The day passed by outside his big window much like any other. Clouds grew from the blue sky and turned the city gray. Sebastian sat at his computer his fingers clicking away at the keyboard. He slid back in his chair occasionally, or would actually stand to wander around the room playing out a scene in his head. As the day waned into evening only the small desk lamp and the blue from the computer screen illuminated the now cavernous apartment.
Sebastian's only break came very late in the afternoon when he put a kettle of water on the stove for tea. He had then discovered that he was out of tea and then gone back to his writing. The high pitched screaming of the kettle had startled him in the middle of a fury of typing that he could not pull himself away from. That is until his neighbors banged on the wall urging him to pull the pot from the heat and silence it's wail.
As he wandered back across the space, he took a moment to look out across the great park. It came to a surprise to him to see the world being blanketed in a frothy covering of pale white snow. The city darkened in front of him as large flakes of snow floated gently from the infinity of charcoal gray sky above. Streetlights, signs, headlights, of all shapes and intensities began to flicker to life. A far off siren cried out through the city, car horns echoed through the streets below. Sebastian leaned against the window looking into nothing.
With a sigh he returned to his chair and scanned the words he had written. His hand moved to the keys but froze there. He read through the work again. His eyes strained against the glare of the screen. Slowly he sat back in the chair. He rubbed his jaw contemplating the storyline. His mind churned over what he had written and what he had left to write. With a jerk he stood from the desk. His hand quickly moved to save his work and he stepped away from the computer.
Sebastian could feel the grumbling of hunger in his stomach and decided it was high time he ventured out for some food. He moved about his apartment gathering clean socks and a jacket. He paused before a mirror and rubbed the two-day-old stubble on his chin. He tossed the jacket over the couch and pulled the socks from his feet. Pulling off his shirt and down his pants, Sebastian made his way to the bathroom. A short while later he emerged, hair wet, but brushed, clean shaven and fresh clothes. He grabbed up his jacket and once again made his way out of the solace of his apartment.
The early night air bit into Sebastian as he ventured onto the street. Although the wind was slight it was biting cold. Light flakes of snow continued to drift from the endless sky above. Sebastian made his way among the few people that continued to move about the street. He rounded the corner by the bakery and headed up the avenue. He walked slow, taking time to notice the couples as they walked past. Some paused to peer into store windows, others hurried along hand in hand. Sebastian pulled his coat up around his neck and moved on through the city night.
He came to his destination. A small dimly lit café, where he knew he could get a large hot bowl of chowder and some silence. Sebastian walked inside and found a secluded booth where he slipped off his coat and sat quietly surveying the others in the small restaurant. A simple and yet familiar voice spoke to him.
"Good evening sir. May I get you something to drink?"
Sebastian turned to look up into the angelic visage that smiled down to him. It was his jogger from the park. Suddenly he felt his heart leap into his throat and constrict his breathing. He could feel moisture collect on his palms and became suddenly aware of how warm this small café was kept. She smiled brightly at him; her eyes seemed to twinkle in the dim light.
"Coffee would be great." Sebastian managed to utter out.
"Excellent sir. I shall be right back." Her voice was serene, soft.
Sebastian breathed a heavy sigh as he watched her walk away. His mind overloaded as he thought of her eventual return. This woman he had admired for so long, now twice in one day she spoke to him. Her smile, her eyes, they beckoned him to speak further. How he wanted to know her, the real her not just the "Elizabeth" about which he dreamed. He felt a deep desire to learn and know the Kerry that had graciously awoken him in the park that morning.
"Here is your coffee sir. Would you like to order?" She placed a steaming mug in front of him. As she spoke her face came close to his.
"Uhm yes, a bowl of the chowder, please." He managed a nervous smile.
"That is my favorite. I'll bring you out a bowl quickly. Perfect for a cold night like tonight." She winked at him as she turned to retreat into the kitchen once more.
Sebastian sat back in the booth, and watched as a young couple glowed at each other across a small table. He reveled in their apparent love as they cooed and held hands across the table. For the first time in a long time he did not feel a sense of doom, or dread in watching the touching scene. His typical panic response in regard to his on future was not there. Instead he was able to relax and enjoy the scene, even as the couple stood kissed each other lightly and walked from the restaurant.
"Here you are sir." Came the soft voice once more as she reappeared by his side placing a hot bowl of chowder in front of him. She stood tall and looked down at Sebastian a moment.
"Thank you." He spoke to her looking up into her eyes.
She did not move but stood looking at him for a moment longer. Sebastian froze in his seat. He looked at his soup and then back up to her. She smiled, as a note of recognition flashed across her face.
