The Night They Went Missing

Atatiana

The sun shone through the window, casting an area of light on my bed. My alarm on my phone was going off and quickly turning it off, I sat up on my bed, stretched my arms out and opened my window to the sound of birds chirping away. Today seemed like a nice and warm day, but the English weather could change at any moment; later on in the day, it would probably be pouring down with rain.

 I hopped off my bed and looked in the mirror in the bathroom. My hair was a mess and looked like I had been dragged through a bush. I had no idea how some people woke up and their hair was perfect or maybe that was just in the movies.

 My white top and black trousers that made me feel like a student again was folded neatly on the washing basket, next to the sink. The shower was behind me and the toilet was to my left. The sink had tubes of toothpaste and toothbrushes scattered across the side. My make up bag was a mess and was covered in foundation. 

As I got dressed, I looked down at my watch to see the time was 08:00am and had plenty of time before I had to go to work. My starting time for work was different for other people, especially when working as a receptionist in a nursery. School usually started at 8:00am and here I am only just getting up. I used to have to go to palates class every morning so my boss just gave me the morning off and I could arrive around the first break and lunchtime.

 Downstairs, I could hear Holly moving about in the kitchen, her tail hitting the radiator as she heard me moving about upstairs. She knew it was time for food, cuddles and then walk before I went to the cafe. Hopefully, I would see him this morning especially after the date yesterday. I was still annoyed that I didn't find out his name, but hopefully today he would tell me. We learnt a lot more about each other yesterday, and he seemed more relaxed. Maybe that was because of it just being us two and not many people around, but either way, it was an enjoyable day.

 I hated to admit it, but yesterday was one of the busiest days I have had in a long time. After not being on a date for a long time or spending time with other people outside of work, it was nice for a change. 

 Once I was dressed and ready, I skipped down the stairs, listening to the sounds of Holly's tail thundering against the radiator. As I walked into the kitchen, Holly jumped out of her bed and jumped up at me, her tail still wagging instantaneously. She slipped past me (once she was on all fours again) and went straight for her lead, which she held in her mouth, running around in circles. Sometimes, I wonder what made my dog so energetic and crazy, but I loved her for it.

 We went for a nice walk around the park that was located near our house. Not many people were around and those who were, stayed away from others, shouting their dogs back to them when they saw another dog and owner approaching. To be honest, I was thankful that the dogs listened as many owners can't teach their dogs basic recall, which is exceptionally annoying and dangerous if there are two dogs who aren't friendly towards others. 

 There was a light breeze around and I could already see the sun disappearing behind clouds that was now forming in the dark blue sky. The weather in England had only two moods. One where it would be hot and warm, making you sweat uncontrollably. And another mood where it would be so cold you would feel like your toes were about to fall off your body. There was never any in between.

 Once our walk was over, which Holly wasn't happy about, we arrived back home where Holly had her breakfast and watched me leave. I just hoped that when I came back, there wouldn't be any eaten items in her bed. As I got into my car and was driving towards the cafe with an hour to spare, I hoped I would see him again. A part of me felt ashamed that I had become so reliant on him coming to this small cafe every morning, but my life was so empty that I didn't want to lose the one person who stayed.