MISFORTUNE

he had to do a double take of the woman who somehow replaced the previous bartender from earlier.  maybe his mind is playing tricks on him ; he didn’t even really know anymore. but he definitely knew one thing – that he knew who this woman was. “ thank you , “ the words slipped awkwardly from his lips as he watched her prepare his drink and his gaze averted at the question. “ I guess you could say that ,” but then he looked back at her. “ I remember you. “ he pointed out. a part of him told him to stay silent , but he chose not to. 

the loss of piers was one of the fatal blows to his psychological form. over time and time again he had lost people ; from a team , to a couple partners , to a deeply respected friend turned nemesis. all the while , he just kept himself going – he remembered.  visions of chaos played through his mind like a fire beckoning hell. how did it always come to this point ? and the ghosts in his head were loud and vindictive in their own right. his subconscious knew that none of this would bring him back ; all of bred from exhaustion.

and out of all the background sound , the voice beside him immediately brought his mind out of its reverie. a voice that belonged to the woman who is on the top of his list of regrets. the way their bond had been torn at the seams through secret , lies , and vindication.

DROWNING THE BACKGROUND  sound has become a luxury that he could finally afford. reawakening with what he knows now. index finger tapping on a half full glass of blended malt scotch. Already intaking two prior to this, the sight of a particular name etched on the flesh of his arm only urged him to finish his third. that name resonated in his mind like a karmic reminder ; how many lives had to be lost in order for him to live ? no amount of alcohol could make sense of it , and due to his own tolerance there is only a slight buzz and the ghosts of the past haunted his reverie.