The Diner

Again

Only to arrive back at the Diner. I rubbed my eyes a few times and pinched myself thinking I was having a nightmare. Unfortunately I was wide awake. I calmed myself and thought rationally. "Maybe I took the same route back on accident because I am so tired." another rational thought came to mind. "Maybe the fog and my sleepy daze had me confused about what streets I was on." I decided I would pay closer attention to the streets I went down. I rounded the corner and instead of my home, the diner once more. I tried my best to keep calm. Third time's a charm, right?

Wrong. Again, my headlights graced the empty parking lot of the diner. Two more times. It felt hopeless. I parked my car but didn't get out. I laid my arms on the steering wheel and my head on my arms. I cried softly at first and began to wail, praying to whatever force is out there that this is just a night terror. I got out of my car, cleaning myself up and stepping into the diner. "Hi welcome to the Sunshine Diner my name is Betty, how may I help you?" I almost fell back in disbelief. "I was just here. Remember? I tipped you 10 bucks?" The woman tilted her head in confusion. "I'm sorry I don't think I've seen you here recently. Are you alright honey? Why don't you sit down and have some coffee." She smiled nervously and lead me to the same booth I sat at. I looked out the same window, the same depressing dreary view. She handed me the menu and I looked up at her. "Is this real? Is this all real?" She patted my back and rubbed it gently. "I'll get you a nice coffee darlin' you wait here." She smiled again and disappeared into the kitchen. 'This can't be happening, this can't be real! Wake up! Wake up Damn it!' I thought as my leg bounced anxiously.

When she returned with the coffee, a fake smile plastered her pleasant face as tears rolled down my cheeks. "Do you want anything, hun?" The waitress said as she pulled out a notepad and pencil. "N-No thank you." I gave an unreassuring smile and she departed from the booth.

I sipped the coffee. It tasted like nothing. Everything felt like I was in a dream. As if I could feel myself but not really. I pinched my arms and clawed at them, biting them too. Nothing woke me up. I smashed the mug on the table, fixing my coat and storming out the diner as the waitress called out from behind me, "Hey! What the hell do you think you're doing?!" I got into my car, a flood of adrenaline, bravery, and anger pulsing in my veins. Slamming the door shut, I started the car and wildly turned out of the parking lot, my tires screeching loudly. I didn't care. I didn't care at all. I sped down the streets I took to my home repeatedly ending up at the diner. "FUCK! FUCK FUCK FUCK!" I punched the dashboard and over and over again I repeatedly ended up there.