A Tearful Reunion

Awakening this morning his life was beginning to come to stride.  No longer did the memories of what could have been torment his mind.  It was a typical day during the work week.  In his one bedroom condominium, he got out of bed and readied himself for a new day.  Breakfast, coffee, shower, and a shave; this routine defined his otherwise empty life.

Working for one of the top accounting firms in Southern California as a CPA had certain advantages.  The financial rewards linked to such a position allowed him to live in the better part of the city and own a newer model BMW.  However, his life, which was definitive of disillusionment since his break-up, left true meaning lacking.

He arrived at work early each morning.  This was the source of the somewhat exorbitant income enjoyed by a college graduate in his late twenties.  On his way to work, he always made it a point to stop at a small coffee shop on the outskirts of town.  It was a family owned establishment with upscale décor. 

At the beginning of such a typical day a break from the tedious customary practices of the work week was not expected.  He arrived outside the coffee shop and he found a parking space near the door.

"I'll be in and out in five minutes and still get to work in time," he reflected with knowledge that there was a pressing account waiting for him.

As he walked in the door, he was about to face the repercussions from an unexpected reunion that would last into the following weeks.

She stood in front of him in line.   He had not come across her path since their difficult breakup three months ago.  He had caught her with someone else out on a date and it which caused him to initiate the parting.

She stood in line and the awkwardness at first preempted any discussion.  They gazed at each other, and in the uncomfortable silence, wondered if they should say anything at all.

Her beauty, not in a superficial manner, had been what had first attracted him to her.  She was an office professional in her mid-twenties whose manner suited those of riches.  Her style and class infused the room which she graced.  She had long auburn hair and took great care in presenting an aura of refinement and sophistication. 

She was the one that broke the silence.  It started as a simple hello.  “I haven’t seen you for a while,” she stated.  “How have you been?” She asked in a carefree fashion.

He gazed into her green eyes, attempting not to show the emotion which was overcoming him.  He responded with the obligatory politeness.  “Work has been going well.  Since I was promoted to full partner it has been keeping me busy.”

She looked at him as if he were transparent.  “Life has been going good for me also.  Not much going on at the office, but it keeps me busy.”

She arrived at the front of the line at the coffee shop.

The clerk asked, “What can I get for you?” in the midst of his own daily routine.

She turned in the direction of the server as if the conversation in which she was engaged was a trifle.  “I’ll have a double-cappuccino with whip.”

“Double cappuccino with whip,” the clerk called out to his co-worker.

She waited briefly while they were waiting to serve her.  He ordered his coffee and they went departed without another word.  As she walked out the door she did not bother to look back at him.

Work was slow today.  He spent most of the day going over the work of the interns.  There was an investment project that his firm was working on of which he had been designated responsibility.  After looking over a collection of balance sheets and income statements he went over the investment project.  He finished work and decided that he should call it an early day.

Upon return to his condominium it was nearly dusk.  There was not much to do since he rarely took his work home with him.  He turned on the television.  It was a frivolous comedy which would certainly get his mind away from the turn of events of the day.  As he was making himself dinner he enjoyed the comedic pranks in which the lead character engaged. 

Mexican tacos with Spanish rice served as a good dinner.  It only took him about a half an hour to prepare and serve.  He sat down in front of the television and ate his meal.  The memory which had been plaguing his mind all day did not completely absorb him until now.  He had kept himself busy which had enabled him to cope with the trials associated with such a break-up.  However, now at home alone in front of the television it he had time for recollection and remembrance.

The comedy was about the mischiefs of an off-beat character.  However, as he began to watch it more closely, he became entangled with the depth of the plot.  Although the insignificance of the relationship of the main character was meant to be humorous, it became heart-wrenching in his present state of mind.  The comedy which he had tuned on to distract his consciousness somehow overwhelmed his mind.  As he sat down on the couch towards the end of the movie the regret he felt from his recent break-up consumed him.  He did not cry or let it get the better of him, but he wiped his eyes and changed the channel to the 11:00 o’clock news when it was over.

Before going to bed he enjoyed a warm slice of apple pie and a cup of hot tea.