Yellowed

Chapter 6; Bridging

Gloomy, exhausted, and drained. That's all I feel tonight. It has been a long day. After staring at countless documents I need to make a report of, I was hoping for a warm soup or meal or any treat to help me quench this tiredness, but I remembered that I was living alone in this dorm. 

I've stationed myself on an empty seat near my bed where I can watch the setting horizon. Mindlessly I stared at the running puff of clouds above covering the moon as they passed by. The light of the night shines on my window, turning the white walls into bluish-gray. I let out a long sigh as I glance at my bed. Despite how tired I am, I know I wouldn't be able to sleep instantly. I'm becoming more and more afraid to close my eyes. The fear of dreaming about that scene again seems to grow more and more. 

It almost makes me gasp when my stomach growls. I've been so preoccupied with these thoughts that I forgot my hunger. I decided it would be best to devour my hunger instead of gnashing away my thoughts. I stopped by the fridge to get some eggs and fry them with canned corned beef. It felt good against the cold nights. The taste of it brought back some soothing memories of when I was home. 

I finished my meal in silence. Only the soft clanking of the utensils and the plate can be heard. After that, I get a cup of milk in the fridge, something so simple yet comforting. I updated my phone and made a few checks here and there.

Moments later, I still wasn't able to ready to go to bed, but it was already nearing midnight. I pulled out my jacket at went outside. I remembered that the view of the rooftop in this dorm was perfect, and I'm sure I would be the only one there at this hour. 

A cold breeze welcomed me as I traced the banister. And I was right; I'm the only one here. As I walked near the edge, I could see the entire city with its giant maze of street lights, car lights, and bright neon signs. But, the view isn't the only thing I like about this place. The best thing about it is its sound. The strong gusts of wind that seem to travel over the city below and the howling of cars passing by. I relished the sounds because they kept my mind busy and prevented me from thinking about the things that worried me. 

I sighed again as I looked in the sky. I stared at the motionless clouds passing overhead. Then I saw that I was wrong, thinking I was the only one here. Another man was standing on the other end of the rooftop but on the opposite side of the building. It felt like he came here before me. But he was standing so far to the edge. I couldn't see his face, but I felt I wanted to talk to him for some reason. 

Before I could even decide, I made my way toward him. He seemed not to notice me as I took cautious steps, fearing I might startle this man. The moon is shining bright as the clouds are now gone. I realized that this man was no stranger to me; It was Flavus. He too, was not aware that he was not alone here. 

"What are you doing here at this hour?" I asked, making him jump. 

"Mr. Gray?" he asked, eyeing if I was really the man he called.

"Are you just peeking at the view only to imagine what is out there that you cannot see at the distance?"

"What?"

"I was watching you for a while, but I'm not sure if it's you, so I have to make sure first," I said, going near him. 

He turned to face me and said, "I didn't know you also live here."

"A lot of students and university staff dorms here," I replied.

"Yeah, I see. It's just I'm not expecting to see you here, sir, especially at this hour," he said, and the wind blew hard. 

"Why are you here sir?" he asked again.

 I looked at him as I made my way to the edge. I know he's not comfortable going near the edge but still, I gestured for him to go near me.