THE REUNION
1255 Words
The night had been merciless. I couldn’t sleep through the cold that seeped into my bones. The ceaseless cries of insects and the relentless bites of mosquitoes made the darkness unbearable. At some point, I had changed my clothes, hoping for comfort, but sleep remained elusive.
As the first light of dawn brushed the sky, I slipped out quietly before the town stirred. The train station was calm, a sharp contrast to the whirlwind in my mind. I bought my ticket, feeling a mix of apprehension and excitement. The train whistle blew, and we were off. A small spark of joy warmed me — the chance to start afresh, to leave the past behind. But could I really forget it? I shook my head and let that thought drift away. Today, I would focus on hope.
Veloria City had always been a dream. A glittering metropolis of wealth and serenity, its elegant glass towers reflected the sun, tree-lined avenues offered shade and calm, and fountains danced in public squares. The city hummed with life — people walking briskly, cafes bustling, and the aroma of fresh bread and coffee drifting through the air. And now, I would finally see Emily — my childhood friend, my anchor. We had grown up together, gone to college side by side, until life pulled her to Veloria, where her dreams of becoming a doctor had come true. Unlike me.
Leaning against the window, I let the breeze play with my hair. The train was crowded, a mosaic of people from every walk of life. Then, suddenly, a pair of chocolate-brown eyes met mine. I quickly looked away, a chill running down my spine. Strange men staring at me always unsettled me, though I had grown accustomed to the attention — my almond-shaped eyes, pointed nose, and cascading dark waves that fell past my waist made me dangerously attractive. Alena and Mrs. Bruno certainly thought so.
A baby in the carriage wailed, thrashing in its mother’s arms. Her worried expression tightened my chest. I had longed for a mother’s concern like that, yet it had never come. I sniffed and dabbed at my tears with a handkerchief, averting my gaze.
“You okay?” A woman’s voice cut through my reverie. She seemed to be in her late thirties but looked far younger.
“I’m good,” I forced a smile. She nodded, unconvinced, and I let it be.
And there he was again — that unsettling stare. Three rows ahead, twisting his neck as though he could see right through me. A shiver ran down my spine. Eight long hours of travel lay ahead, and I hadn’t eaten since yesterday. My stomach grumbled.
I sighed, thinking about what life might have been like if my father were alive. Fatigue finally won, and the cool breeze from the window lulled me into sleep.
“Hey, miss? Hello?”
A hand on my shoulder woke me, and I blinked at the nearly empty carriage.
“You’ve been asleep for seven hours. We’ve reached Veloria,” the woman said with a warm smile.
“Thank you,” I said, bowing slightly in gratitude.
We stepped off the train and waited for a bus to Lumera, one of Veloria’s bustling towns. The city skyline stretched like a painting — glass towers reflecting the sun, streets lined with trees, fountains dancing in public squares, and the hum of life everywhere. Every corner promised opportunity, every road hinted at stories waiting to unfold.
“So, why are you here?” the woman asked, introducing herself.
“Oh, my bad. I’m Lovelyn Green,” she said, extending a hand.
“I’m Annie Olonzo. I’m here for a fresh start, new opportunities,” I replied, shaking her hand. Her smile radiated warmth and optimism. I mirrored it instinctively.
The bus ride was quick, and soon I was standing on the roadside of Lumera, waving goodbye to Lovelyn. That’s when I saw him — Howard Smith — emerging from a mall looking extremely angry. Gray suit, iPad in hand, looking dangerously handsome and a man trailing behind trying to calm him. Recognition flashed in his eyes when our eyes met, amusement quickly vanishing into cold calculation. My stomach twisted. Seeing him in Veloria could only mean trouble.
I approached the taxi.
“Hi,” the driver greeted with a smile.
“Can you take me to… wait, let me check the address,” I said, rifling through my pocket.
“Calveris Avenue,” I read aloud.
“Sure, but five dollars, is that fine?” he asked frankly.
“Yeah,” I smiled, sliding into the car.
“You’re new here?” he asked as we moved.
I blinked, surprised. “How do you know?”
He chuckled. “Your luggage and that little paper said it all.”
We spoke lightly about the city — its gleaming skyscrapers, boutique cafes, and bustling parks — though my mind kept wandering back to Howard Smith. The streets of Veloria were alive, every corner promising opportunity, yet my heart thrummed with a quiet fear.
The cab soon stopped at a large building across the street — Frankco Abode. Modern, freshly painted, and inviting, it hinted at hundreds of apartments inside.
I entered, greeted a cleaner, and stepped into the elevator, bumping into a lean, well-dressed man.
“Sorry,” I whispered, bowing slightly.
“It’s okay,” he smiled. We stepped into the elevator together.
“Fifth floor?” he asked, pressing the button.
“Yes, fifth,” I replied, slightly flustered.
“Ah, same floor. Who are you visiting?” he asked, eyes curious.
“Emily,” I said, smiling.
His expression shifted. “Oh… I don’t like the guy she lives with,” he muttered.
Wait? She lives with someone? Who is that? I asked bewildered.
Just then the I heard a ding dong sound and the elevator chimed opened and he stepped off after whispering " stay safe" what was that supposed to mean ? Who does she live with?
I finally found room 634. Knocking, I heard the familiar excited voice.
“Ann!” Emily exclaimed, throwing herself at me. Her hug was so tight it nearly lifted me off my feet, the door creaking under the force.
“I’ve missed you so much,” I whispered.
“Me too!” she replied.
We lingered in the embrace before stepping inside. I dropped my bag in the living room and followed her to the kitchen, breathing in the aroma of something delicious cooking.
Then — a sharp knock at the door jolted me.
I froze. The sound was deliberate, unfamiliar. My pulse quickened.
“Emily, I’ll get it,” I called, my voice steady despite the flutter of nerves. My feet carried me toward the door, each step echoing in the quiet apartment. Who could it be? Could it be the roommate? I haven't gotten a chance to ask Emily about that .
- Writer
