Avery’s POV
My thoughts were clouded by my recent encounter with a stranger. I had just gotten out of the shower when Sam called my phone. She said her parents wanted to take her out for dinner and asked if I was free to come.
I was free of course it was a Sunday and we never worked on Sundays. Grandma Grace was busy with her friends at the critchering club, but I had no plans. I agreed to go out with them almost immediately. I just had my bath so it would be easy and she wouldn't wait for long. She agreed to pick me up in 20 minutes. I had no outfit choice therefore I had to call again.
“Sam, am I to wear something casual?” I asked.
I could hear her laughing on the phone. She finally answered me.
“We are going to a fancy restaurant wear something simple and graceful,” Sam said.
I was looking for something in my cupboard when my eyes caught it. I picked up a timeless color like black, navy, or ivory, with minimal embellishments, allowing the beauty of the fabric and the wearer’s elegance to take center stage.
When I looked through the window, Sam had just pulled over and I proceeded to make her acquaintance. She drove off speedily just like she normally does and we got to the restaurant in no time. The restaurant was beautiful, it had a stunning culinary oasis. When I stepped inside it was enveloped by its warm and inviting atmosphere exuding sophistication and refinement. The scenery is a masterful blend of modern chic and classic elegance, with sleek lines, a richwood accent, and plush furnishings. The lighting is murky and intimate with soft candles and subtle LED illuminations creating a warm glow highlighting the restaurant’s beautiful architecture. We sat at the far end of the diner, its crisp white linens, fine china, and sparkling crystal glass. Creating a sense of anticipation for the culinary delights to come. As we sat down a waiter came to attend to us. Their cuisine is a masterful blend of savors and techniques, with each dish a testament to the chef’s creativity and expertise.
Samantha’s parent were lovely and they were receiving. I see where Sam got her character from. They were undoubtedly the most humble couple I had ever met.
We stayed at the restaurant for about half an hour. It was almost time for us to go. Sam excused herself to the and just as I existed scanning the room whilst waiting for Sam, I saw a familiar figure. I could not remember where I had seen him before. It finally struck me, the stranger , my stranger. I did not want to cross paths with him but coincidentally just as I did that night, I still met him today. Luckily, he wasn’t looking towards our table. He stayed at the far end with a young lady and an old man who looked like he could be his father. The young lady could be his sister, girlfriend, or wife, but he wasn’t wearing a ring that night. He might have been but as his hands were roaming freely on my body I did not seem to feel any metallic object. His hands went smoothly on my body, caressing my inner and outer parts carefully and with the utmost gentleness. His gentleness was spectacular leaving me struck with the wonders of that fateful night. This means she could be his girlfriend or sister. If she was his girlfriend he would not tell her about what happened that night. Just like I decided to forget what happened he might have also decided the same thing. I was cut short in my thoughts as Samantha came back to her seat and stared at me.
“You look awkward Avery, “ She said to me.
She started at the table I was looking at, Momentarily I could not find the right words so I just hugged her and she immediately understood. We got up from our seat and we went to the restroom.
“Do you want me to take you home now ?”
“Are you okay?” Sam asked me.
I nodded in agreement. I guess it was time to go home I said to her and she tried to wipe the tears on my face. I hadn’t realized I was crying but she did.
When I was done washing my face, we left the restroom to bid her parents goodbye. Sam told them something had come up so we could leave the restaurant. They accepted and we left them there. When we went to the car I leaned my back and pinned it to the car. I needed to leave this place.
“Sam c’mon be fast” I shouted.
Sam was checking around the car to make sure it had no fault and it was proper so we won't encounter any problems on our way.
She got into the car and she started fast but as we continued the journey the drive became unhurried the monotony of the slow drive, crawling along at a snail's pace. Your gaze is fixed on the endless sea of brake lights stretching out before you, a seemingly immovable barrier of steel and glass. Every inch of progress feels like a hard-won battle, with each tiny increment of movement a fleeting victory for you.
As the minutes tick by at a glacial pace, fatigue begins to creep in, weighing heavily on your eyelids. The hum of your engine and the soft whoosh of your air conditioning lull you into a state of drowsy lethargy, making it harder for you to focus on the road ahead.
Your thoughts grow foggy, and your reactions slow, as the constant stop-and-go traffic drains your energy. The world outside becomes a blur, a never-ending cycle of red lights, construction delays, and slow-moving vehicles.
Time loses all meaning, stretching out into an eternity of tedium for you. Your body aches from the constant tension, your mind is numb from the monotony. All you can think about is reaching your destination, finally escaping the clutches of this soul-crushing traffic. But until then, you're trapped, a prisoner of the slow drive.
I'm still crawling along, trapped in the sea of brake lights, when suddenly, without warning, a loud crunching sound shatters the monotony. My heart skips a beat as I glance in the rearview mirror, and my eyes widen in horror.
The sound of shattering glass, crunching metal, and screeching tires fills the air, a cacophony of chaos. My mind races, processing the sudden turn of events. I feel a surge of adrenaline, my senses heightened, as I assess the situation.
My heart is racing, and my palms are sweating as I take a deep breath, trying to calm down. I'm grateful that I wasn't directly involved, but the shock of the sudden accident has left me shaken. The slow drive has just turned into a potentially deadly situation.