Chasing Rainbows

Raindrops trickle down the glass pane, rolling effortlessly. A dark blanket of clouds shroud the city. 

It makes everything look gloomy, not that everything isn't gloomy in the first place. Even with the sun at it's peak in the sky and everything is bright, it still is dull.

I watch steam rise from my Russian tea. Mindlessly stirring, I wonder what the tea looks like. What does color look like?

Chimes fill the shop and I look up. A man pushes through the glass door and holds it open for a lady who then kisses him.

Oh right, I forgot. Mom and dad used to tell me about colors. About how green are leaves rustling in the breeze or how orange is the warmth of cuddling a blanket by the fireplace.

I was so frustrated yet eager to see back then. They told me if ever I find the right person, the world will unravel its true hidden beauty.

Until then, I'm stuck with this bleak incomplete picture that is my life.

The clock nears 8:30. I finish my cup and leave a modest tip. Before I went out however, I noticed a woman.

She wore an elegant yet casual dress and her hair was kept neatly in a bun. I didn't have much time to look at her, but her sight momentarily distracted me from my earlier contemplation.

Now I'm in the crowded streets, stressed about my impending dilemma if I run late. At least the weather brightened and rays of sunshine poke through the clouds. That's sort of a good thing.

I dash by a flower shop and see a bouquet of 'Blue Hydrangeas'. One batch stood out from the rest in a cool soothing color.

"Wait."

I hurry back in a blink of an eye, but the colored flowers were gone.

"What the- weird..." is all I could manage to say.

Did I just see blue? Is this real? Was it because of that lady? My mind bursts with thoughts and questions, ignoring the urgency of being late.

I gaped like a madman the entire time from the streets to the office. No amount of perfectly lined cubicles, bookshelves and desks can distract me right now. I was furiously reprimanded by my boss but even that didn't faze me. My coworkers have been patting me on the back and asking me if I'm fine.

Stack upon stack of paperwork currently lie on my desk. I can't even concentrate on my job. My gaze is fixed on the hanging lights in the office while I lean back. Among the disheveled thoughts I have running in my mind, only one screams loudly.

I have to see her again!

Another day welcomes me as I leave the apartment complex. The only thing on my mind is getting to the coffee shop to see this lady. As I notice the early morning chill, a grandiose view enthralls me unlike anything before.

I never thought the sky was this beautiful. It looks warm and cozy where the the rising sun touches it. Must be orange. It blends perfectly with the farther side which looks a bit like blue but not quite. The wispy clouds give it a picturesque painting effect similar to brush strokes.

Do people who first see color also gaze up in admiration to the sky?

Objects begin to gain color the closer I am to the coffee shop. The leaves on the tree become green. Some cars and mailboxes are orange and blue. There are also some colors with names I forgot. The asphalt and the sidewalk remain the same.

I stop in my tracks before the flower shop from yesterday. This time all the hydrangeas are colored, not only the blue ones. Inside is even more verdant and vivid, all flowers were exquisitely styled and arranged in a variety of vases, bouquets, bundles, and baskets.

There is a polite greeting when I enter. I didn't mind until,

"First time seeing colors, eh?"

I look up at a plump old man, confused. He must have read my expression.

" I used to see 'em as well.  Until my girl got swept away by another man. Since then, everything faded back to normal" there was longing in his eyes. "Good thing I memorized these flowers' colors," he chuckles.

A pit forms inside me. What if I miss her? I hastily take a bouquet of mostly blue hydrangeas in pressure and desperation.

"How much for these?" I ask.

"I don't wanna spoil your day. It's yours gratis."

Almost bursting from excitement, I thank the old man. Then I run towards the coffee shop.

I specifically chose these flowers because they were the first colored objects I saw. I want to show her my heartfelt gratitude. If I can, I will show her the world the same way she showed me. I am not missing this chance.

When I get to the coffee shop, everything is so comforting. The smell of coffee and vanilla waft through the air and a calm relaxing melody played from a radio.

As I approach the counter, my eyes spot her right away. Her hair is bright and her skin is fair. I notice how her cheeks are light and a different hue from her face. She sits alone at a far corner, but she wouldn't be for long.

"Morning. The usual," I aimlessly put all my money on the counter.

Hey, why not get the woman some too? That would be nice!

"Make it..." I look back at her, disappointed, "...just one."

As it turns out, the woman already has a man. By the looks of it, they have met long ago.

"Here's your Russian tea, sir," I take the cup and go for a seat by the window.

The brawny man playfully pecks her slender neck while she giggles and tries to push him away. They compliment each other; the man is strong and blocky while the woman is graceful and sylphlike.

I mindlessly stir my tea and look outside. The sky begins to grey and the clouds darken. It's happening. The world. My life. Everything is fading back to normal.

Sluggishly, I bury my face between my palms. I guess there's nothing more anyone could do. The woman I thought was the one already had someone. Seeing colors was great while it lasted.

"Excuse me sir. Um, Mark? You forgot your change," coins rattle on the table, "Are you alright?"

I look up to see a name tag with 'Jane' printed. A dark skinned woman leans down to me. God, her eyes are gorgeous. Then it hit me. Frantically, I look around.

"No, I'm sorry. Don't be surprised. You come here everyday and order the same thing. I memorize your name when I write it on a cup," she sits in front of me.

I grab my flowers and they were still colored! My eyes grow wide in enchantment.

"Do.. do you see it too?" I ask.

There was a glint of understanding in her eyes, then she looks down.

"Ever since you first came here."