|
SHE
was walking back and forth inside the house. Her anxiety was taking away all her confidence. But she had to settle everything with him.
HE
was thoughtful from the moment that he entered that room.
SHE
remembers
very
well
when
they
met
at
Bryant
Park,
and
the
two
were
sitting
facing
each
other
at
the
plaza
table,
and
while
he
was
killing
a
ShackBurger,
she
was
eating
up
her
Whole
Foods
salad.
HE
was breathing deeply, perhaps trying to oxygenate his mind in order to do things right. He knew that something wrong would hurt, hurt, and hurt.
SHE
started to cry. After some time together, they shared the same
objects,
such
as
a
kitchen
table,
tableware,
a
bathtub,
liquid
soap,
shampoo,
a
bed,
and
the
entire
house.
HE
looked at the mirror and took a journey through his past, where he could never have imagined facing this juncture.
SHE
thought about writing a note on the pad but gave up because it would be too impersonal for her.
HE
always had his life in the right mode, despite the temptations. He did that with effort and was aware of the consequences. Now he's ready to go ahead.
SHE
decided to wait for him, wondering when he would finally leave the room. She considered calling out to him, but she no longer felt the urge to utter his name.
HE
was seated on a stool when an inner voice cried out, 'Time is up!' He stood up, feeling as though he was on a roller coaster with no option to turn back."
SHE
tried hard to stop thinking about the wonderful time she spent with him, but seeing a photo on the cupboard brought it all back. The photo showed the couple at Corcovado in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where they had their best vacation.
HE
checked his gloves and shoes as a knock came from the door. He opened it and the coach entered. After a brief chat, they left the room together and made their way to the boxing ring.
SHE
finally
decided
to
go.
It
would
be
impersonal,
but
it
was
what
he
would
deserve
for
everything
he
did
to
her.
Then,
like
Nora
from
Ibsen's
A Doll's House, she opened the door and left the house, never to return.
HE
gazed at his opponent, who looked stronger than the day they went face-to-face for the weigh-in.
SHE
went to Rebecca's apartment and told her the whole story. Rebecca understood and supported her BFF.
HE
was knocked out and became unconscious, unable to see, hear, or feel anything. Later, he awoke to find himself alone in the locker room.
SHE
received good vibes from her friend. A little bit calmer, she said goodbye, hugged and kissed Rebecca, and left the place.
HE
picked up his backpack and left the gym without speaking to anyone. He thought about calling an Uber but gave up and went by himself toward a subway station.
SHE
walked to the 34th-St, Herald Square station, got into the train D Line towards Norwood-205 St.
HE
boarded at the 59th-St, Columbus Circle station, and got on the same train as her. He sat next to her. He looked at her and had the impression he had seen her before.
SHE
picked up her Kindle.
HE
looked curiously at the ebook gadget. Peering at what they were reading in the subway was one of his quirks.
SHE
was reading "By Women Possessed: A Life of Eugene O'Neill" written by Barbara and Arthur Gelb.
HE
opened his backpack and picked up his book "Stan Musial: An American Life" by George Vecsey.
SHE
got off at the Tremont Avenue station and walked towards her parents' house. Maybe she'll make it in time for dinner.
HE
remembered her as soon as she disembarked and the train moved. Her name is Natalie, and she studied at the same high school as him. He instinctively thought to get off at the next stop and catch another train back to Tremont Avenue Station. But he gave up, talking to himself, "It's New York, Philip!"
End
|
