water droplets //dnf//

cool blue

~Dream POV

The bookstore is cold compared to the hotel, not the same warmth without George beside me. My fingers run over the books as I walk down the aisle. It's getting dark and almost closing time, I need to find it quickly. I see a worker and tap them on the shoulder.

"hi! excuse me do you happen to know where i can find a book called, um 'we were liars'?"

"not off the top of my head but, i can look and come back to you."

"ok, thanks so much."

They walk off and go to type the name of the book at their desk.

George is probably getting impatient.

The person gets the book fairly quick.

"is this it?"

"i-i think so, yes."

"well if that's all you can checkout over at my desk, or scan the book."

"yeah i'll be buying it."

Once I've purchased the book I thank the worker and leave. The rain is still falling so I put the book under my jacket as I walk. Stupidly, I forgot an umbrella so the rain was hitting the hood of my jacket to protect my hair. But soon it'd soak through anyway.

I look up an in the distance, I see the hotel. It's like on cue the streetlights start to flicker on simultaneously. I turn my slow walk into a light jog, just wanting to give the book to George.

With every step my feet splash the puddles beneath me. The feeling of water in my shoe just making me want to be home. On the couch, listening to the cool blue rain, not getting drenched.

I wonder what George is doing right now. I wonder why he was so adamant in getting this book and why right now.

I keep jogging.

The gold trimming and beautiful decor on the hotel becomes more visible as I get closer to the hotel. I see the shadows of people entering and exiting the sliding doors.

A family of 5 walk out of the hotel. Two men and their three kids. The kids are jumping in puddles as the grown men hold hands, walking to their car I assume. They seem happy.

I finally return to a walking pace as I make it to the pavement in front of the entrance.

I shake my head as I walk, trying to get any excess water out before I go in. When I reach the door I take in one last breath, smelling the beautiful rain. When the glass shuts behind me, I miss the sense of the droplets. But I keep walking.

I finally take the book out of my jacket since I'm inside. The cover was a little wet but thankfully not the pages. When I get in the elevator I'm met with silence. No music, or other people. The speaker must be broken.

I remember the music when we first got here, calm and acoustic.

But now I'm left empty. The ride up seemed longer than normal. I presume because I don't have George to talk to on the way up. He's not beside me pulling on my jumper, or fiddling with my hand.

The elevator door opens and I leave, my feet adjusting to the carpet.

My shoes shuffle against the carpet, making a small sound. I see people packing up and leaving their rooms. It must be around the leaving time, meaning George and I would have to head out soon.

I approach our door, I reach for the handle and feel a tiny shock as I grab it. I flinch at the spark.

"shit-"

I see a family look over to me as I let out the curse. I apologize quietly and try to turn the knob. But it was locked.

Without thinking I grab the key card from my pocket. I finally unlock the door.

I open it quickly.

My eyes scan the room, but George is nowhere to be seen.

I walk to the middle of the living area.

"george? i got the book! you wouldn't imagine the rain an-"

Before taking another step, I see a jumper. One of mine that George likes to wear. The pretty brown one that he wore when we first kissed.

It's folded neatly, too neatly. Not one wrinkle to be seen. It's rested carefully on the table. I have no clue what it's for but, I should find George before thinking about other things.

"babe.. i'm back!"

No response.

My legs take me throughout the room, making sure to check every crevice of the beautiful place. Although without George, it's not as pretty.

"george?!"

I return to the living room after not finding him, so I assume the best. Maybe he went to the food court and got us snacks. Yeah, he's probably getting us snacks.

Since I have nothing else to do, I pick up the jumper.

My finger runs across the embroidery. The fuzz feels different after the amount of times we washed it. But it still smells like George. A nice clean smell with hints of mint. I'll never get over the smell of his mint shampoo.

I know I basically drool over everything he does but how could I not.

I grab the collar and hold the jumper up in front of me. I didn't think anything of it, but to my surprise, 3 letters fell out.

They float to the ground as I hold the now wrinkled jumper in the air. I squint to try and read the lettering on the paper but it's no use. So I set down the jumper.

When I pick up the folder sheets of paper, I'm oblivious. Just 3 random parchments.

But as I read the writing, my brain stops.

"the fans"
"the world"

My eyes widen as I read the last title

"my dream:)"

I subconsciously open the first letter.. the note to the world.