My Safe Haven

“Brie, you’re going to be late!” My roommate reminded me a few times now. “Oh my, let me iron my bangs first. I’ll look like a popper fish later.” Ugh, my bangs are keeping me delayed every time, but I don't know why I can't let them grow long. “You're crazy! Hurry up, I'm excited about the opening of your bar.” Yes, I can finally make my dream happen. It’s a bar with a special space for everyone with situational depression. My favorite is the breakdown room. I know a lot could relate because I, myself planned to build this kind of bar because I’m struggling with life too. That’s the kind of place I want to go to every time I’m dealing with something, and I’m proud to make it happen. I endured hellish overtime and office work for this business, so this one should make everyone happy. “Are you done, Brie?” Kara kept checking me and I got annoyed. “I’m the owner, so it’s fine if we're going to be late. The important thing is, we'll go to the opening really gorgeous." I said and chuckled as I am making my hair done. “You’re all set now, right?” She added with a little impatiency in her tone. “Are you Baka?” “As in a cow? Mooo~ you know what Brie, you’re funny. Luckily, I still adore you.” She responded and pouted like a kid, she’s one of my girls. We've been together for almost 3 years now here at the condo unit, and she knows how I cried silently and secretly. She's not saying anythng, but she's always there for me. “I’m ready. Wait, time check.” “Madam, it’s already 8:30pm. Hurry up, I’ll do boy hunting later, alright? Don't bother me.” “Whatever, just to remind you that the breakdown room is expensive.” I teased her and grabbed my body bag. Gosh, my heart is pounding, and I’m excited about tonight’s event. It'll only take us a few minutes to the location and my manager informed me already that everything is set, so I need to be there. I can’t make those fake happy humans bottle up their pain. I want them to yell their lungs out and break things to lessen their pain. Tonight, everything will be beautiful. Every pain will subside, and new memories will be made, and I hope every wound will heal a little bit. “Alright, team! Tonight is the night we've all been waiting for. Remember, smiles on, drinks pouring, and let's make this grand opening unforgettable!” I heard Alex, my charismatic and confident bar manager briefs the bartenders for the final details. He is really energetic, and the bartenders just nod in agreement, ready to kick off the night. I can’t believe the guests will love the place and it’s overwhelming. Alex has seen us, and finally we’re going to start everything, my dreams and a new story. “Gorgeous! I have never seen an angel like you before.” He whispered, and I just smiled at him, he could have been like that most of that time. “You don’t have to flatter me. Pay raise isn’t guaranteed.” I bluffed and signaled to start. Guests keep arriving, greeted by the inviting glow of neon lights and the hum of lively chatter. The DJ starts spinning upbeat tunes, setting the perfect vibe for the evening. The staff move gracefully through the crowd, offering appetizers and signature cocktails. Brie, of course me, the owner, approaches the entrance, welcoming VIP guests. “Thank you all for being here to celebrate the opening of 'The Briexton’s'. Tonight is about great company, fantastic drinks, crying your heart out and creating memories.” Everyone raised their glasses in agreement and clinked them together. This view is the best view ever. The bar is in full swing, and the dance floor is alive with energy. Alex tends the bar, engaging in lively conversations with customers. I can see that he is really into it like what he had said during his interview. I pick the right manager, at least. Kara blends in with the crowd, I know she’s having fun while I’m here, trying to absorb that everything is real. “This place is amazing! Cheers to The Briexton’s!” One of the customers hyped up his circle and Alex is with them. Alex raised his glass as well and joined in with excitement as he said,” Cheers! We're thrilled to have you here.” The night unfolds with laughter, clinking glasses, and the joyous sounds of celebration, but at this certain area of the bar I’ve witnessed that even dim lights can’t hide sad eyes. The breakdown room is also occupied, the break area as well and the rant wall is crowded. Unlike the hype part of the bar, a melancholic song is played. Here, you can hear sobs instead of lively chatter. I kind of understand that feeling, I’ve been there, and I’m still trying to recover from it. I was about to head back to the hype zone when I saw someone familiar. He just came out of the breakdown room. I didn’t know if my eyes were tricking me and I hoped it was, but I don’t have a problem with my eyesight. How in the world that I'd see him in this place? He is the reason why I thought about this kind of bar, but why is he here?