The darkness slowly ebbs away into the shadows. The vivid light of the sun rises over the horizon. It drowns the world in flashes of orange light, overflowing into the eyes of millions of people across the globe. The dull concrete structures reflect the dazzling light across the city, the grey turning into colours.

The green trees started to cast shadows over the park, shade for people and animals. The lake twinkled in the sunlight, the small waves flowing upward into the atmosphere but falling to the creek in an endless pattern. A cool breeze went past the trees, causing them to sway slightly. The sweet dewy smell of spring, a fresh new scent representing life, filled the air. The birds began to chirp, a rhythm unknown to humans but clear to themselves. The sharp sound pierced the smokiness of Percy's mind, destroying the overbearing stress of his daily life. Millions of lives created every day, whether it is in nature or by humans. Every day this simple beauty is repeated, yet no one pays attention.

The noise of traffic steadily increased, overwhelming the song of the birds. The daily hustle of the weekday came back in full force. Blurred smoke fills the air above the city, putting an invisible cast over the people. The aroma of body odours, acrid, pungent, harsh, and miasmic, conquered the sweet spring air. The bitter smog floated through the city, through the dozens of factories on the shoreline. The very factories that made the foul products for mass consumption.

A dirty sign lay on a sidewalk beside the road. A man dressed in sooty clothing lay beside it. He had one hand on a bucket; he was afraid of someone stealing it. A few by-passers tossed some coins in, clanking against the metal. Others, who were dressed in stylish clothing passed as if there was no one there. A large man dressed in a suit hurried towards the man, trampling the soft grass underneath him. He had one hand to his cellphone, and looked flustered. He kicked the precious bucket of the person on the street. The few coins and bills flew out; the wind blowing it in all directions.

Percy started to stand to give him some money, but his wallet wasn't in his coat. He forgot it at his apartment.

He started to panic. What else did he forget?

Percy fumbled around in his pockets for his cigarette, succumbing to the temptation. The crushing weight of living in this world was too much for him. He grabbed the rough box, pulling one out. He looked for his lighter, which was always next to the box, but found nothing. He groaned in dismay. But he was ignored by the people that strolled in the park.

Panic rose in his chest, the craving taking over his mind. A flash of blonde curls appeared beside him on the bench. He turned to face her. She had the most beautiful blonde hair. It flashed in the luminous sunshine and tumbled down her shoulders. Her striking grey eyes seemed to pierce his mind, revealing him for all he was. Percy glanced down at her lips.

Nope, not going there. Percy thought, I'm a grown-ass man, and I can control myself. Hopefully.

She smiled at him, probably knowing he had been staring at her for way too long. It was, without a doubt, the most beautiful thing Percy had ever seen. The lightning rod of light in his dark world. She lifted her hand and pulled out a lighter. He graciously accepted it. "Thanks"

She nodded in response and turned to face the swaying trees.

"It's beautiful isn't it?" She said.

Percy deliberated her words. He thought about all those who die and suffer every day. And those who showed kindness and made the world a better place.

The world is a cruel, but also beautiful.

"I suppose it is" He said.

"What are you doing here in a place like this?" Percy asked. She seemed to be in her twenties, which was strange considering it was a weekday. There wasn't any holidays he was aware of.

"Same as you I suppose."

"Thinking about the world and how shitty it is?"

She laughed and turned to him.

"Sure, why not? But you don't seem like the type of person to do that."

"Yeah you're right. I'm thinking about how to kill you and where to hide your body."

"Too bad you won't be able to kill me in time. If anything, I'll the better killer."

"Doubt it. You smoke?"

"Why else would I have a lighter?"

"Dunno, you're a psycho-killer, how would I know what you do with it?"

The edges of her lips curved up into a smile.

"Well, I do have other uses for this lighter, but for now, it's for smoking. I left my pack at home though."

"Want one?" Percy said as he offered his pack to her.

"Seriously? Marlboro? That overrated crap?"

"Ain't all cigarettes crap in some way or another? Want one or not?"

