The Court Of Curiosity

I walked down the street. The same street that I walk down everyday. Lavender and oak moss are in the air. Familiar. I see the same people. Doing the same things everyday. Trying to make it in a world that seems like it’s on a mission to make us suffer. I sat down at the bus stop. I saw him sitting on the bench. He was wearing his usual grey cardigan today. A small smile played on his lips when our eyes met. 

This wasn’t new. I’ve seen him everyday for the last 6 months. It’s always the same. 

“Hey, how are you?” I hear

“I’m alive, I guess” I respond

“At least the weather is nice”

“Yeah, all the rain’s been making my socks wet. I hate wet socks”

“Any plans for the weekend?”

“Not much, I got a new book that I want to start. You?”

…

“What about you, do you have any plans this weekend?”

…

“Hello?!”

…

I hear the bus coming down the road but can’t see one. I’m scared.

No! Not again!

The bus doesn’t come. No one is there. 

My dad died 6 months ago from a heart attack. 

That was our last conversation. 

My phone buzzes in my hand. The cracked screen shows a harsh reflection. Tomorrow is his birthday. Maybe that’s why I can smell his aftershave when I wake up.

I walked down the street. The same street that I walk down everyday…