Found

Episode 1

It’s been a while since I’ve been out on my own. Well, I go out once in a while, but only to do the grocery shopping. Essentially, I am a homebody. I prefer staying in the comfort of my home, so having to stay at home because of the lockdown is quite okay for me. Yet, this pandemic has brought nothing but more anxiety to me. Now being outside, farther from where I usually frequent during the lockdown, is quite strange yet nostalgic to me.

“Well, who says to have your ‘soul-searching’ moment at a mall?” says Mary, my friend, who is talking over the phone. I decided to give her a call since she’s good with directions.

“It’s blazing outside! Might as well go to an air-conditioned space than get soaked in my own sweat. This mask and face shield are not helping at all." I told her. It’s not the dry season anymore, yet it still feels like it. “Plus, I like it here. It’s...fun.”

“Should I go pick you up? The restaurant’s not busy, I can give you a ride,” she says.

“Nah, I think I can manage. So, I’ll just walk straight, take the escalator going up, and...?”

“...cross the street, turn left, and you should see the cafe right away,” she adds.

“That should be easy. Thanks!”

“Why have a coffee there, by the way?” I knew she’d ask. This place is two hours away from my house.

“I love their coffee,” I answered.

That is true, but I have another reason why I wanted to go somewhere far and I haven’t told anyone yet.

“I’m sorry, Abby. You’re a great person, but I don’t think this is still going to work out,” he says without even looking at me.

“W- what do you mean?”

“Let’s break up.”

I paused, thinking if I heard him correctly.

“I- I’m just not ready to settle down yet. You know I still have many plans I want to achieve, I hope you can understand.” Now he’s looking straight at me.

“But I’m not even demanding anything,” I told him because that’s the truth.

“Let’s face it, Ab. You’re older than me, you’re already at the peak of your twenties, and I’m- I’m still on my way to realizing my dreams. Sooner or later I know you would think of settling down, but I am not ready yet.”

I stared at him. I feel angry. I feel betrayed. I’m not even thinking of those things yet. It is true that I am six years older than him, but how is that an issue? I wasn’t the one who pursued this relationship. It was him!

“Okay,” I answered.

“A- are you okay?”

I just nod. The nerve of him to ask!

“I am breaking up with you,” he repeated.

“I know, damn it!” I was trying my best to hold back the tears. “Just go,” I said, and he did so.

Our 5-year relationship, gone just like that.

I found the coffee shop instantly. Dang! Mary’s really good at giving directions! It’s not as crowded as I thought it’d be. This coffee shop was in hype for a while, and famous vloggers and even celebrities visit this place because of its cozy and romantic ambiance.

It isn’t my first time going here. I’ve been here with Mary a couple of months ago. I just fell in love with the place right away. I knew I’d come back again.

I chose my spot after getting my coffee and some pastry. At least with the great view and music, I can get distracted for a while.

I thought everything was okay. I thought I finally know what happiness really means. I guess it’s just all in my mind.

“Excuse me, may I share the table?” a guy wearing a cap asked.

I looked around. I didn’t realize that the place is starting to get cramped. He looks like he’s alone too, so I nodded.

I received a f*******: notification of being mentioned in a comment. I thought it was just a random one, but out of all the possible posts, why this: Congratulations on your engagement, Rachelle. Don’t forget to invite us to the wedding, okay? I hate you Anthony for mentioning me! Sorry, Rachelle. You’re my good friend but…

“What the hell?!”

“I’m sorry?” the man in front of me asks.

“Oh no, sorry. I was talking to myself.” Shoot! Did I really say it out loud?

I sighed.

Mary is a successful chef and restaurant owner. Rachel is getting married. People around me seemed to have already figured out their lives. And here I am - brokenhearted and not even sure if being a freelance writer is a good enough job.