Close the Distance
Staring out the window, all I see is the early morning grey fog that blankets the city of London. I haven't slept... again. Sitting at the old piano in my small two bedroom apartment I gently rap on the keys. I play a melody that has poisoned my mind for the past two weeks. It feels like a beautiful haunting, embracing me with every note.
Sigh, eight o'clock already? I think looking at the clock. I can hear the morning hustle and bustle of all the people on the streets. Going to their jobs, seeing loved ones, and for some; even taking their last breaths. Everyone down on the busy street has a purpose; I haven't found mine yet though. Pulling on my shirt, jumper, jeans and black winter boots I get ready for my daily adventure.
Exiting my building the icy air hits me like a truck, pushing all the breath out of me. I feel my face go red with the quick change of temperature. Making my way down the busy street, I enter my favourite coffee shop.
"Good Morning, Zanthia!" My best friend Kristine was working today. "You're here early. Not sleeping again I see." Kristine says while making me my usual decaf latte.
"Sleep has been a no go." I say as Kristine brings me my coffee and joins me. "I don't know what it is."
"Maybe you should go see a doctor?" Katherine says wiping her hands on her apron. "I'm worried about you, you know. You haven't slept in what? Three weeks?"
"Two weeks. I'm fine, seriously. But I think I'll take up the idea of visiting the doctor."
Waving goodbye to Katherine, I get out my phone and call the local medical centre. After making an appointment, I go for a stroll through the park. The snow crunches under my boots, and my breath makes patterns in the icy air. Out the corner of my eye I see a quaint little bookshop, curiosity got the better of me and I walk over.
The little bell attached to the door gave a little chine as I entered the shop. Suddenly a little girl approached the front desk. She had a beautiful smile and cubby red cheeks.
"Can I help you?" said the girl. I nodded and walked over to the desk.
"Do you work the front desk?" I ask the girl, she giggled and shook her head.
"No." Then the sound of footsteps made the girl jump.
"Mysti, you're not supposed to be behind here"
It was a tall middle aged man with grey hair and moustache. He shoo'd the young girl away and proceeded to talk.
"How can I help you miss? I apologise for my daughter." The man laughed.
"No, it's fine. I was wondering if you had any books here by the author John Green?"
The man nodded and waved me over to follow him. Through the walls of books we finally came to the right section. I thanked the man and he walked back to the front desk. Scanning the shelf I found the book I was looking for "The Fault in our Stars". Reaching out to grab the book, I was intercepted.
Following the hand that grabbed the book, I work my gaze up to the face of the person that also had a stern grip on the book. He was tall with lovely brown hair, and muddy brown eyes. I suddenly found myself staring. I let go of the book and wrapped one of my arms around the other.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to snatch" the boy softly laughed.
"Oh don't worry about it." I was looking at the ground now; I've made a fool of myself.
"Did you want this book?" the boy asked. I nodded too nervous to speak.
"You can have it, I already have a copy I was just buying for a friend." The boy said handing me the book. I look up at him, he had the sweetest smile.
"Oh my name is Dan by the way." The boy said extending his hand. I automatically did the same.
"I'm Zanthia..." I said holding the book close to my chest.
On this day, my purpose was being paved.