Zelus (Perseus Reimagined) (BXB)

Chapter 63

"Do drop by if you have the time. We specialize in homemade croissants, bagels, cinnamon buns, you name it. We have almost all of them."

2024

I GAZE OVER TO THE glass window that views an indoor garden. Spring is here. The vines and thorns of red and white roses twirl and decorate the arch doorway. As people step through it, by their sides, rows of blossoming dahlias, daffodils, and sweet peas greet them. A garden table and seats for two were ready for those who'd like to take aesthetic shots, as well as a swing where the handles were connected to an arm of the sturdy oak tree that shades the area. This is probably the only Starbucks I know that has its own garden. The nature vibes help take our minds off the everyday routine of life.

After grocery shopping was completed, I had the afternoon to myself. I could've laid on the couch and watched TV, eating stale chips or scrolling through Instagram, seeing everyone moving on with their lives while I'm still stuck here, feeling sorry for myself. Instead, reading a good book with some delectable coffee doesn't sound half bad at all.

And so, here I am.

I'm still lost in my thoughts, or generally, in life. I don't know where I'm heading or what the world has in store for me as it woke me from my coma. There must be a reason, right? Everything happens for a reason. At least, that's what everyone says.

Baby steps, as nothing is going to change overnight. Time is running fast, but that doesn't mean I have to. For once, it's my turn to be selfish, and I will take my time.

"Calling for Jon," the barista reels me back from the garden. I approach the pickup counter, where she's waiting for me with a drink in her hand. "Here's your double foam mocha latte with triple shots and extra ice."

Man, I missed this.

She gently places a thin piece of tissue over the drink before attending to the needs of another customer.

"Thanks," I thanked her, regardless of whether she heard.

With my book clamped in my arm, I dragged myself to a table close to the exit. Apparently, all the window seats were taken, and given that the place gets crowded fasts, being picky about the seats wasn't an option.

...

I had my earphones on, playing classical music instruments, but my inner voice was louder than it. In my hands spread open the book titled, All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven. It's a story of a girl who learns to live from a boy who wants to die. I had this book on my shelf for a good four years but never bothered reading it as I kept purchasing more books, knowing damn well I hadn't begun reading the ones I bought previously.

I always liked sad stories. They hold more lessons of life that sometimes no one will tell you until you discover them yourself. The character Violet is somewhat like me. I wanted to die, but then I met my Theodore, Alex. Though, he's the exact opposite of the character. Regardless, it's nice reading stories where you can resonate with the characters in them.