Youth's Mist

Youth's Mist Ch 16

Joven

Sitting at the fountain on Saturday evening, holding a funnel cake, and a new ribbon for Kitty, I feel a little ridiculous, and I know I look more than odd. Pann is an hour late, where could she be? If only I had checked my messages after the meeting last night. I was just so exhausted. Maybe she thinks I've "ghosted" her or that I'm not interested. I thought I expressed my "interest" in her pretty clearly. Do UpAbove girls need it sky written or maybe tattooed on my body? Did she get upset over not getting a kiss goodnight? Poop pile in a compost! If I'd known that, I would have pushed the "troll" back in her apartment, pressed Pann against the wall, and planted a kiss on her guaranteed to make every sane thought leave her mind, and mine.

I get up and start pacing around the fountain, searching throughout the park, and suddenly realize the only pictures I have from her is the one of Kitty sitting in the Virginian skyline, and her on a boat in what looks like a torture device, with straps everywhere and a helmet.

I did turn on my cell phone first thing this morning, and it had two messages from Pann. One was saying she would see me later today at the fountain and the other one was a picture of her strapped in the parasailing gear and ready to take off showing two thumbs up; I'm assuming the owner of the boat took that picture.

I waited to message her back till after I showered, shaved, and returned some other messages I had missed. My "grand" plan was to call her after she was on the road, using her hands-free device, and chat with her all the way home. That plan definitely back-fired. All attempts to contact her since then have failed. Texts and phone calls, no response.

"Hey Pann, where are you?"-Joven

"Me again, it's getting late."-Joven

"I'm getting worried here and kind of lonely."-Joven

"I know I've called several times; please respond."-Joven

My calls go unanswered. I've left so many messages; her voicemail must be full. Sadly, I'm left with just calling and listening to her prerecorded voice.

Did I do something wrong? Did I come on too strong? After two hours, I give up and go back home. Giving the funnel cake to Hank and Stan, I don't make any small talk, with my shoulders slumped over, I slowly walk to my home. For once, even they have nothing to say.

Sunday, I'm still confused and now slightly disgruntled. I go to my quiet place, for reflection and thought. I've gotten no messages or missed calls on my phone. She could've just told me she wasn't interested; I get it. Nope, that's a lie; I totally do not get it. I end up making several trips to the control room to check the monitors.

"Do you want us to notify you if we see Pann?" My first thought is to say, "oh no, just keep it to yourself and see how much more twisted I can get myself," but I lower my pride, and get my frustration under control.

"Yes, please," and I turn and head to my parents' house. Sitting in my house alone, is making it worse and I can't meet up with Heif till later this evening. My parents are starting to get concerned. I'm growling at anyone who dares call me, but I can't turn my phone off in fear I'll miss a message from Pann. I don't want to eat, can't concentrate either. The Mist usually has a calming effect on me, but today I don't even notice it hovering around my ankles as I walk.

Reaching their house, they are both sitting outside. How do they make marriage look so easy? Thirty-five years together and still going strong. I rub my chest, why didn't someone tell me there is another side of love? This hurts.

"Hey son, out for a walk?" my Dad says, but I can see the concern in both their eyes.

"Yeah, I just can't sit still." I absently finger the thick corded necklace around my neck. "What did I do wrong? What can I do to make this all right?"