City Dream

Vodka

This short story does have smut. You've been warned! Enjoy!

The feeling of being lonely, corrupts Zara's whole being.

She has parents, along with a few siblings. But she's 27 years old, and still is not in a serious relationship.

Of course Zara has spent nights with a few guys in her adult years, but it was only that. She's surrounded by dozens of working relationships, happy and thriving couples, and here she is. Sitting alone at a bar. Her second time there this week actually.

While drowning in her own misery, Zara feels her phone vibrate from the back of her black skin tight jeans. Lazily pulling the device out of her pocket, she swipes to answer the call and brings it up to her ear.

"Hello?" Zara tried her best to keep her voice from wavering as she spoke, hoping the person on the other side of the line couldn't tell her brain sounded obviously a little drunk.

"Zara? Oh lord, are you out drinking again? Your father was wondering where you've run off to again." Zara's mother lightly sighed through the phone.

"What!" Zara quietly whispered, "How did you know? Can you really tell through the line?" She kept her voice calm and quiet, not wanting to draw any attention from others.

"Zara honey, you can't keep drinking. I know you're discouraged, but don't damage your body like that! I've worked so hard on it!"

Zara closes her eyes tight, "I'm not that drunk mom. I've only had a few shots of vodka, I'm fine. It's not gonna kill me."

Zara's mom let out another sigh, "I know it won't. I'm worried, that's all. I just want everything to work out for you Zara. You deserve success, and a loving, supporting partner." Her words were meant to give comfort, and Zara appreciated her concern, but she hates the topic. It hurts, because she knows her own situation and doesn't need to be reminded of it over and over again.

"Mom, I have success. God, I've finished school and I've been so successful with it, even when I worked at the same time. I pay for myself, and I have my own place. I pretty much have everything." Zara pauses as she rests her elbows on the bar counter, "Just not the one thing that I truly want. No, of course not. Because why?"

Silence fills Zara's phone before sound finally fills it again. "I don't know. I don't know why every one of your younger siblings has their own families now, and my oldest daughter hasn't found someone." She didn't sound bitter, or mad. I guess she was just expressing her feelings she's been holding in. Doesn't mean it won't hurt though.

"I've tried. Believe me, I've tried mom. When I have the time, I go on dating apps, I talk to guys, but all they want is crap. Some of them look at me and just see my money and success." Zara doesn't want to get heated over this touchy subject at the bar, especially if she lets herself get drunk enough to cause trouble. So, she continues to keep her voice down. "It hurts to know nobody really wants me. Maybe I need to move away from Korea, and start someplace new. I don't know if I can stay knowing I'm not wanted."

Suddenly realizing what she had said, Zara feels her chest tighten a bit.

"Zara," The familiar and soft voice came from the phone again, "I'm sorry if I've upset you. And as much as I hate the thought of you leaving Korea, it might be good for you. You need someone."

"Can we talk about this later? I'm gonna drink some more." Zara lifted her head up a bit, praying her mom would let her go from the call.

"Alright sweetheart. You're a good child Zara, you make good decisions. Please stick to that." Though Zara couldn't see through the phone, her mom was smiling warmly. "I love you."