KISSES BEFORE GOODBYE

CHAPTER FIVE.

ESMERALDA’S POV.

I crouched on my couch, a darkness enveloped me snuffing the life out of me.

My symptoms were through the roof and every effort to take my medicine was wrapped up in a futile struggle. The days were a blend of haze of pain and anxiety, each one towards…what?

I didn't know. All I knew was that I couldn't keep on going like this.

Kelvin's absence was impossible to ignore. No calls, no messages, no signs of life whatsoever. It was as though he had evaporated into thin air, leaving me with memories and lingering promises.

The TV kept playing in the background, a distant hum that couldn't calm the storm raging within me.

I kept staring at the screen, my mind a million miles beyond.

“Where is Kelvin?” “Has he really abandoned me?” My thoughts screamed at me.

Just then my phone buzzed. I almost hurt my self while reaching out to the phone as I thought it was Kelvin.

“Esmeralda, I'm checking in on you. How are you faring?”

It was Dr. Nelson.

I typed out an answer, my fingers trembling with a mixture of frustration and anxiety.

“I'm falling apart, Doc. My symptoms are haywire and I'm scared I don't know if I can do this.”

His response was fast, though laced with an undercurrent of tension. “I'm sorry to hear that. The attacks on the neighborhood have strained our resources. We've had reports of looting, violence, and… some other activities that defy explaination.”

His last sentence sent a chill through my spine. I was agitated and scared.

“Other activities?” I pressed, searching for more information.

“Let's say that it's not a situation that I can explain for now. Your focus should be your recovery Esmeralda. Allow the specialist handle the rest, okay?”

I nodded, even though he couldn't see me.

“Okay doc, thanks for checking in.”

I couldn't shake off the feeling that something sinister lurked in the dark, something that threatened to scare me further. Kelvin's disappearance was just a tip of the iceberg

It's been the sad reality of my life so I wasn't surprised. I was scared.

KELVIN'S POV.

As I walked out of the hospital, my mind was drenched in fear by the creepy text. I wondered who exactly could have sent it and why?

I walked, lost in thought. I couldn't help but feel that my past was chasing and had caught up with me. My new life was in danger.

I walked on and on, for hours I guess. Trying to offload my cramped up thoughts and process all that was happening. But as I walked, my confusion grew endlessly.

I did not realize where I was headed. No one around me existed. I was too engulfed in my rising flame of thoughts and drowned in my sea of confusion, I dreaded the next moment.

It was the sunset that drew my attention. I stopped to watch it and it was in that moment that I realised that I was lost. I was in a strange place with no idea on how to find my way back.

I took out my phone to check my GPS and possibly book a cab but it was dead. I had been en route for so long that my battery ran out completely.

I heaved a frustrated and worrisome sigh. Unsure of my next course of action.

In my state of confusion, I noticed a small café around the corner. I made up my mind to go in and ask for help.

I could feel my legs trembling beneath me as I dragged myself towards the café. Though it seemed just ahead it was a long walk.

I was welcomed with warmth and coziness. The aroma of coffee and pastries rented the air, replacing my fear, tiredness and loneliness with a sense of comfort.

As I approached the counter, all I could think about was Esmeralda, her smile and presence always fed me this form of comfort.

I thought about how she would be feeling, I had made a promise she held on to. My absence would totally break her.

“What can I get y-” the barista was about to ask.

“I'm sorry, please. I need a favor” I interrupted impatiently.

“Okay…” she was hesitant.

“I just need your phone to make a quick call. Mine’s dead. I would have asked for help to charge but I know it's against the policies of establishments as such”

“Okay, sure.” She nodded with a smile. “I'll call you a cab then”

“That's okay too” I was too excited. I was finally going to see Esmeralda.

As I waited patiently, the waitress strode back in with a cup of coffee. “It's on the house,” she said with a broad and bright smile.

“You're an angel” I said appreciatively. “Thank you so much”

Before she could turn around to walk away, I had gulped down on my cup of coffee. I was extremely exhausted and hungry. This cup of coffee was exactly what I needed to wake me up.

I found it quite odd as I began to feel drowsy. I didn't mind. I was exhausted anyway.

All I wanted was to go back to Es and be by her side.

It was at that time she walked up to me again, “Your ride is here sir. Blue Toyota Camry just out front”.

I staggered outside the café, and there was my cab. I didn't know what was wrong with me and I didn't mind. All that mattered was getting to my destination.

I got into the cab and I wasn't sure of what the driver said but I responded “yes” to him and he zoomed right off.

I was so drowsy, that I didn't realize that there was someone else in the car which wasn’t supposed to be.

Before I could ask any form of questions or recollect myself, a handkerchief was flung across my nose and everything around me was thrown into…darkness and stillness.