tranquility without more startling confrontations.
Minutes later I arrived at the coffee shop in the midst of a lot of older people. 'Okay, this is when the older crowd hangs out, before the younger crowd gets up,' I thought to myself and smiled. Upon entering I felt everyone turn and stare, speculating that what they were thinking was, 'That kid definitely didn't go to bed last night.' At least that was the look? I grinned to myself and realized that I must look as out of place as I felt. I then proceeded toward the counter and ordered my usual from the cute girl at the register. After paying, I asked for my change in pennies, and waited in the designated area. Shortly after, I received my coffee, added two Splendas and poured an inch of whole milk into my coffee. Tasting my creation I felt instant gratification. I looked around the coffee house and saw the only available seat was located outside, and turned to exit. I grabbed an empty seat at the table that was within earshot of a couple of older men. They were contently carrying on a conversation amongst themselves. Wearing a smile and feeling alert and alive, I sat in the chair and observed life while feeling extremely satisfied. All of a sudden, one of the older men tapped me on the shoulder.
"Young man, you should go to bed. You look like you just saw a ghost." Turning towards him I grinned and replied,
"Well if I went home I couldn't enjoy your company. I would sleep if I could, but then the day would be shot leaving me in this same position tomorrow." His eyes expanded as he turned to look at his buddy. I saw his buddy shrug his shoulders as the man in front of me turned back around while extending his right arm.
"My name is Raymond, and this here is my worthless friend, the snidest old man you'll ever meet, Eugene." I accepted their handshakes. Eugene, deep in thought, asked,
"I'm curious kid. What happened to you last night? You look worse than us. And were supposed to be the walking dead."
"Well, rolling in the hay isn't just for horses," I replied as I raised my brows, grinning. Eugene rolled his eyes and turned to look at Raymond who was laughing.
"I'm no farmer, but I can smell manure a mile away. All I know is I don't want to be standing beside you when lightning strikes." And with that, Eugene comically dismissed me with a motion of his arm.
I laughed at their expressions and engaged in small talk while looking around. I had never really fully appreciated what and who was around this place. I contemplated how your perspective changes when you learn or experience something new or different, and how everything one thinks they know is relative.
At this point in time, under these circumstances, I was as happy as one could be in a moment. I continued conversations with Eugene and Raymond for a good hour. I enjoyed their stories and positive outlook on life, and not-to-forget, great humor. I said my good-bye to them and decided to head home with hopes that Comfort would be awake. I wanted to share with her my latest revelation. On the way home I concluded that it would be best for me to not tell her everything, mentally citing how freaked out she got over Old Yeller.
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