Simply and Utterly Yours

After

Epilogue: After.

I guess this is the end. All good things must come to that I suppose. The end. But maybe it isn't. Maybe we somehow live on forever. Not in body, but in mind. Our love, out there somewhere. Endings are good. Because they are just disguised beginnings. I embrace endings almost as much as I embrace diners, coffee shops, and movie theaters....

The New York City wind is chilly in the morning. There lies a light frost on the sidewalk and I am walking. I'm late... again. I weave through the crowd of an average day. I probably should be on my way home though. My book deadline is today.

But my editor knows how late I can be on a daily basis. She says I'm probably the most laid back guy she knows.

Well I can't say we haven't known each other long. 

I am no longer rushing myself these days. I hold my head high. I walk through these streets my own person. But today the wind is chilly and I'm freezing my butt off.

I take a turn onto one of the most familiar streets to me.

There are people milling about. Children with their mothers. Business people chatting on the phone.... Couples holding hands. My heart begins to ache. It's a slow dull ache. I shake my head. It must be the coldness. I usually can keep it at bay. At least for a little while.

I pass the buildings and shops.

The bookstore that I visit on Tuesdays. It's very cozy in there. I probably should go in there and buy a book or two. I ponder that thought for a minute and wonder if that maybe the best of ideas when I should be home. In my apartment, with my cat Riley, finishing up those last few pages.

My mind drifts. I often have a lot of time to think. My editor says I brood a lot. Maybe she's right about that.

Then my feet stop of their own accord. I turn and see a place.

It's a coffee shop. It's very simple and quaint looking. I really shouldn't go in there. I mean I have to get home and finish my work. I have to feed Riley. I have to pick up that new novel by John Green. I have to go to the music store and buy some indie tracks I've been meaning to listen too. I have to call my mother.

I walk into the coffee shop.

The smell hits me first. It drifts across my nose. I smell freshly brewed coffee and cookies.

My mind stops.

I hear the music tracks play. It's like the music I listen to. I think I'm just going to stop in and grab a coffee. I mean those things can wait. Maybe I'll sit down and listen to the music.

The line moves up. There is a feeling of utter contentment that washes over me. I feel calm. I look the board to see the specials. I contemplate my choices before deciding on a simple cup of coffee.

I turn back in line to realize someone had cut in front of me.

Now really? That is just plain rude. I narrow my eyes at the guy. It doesn't really help that he's taller than me. Sometimes I hate being short. I mean really though who cuts for coffee?

Something about this guy just irked me.

I tap him on the shoulder.

“Excuse me,” I huff. “I believe you cut-”

He turned around, then. The world stopped.

A heartbeat of silence.

“Hey.”

“Hey.”

Well...that's it... It's done.

I'd first off like to thank my wonderful editor, Holly. She's amazing and my twin penguin. I'd like to thank all the people who've reviewed. You guys helped make me a better writer and for that I am grateful. I'd like to thank all of the readers of this simple tale, all the people who commented and voted... and gave me cookies. It's been a pleasent journey and I sincerely hoped you enjoyed it as much as I did.

Le Fin~