The Writer's Muse

The Writer's Muse: Strange

Sarah was Maya's friend and also Asher's editor, but they very close friends that often hung out outside of work. Asher, Arjun, and Maya had been her companions for years and they always had each other's backs. See how all three of them had been going through some tough times, so Sarah suggested a day out to keep their minds off of their troubles.

The day started early, with all four friends meeting up at a local coffee shop to grab a bite to eat. As they sat down, Asher, who was usually very talkative, was particularly quiet.

"Is everything okay, Asher?" Sarah asked, concerned.

"I'm just going through a rough patch, you know. Work has just been overwhelming lately and of course, these two has been on my neck for something I don't wanna do," Asher replied, taking a sip of his coffee, then pointing at Arjun and Maya.

Maya placed a comforting hand on his shoulder. "We're doing this for you, Asher."

Arjun nodded in agreement. "Yeah, and you know it too, plus don't act like you don't enjoy it."

Asher scoffed, but nodded, grateful for his friends' support. They continued to talk, letting Asher vent about him being stuck on his new book, and sharing their own troubles as well.

As they finished their breakfast, Sarah suggested they go to the nearby park for a hike. The weather was perfect, and they all loved being outdoors, so it was a perfect plan to take their minds off their troubles.

As they hiked, Arjun talked about his struggle of finding a new job after being laid off. Maya shared that she was having some issues in her relationship, and Sarah talked about family problems.

Arjun looked like he was kicked in the guts when Maya mentioned her own problems.

Maya put her arm around Sarah. "We're your family too, Sarah. You can always count on us."

Sarah smiled, feeling grateful for her friends. "I know you guys always have my back, and I have yours."

As they finished the trail, they sat down at a bench to catch their breath. Arjun suggested that they play a game to distract themselves, and they all agreed.

Asher suggested they play "Two Truths and a Lie." They all shared personal stories, and Arjun borrowed the park ranger's binoculars to look out for birds with Maya while they continued to chat. He knew how much she enjoyed nature, especially cute animals. Maybe that could score him a brownie point to get on her good sides again.

As the sun began to set, Sarah suggested they find a spot to watch the sunset together. They found a scenic lookout and sat down to take in the breathtaking view.

Maya broke the silence. "Guys, I just want to say, thank you all for today. You have no idea how much it means to me to have you by my side."

Arjun reached over to give her a hug, but she declined, muttering "No".

Asher added, "Yeah, today was a bit of a reset button, you know? We all have so much going on in our lives, but we can always come together and remind each other that we're not alone." He looked specifically at Arjun and Maya, who was the sole reason he accepted the day out plan from Sarah.

As the sun set, they all breathed in the fresh air and savored the peace and comfort they felt with each other.

Before they could depart ways, Maya asked Arjun "Can I talk to you for a minute?"

The moment they left to a private spot, Sarah turned to Asher.

"Should I ask?" She raised a brow.

"Nah, I'm sure they're good." He replied.

The next week, Asher decided to go talk to his editor, Sarah, as an editor, not friend to try and negotiate more time for himself.

"I swear, I am this close to having everything ready."

"I know Asher, but you know, I'm just your editor, more like an intermediate between you and the firm." She replied.

When she saw how down he looked, she asked "Asher. What's bothering you?"

"Sarah, I went on a blind date last week, you can blame Maya and Arjun, but I went anyways, and let's just say it didn't go as well as I hoped."

"Oh no, I'm sorry to hear that. What happened?" She snickered and coughed out to cover her mock laugh. Anyone knew better than to take Arjuna's dating advice.

"Well, the lady I went out with just talked too much about irrelevant things. She kept going on and on about her cat and how it likes to nap all day. I tried to redirect the conversation, but it didn't work."

Sarah listened attentively and could tell that Asher was disappointed. She knew that he must have been looking forward to this date and was hoping to make a meaningful connection with someone.

"I was not looking forward to the date, but I at least wanted to have some fun." He answered her silent questions.

"I'm sorry to hear that it didn't go well, Asher. Sometimes that happens on blind dates. But hey, at least you tried and gave it a shot."

"I know, but it was just frustrating. I feel like I wasted my time."

"Well, what can we do to make you feel better?"

"I don't know. I guess I just need to vent a bit."

"Sure thing, I'm here to listen."

Asher sat down in a chair across from Sarah's desk and started to talk.

"First she talked about her cat, and then she started talking about how much she loves to shop. And then she went on this whole tangent about how her favorite color is pink, and how everything she owns is pink. It was just too much."

Sarah could tell Asher was feeling overwhelmed with all the information the lady had shared.

"It sounds like she was really excited to talk about herself and share her interests. Maybe she just needed someone to listen. But I can understand how it could get overwhelming."

"I guess, but I just didn't feel like there was any real connection. I want to find someone that is interested in getting to know me, not just talk about their own interests."

"I understand. Do you have any other dates lined up?"

"Yes! I don't wanna go, but I need to. I think I need a break from blind dates for a while." He pulled at his hair frustratingly.

"That's okay. It's important to take a break and focus on yourself. Maybe you can do some things that you enjoy and meet new people that way."

Asher nodded in agreement. "That's a good idea. Maybe I can join a new gym or take a cooking class."

"Those are great ideas. But, whatever you chose, don't forget to write, you have a deadline to meet."

"Ugh! Fine you don't need to remind me. But thanks Sarah, see you later."

He thought of a better way to spend the rest of his day, suddenly the idea of seeing Lena popped into his head and he went with it.

"Um, have you seen Lena?" He asked the first staff he saw at the store.

He knew it was Lena's shift and she never misses work, unless it was for something important.

"Yeah, she's out back." The staff replied. Asher nodded his thanks and went there.

"Hey Len… Hey! Leave her alone!" He shouted while rushing forward.

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