THE MAN UNKNOWN

Memories remain

Cold winter's morning has woken him up. Rays of the morning sun shined down on him, giving him no heat more comfort. The cold park bench was his bed last night, as were many nights before. Excessive drinking has spiraled out of control these past few months. Many times has he found himself sleeping out in the streets, even though he had a house to go to. It just wasn't as inviting as it has been. It's not home. Not anymore.Not since that day.Tha accursed day. If only he hadn't come when home when he did if only he stayed at work a bit longer, if only...

These are the questions that he's been asking for a long time now. But there are no answers that could cure his heartache, no matter how many times he asked IF ONLY and WHAT IF. Seating here on this cold bench in the chill winter morning, suffering from yet another hangover, contemplating on his dark thoughts about his current situation, memories, and crushed hopes and dreams, one question rose above all. How did it come to this? He was considered a good man, husband, and father. What did he do wrong? No answer gave him relief. Pain in his extremities brought him to the present. Maybe he could go somewhere where it's warm. There was a bar near here, he remembered. His frozen legs were barely working but managed to stud up. The bridge across the river near the park gave him a dark solution to his depression. Not yet, my friend, not yet. Soon, maybe, but not today. With wobbly steps, he exited the park towards the bar, in neverending pursuit of relief from the pain of the memories ...

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

-"Hey, Dexter, the boss just approved your request for time off. He even added a bonus to your paycheck. It's about time you take some days off. Three years and not a single sick leave or days off. You deserve it, my man"- said office manager, John, visibly happy, with a big smile on his face.-"So, Hawaii, ha? Clara must be overjoyed. She loves Hawaii."

-"Yes, she does. But she doesn't have a clue what I have in mind. I haven't told her yet. I wanted to surprise her. She was wishing for this for years. She deserves time off as well. And lately, she's been a bit under the weather. Hope this improves her state a bit."

-"And kids are coming with you?"

-"Nope, they are going to have fun with their gramma, Clara's mom. It would be nice that she gets a break from everything. Two weeks isn't enough but I hope it will do."

-"Yeah, I get it. Well, get going, man. Don't let her wait. We'll see you when you get back."

On his way to the car, Dexter's head was filled with thoughts of his wife's smiling face when he tells her where he is taking her. Everything was arranged and prepared. For three years he worked without a break, putting in long hours and weekends so he could afford this trip, setting aside a hefty sum of money. Before getting in the car, he sent a text message

"ON MY WAY HOME. I HAVE A SURPRISE FOR YOU"

Drive home took him less than usual. He was distracted by the thoughts of his wife's happiness. On approach to his home, a car came out of his driveway and speed of. When parking a car in his driveway he was determined not to let this confusing incident ruin his plans. He got out of his car and entered the house, visualizing his wife's happiness.

Clara was sitting in the dining room, her eyes looking through the window, lost somewhere in her thoughts. A coffee mug was in her hands and the clouds of vapor were rising slowly, dancing around her face. Dexter couldn't help but think how beautiful she looked at that moment.

-"Honey, I have a surprise for you"-Dexter said cheerfully. His words brought Clara back from her thoughts. She looked at him and Dexter froze instantly. Clara's eyes were teary and her face was sad.

-"Honey, what's wrong," he asked with sincere worry in his voice.

-"Please, sit down. I have to talk to you".

He set down, wondering what could go wrong in a matter of a few hours? This morning she was happy and full of joy and just an hour ago, before he left the office, they talked on the phone. Nothing gave him the impression that something is wrong.

-"Are the kids ok?"- he asked in terror, fearing the answer

-"Kids are fine, don't worry. They are at my mother's house."

-"Why are they over there?"

-"Because I don't want them to hear this conversation."

-"Okey, now you're scaring me. Would you just, please, tell me what's going on?"

-"Fine, I guess there's no way around it. I'm leaving you. I'm moving to my mother's place. Kids and I will be living there from now on."

Dexter froze completely. So many questions were forming in his head, but none was coming out. He was just sitting there like a dead man. His heart stopped for a moment. He had no words to mutter, he had no voice that could be heard. He wanted to scream, to yell, to do anything rather than just be sitting there like a statue. But all he did was silently sitting in his chair, looking in a woman that just ripped out his heart.

-"I have been in a relationship with another man for a year now. He came earlier and offered me that I leave you and divorce you so we could get married. He is rich and I and the kids won't lack anything. He doesn't have to work so much and he will have more time for me than you did these past few years. I'm sorry, but I just haven't been happy for a long time now".

Dexter couldn't believe his ears. So, that's it? This is how it ends? Ten years of their marriage thrown down the drain, just like that? Many thoughts were rushing through his mind. Many thoughts, but not a single word.Not one.

Clara was talking but Dexter didn't hear her. He was just sitting there in shock. He didn't move, he hasn't said a word. He hasn't move when Clara got up and went upstairs. He said nothing. He hasn't move when she came down with the suitcases, telling him goodbye. He said nothing. He hasn't move when she went out the door and into her car. He said nothing.

He hasn't moved, but he wanted to. He wanted to jump up and grab her. He wanted to hug her right. He wanted to kiss her lips for one last time. He wanted it. He remained sitting.

He didn't say a word but he wanted to. He wanted to tell her that she is his world. He wanted to say that she is his life. He wanted to say that she is his one and only true love. He wanted it. He remained quiet.

He remained sitting till time passed around him. He was lost in his pain. Time wasn't important anymore. He remained sitting until he passed out. His brother found him on a dining room floor, unconscious. He woke up a few days later in the hospital. The pain was unbearable. His heart and soul were the sources of undying pain.

His brother took him home from the hospital. He took him to an empty house. House void of all the happiness, of all the joy, just leaving painful memories.Reminders on a time not so long ago.Time of happiness.Time of pleasure.Time of family.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Dexter came out of the bar past midnight. Street lights were sending dimmed light through the winter's mist. Somewhere in the distance, foggy outlines of the bridge called out to him. With drunken swirl in his step, he moved towards it, his eyes fixed to the invoking figure of the bridge. In one moment of soberness, he turned his head to his right. He was standing in the middle of the street, engulfed in thick winter fog, and from it, two yellow glowing eyes rushed towards him.

And then, the darkness took him away...