"I suppose I have really no choice." She responded, picking one up from the box. She light it up and put it to her mouth. She grimaced at the taste

"That bad huh?" He said, smoking his own cigarette.

"Better than nothing."

A lone loon landed on the lake that was in front of them. It splashed down and swam wildly. The objective, indistinguishable to the human eye. The blonde beside him was looking at it with a mild fascination, like it held a deeper meaning.

"Strange isn't it? To us, the loon looks confused. But, it has a goal it wants to reach, even if we can't see it."

"Just like us isn't it? Sometimes other people seems lost but perhaps they have a goal. Maybe we think we are lost but it's just part of the journey."

"This is getting too deep for the mornings. Maybe the duck just wants to swim."

Percy laughed, "Could be."

"Still, you've given me some inspiration."

"For what?"

"Well, it's probably going to be a shocker to you, but I'm a writer."

Percy gaped at her. "You're not a killer?"

"Only in my free time."

"Lemme guess, you write murder mysteries?"

"Depends on the day, I write all sorts of things."

"Study at NYU?"

"Yeah, how about you? Please don't tell me you've been sitting on this bench waiting to get a girl."

"Well mission accomplished."

She scoffed at him, "Please, if that's one of your pickup lines, I'm gonna have to vomit."

"Yeah well, at least I tried. I'm a filmmaker of sorts."

"Filmmaker? Isn't that just an easier version of being a writer?"

"Don't you dare. Making a film is possibly thousands of times harder than writing a 'story'"

"Hmmmm, I highly doubt that. Even more than the idea of you producing something watch-worthy."

"I think most would be more entertained by my films than your writing."

"Than we'll just have to see each others work then."

Percy glanced at her, eyebrows raised.

"You sure about this? I don't want to brag after you admit you're wrong. I'm a humble person, mostly."

"Getting stuck-up aren't you? I'll just have to knock you down a few pedestals."

"We'll see. We'll see."

"You've got guts I'll give you that."

"What? Do people run away after you threaten them with your amazing writing? Should I be cowering in fear?"

She chuckled, "No not that, remember I'm a, what did you say? psycho-killer."

"Too bad, I'm also one. So what do you say this place, tomorrow at noon?"

She looked at him with wide eyes. Percy started to panic, Oh shit, was she joking about the writing? What if I read this situation wrong? God, she probably thinks I'm a creep now.

Percy's face started to redden, just as her shocked expression broke into one of mirth.

"Calm down, I'm starting to doubt you're a killer now. "

Percy forced his non-chalant expression to come back.

"Just an act to lower your guard." He tried speak in a cool voice but failed miserably.

"Try to lighten up, I'm not gonna mock you or anything."

He attempted to scowl at her but it turned into a smile.

"Fine, but if you keep up this killer vibe, I'm gonna scream."

Percy glanced down at his watch, 3:14.

"Shit, it's 3 o'clock?!" He exclaimed. She looked about as shocked as he was.

I spent two hours talking to a random stranger? What did we even talk about? He wondered. He got some inkling of conversations about aliens all the way to how trees looked.

"I've gotta go. But it's been strangely fun talking to you." Percy started to get up, picking up the the sand-filled can that several cigarettes laid in. He was probably going to be late but he decided it didn't really matter.

She nodded in agreement, "Same here, you've got a class?" she asked. He nodded in response. "You have a name?"

"Can't exactly expose my identity now can I? " He responded.

"Damn, swear I could've gotten you there."

"That would've been way too easy. I hope your characters aren't this gullible."

"I hope yours aren't."

"See you." Percy said. He turned and walked down the rough sidewalk, brushing past an overgrown branch.

"Oh by the way, bring your pack if cigarettes if they're so much better than mine."

She turned her head to him, "Will do."

Percy hummed in response and continued walking.

A blanket of dark shadows flew over the pavement, in uniform. The newly grown saplings still swayed slowly in the breeze, producing a faint rustle. A soft pattern of honking filled the vibrant city atmosphere, soon replaced by the hustle of traffic and people.