A Glimpse Of Myself Through The Windows Of Marley’s Cafe
She looks tired but cute in those blue-light glasses with her laptop plumped up in front of her.
Dear Friend,
She looks tired but cute in those blue-light glasses with her laptop plumped up in front of her, her curly hair wrapped loosely in a messy bun like she doesn’t care. People walk past, but she doesn’t acknowledge them. Instead, she continues scanning the streets through the windows of “Marley’s” cafe. Her lips are pursed tightly in a thin line. I can see her frowning from across the street. I can see her posture slouched and her expression grim, a bit restless as if deep in thought.
I used to know her once, but that was many years ago. Now, she has become this mystery I can’t quite figure out. What is she thinking? Why does she look so miserable? I remember her smile, always happy — why isn’t she anymore?
To not be able to recognize someone you once knew so well hurts. I wish to get acquainted with her once again. But will she see me if I wave? Will she notice me through the crowd of strangers? If I could find the courage to walk up to her and tell her I care, she’d be dancing out of that cafe.
But maybe another time, not today.
It feels like an invisible wall is between us. I cannot explain why this is. Perhaps because I am long forgotten and merely a faint memory of the past, no more than a stranger in her beautiful green eyes that dare, may I say, match her shirt so perfectly — (sigh).
I will continue watching her from afar and keep praying she looks my way. Maybe someday she will see that I’m still here, waving, and find her way back to me.
Maybe.
Photo of author by: Fynn-Jo Steiger