Smiling Depression

CHAPTER 4

As they walked out the door, they went their separate ways. Like leaves being carried away by the wind, they each drifted in different directions, their paths diverging as they followed their own unique journeys. Though they were leaving behind the space that had brought them together, they each carried a piece of it with them, a memory of the moment they shared.
Helen was a bird in flight, her spirit soaring high above the ground as she followed her own path. Her steps were light and free, as if she were lifted by the wind itself. She carried herself with grace and elegance, her gaze fixed on the horizon. She was a creature of independence, a being of boundless potential.
But Ani and Preye were like two leaves on the same branch, following the same path as they walked out into the world, like two peas in a pod, bound together by their shared path. They walked side by side enjoying the comfortable silence between them.
" Ani, would you go on a night out with me?" Preye's voice cut through the quiet, breaking the peaceful hush.
"A night out, you say? what all happens on a night out?" Ani looked at Preye with wide-eyed innocence, like a child asking what they should do at a birthday party
"Fishing, farming and perhaps mining."Preye responded with a mischievous grin, a list of activities that seemed absurd for a night out, a lighthearted attempt to tease Ani.
Ani couldn't help but burst out laughing at Preye's absurd and hilarious answer. "Ouch! you got me  feeling like the most stupid being on earth right now, but then, I'd rather be stupid with you than being wise with someone else." Ani retorted. His face lit up with a smile that was all for her, a beaming expression of pure joy.
His words were like a ray of sunshine, illuminating her face with a smile that she couldn't contain. The joy that she felt was evident in her eyes, sparkling with happiness. His words had a magical effect on her, bringing a radiant glow to her expression. There was no way to hide the delight that she felt, and her smile spoke volumes about the impact he had on her.
"Your presence is a source of comfort and solace, a safe haven where I can be myself. Your words have a way of soothing my soul and your and compassion have been a lifeline in difficult times." Preye shoot back in a light and airy voice.
"You have been my oasis in this mundane, a balm to my soul and my favourite feeling; Ani "He responded with a tender touch, his hands gently grasping hers. His hands were warm and comforting, and his touch was gentle and soothing. She could feel the love and concern in his grasp.
His words were heartfelt that they left her speechless, unable to find the words to respond. She was transfixed by his voice, swept away by the sincerity and emotion in his voice, and she felt herself melting into his embrace. It was as if he had a magic power over her, captivating her with his words and touch. In that moment, all her worries and concerns faded away, replaced by a sense of warmth and safety. She felt safe in his arms, and the world around them seemed to disappear.
They stood there, eyes locked, for what felt like an eternity. as they gazed into each other's eyes, love shone from their faces, a powerful emotion that could not be concealed. It was as if they were seeing into each other's souls, feeling an unbreakable bond that connected them. Time stood still as they stood there, lost in each other's gaze, sharing a moment that was theirs and theirs alone. The love between them was undeniable, radiating from their eyes like a beacon of light.
"So, tell me, when shall we set off on our journey into the night?" Ani said in a soft whisper. He leaned in close, his voice low and gentle as he posed the question.
"Tonight, I propose. Preye's response was instantaneous, a reflection of the eagerness she had been holding in.
"I'll be at the basketball court at 8:00PM, ready for our adventure. I hope you won't leave me standing there alone like a sentinel in the night." Ani retorted as he withdrewed from her presence with a look of pure joy, a parting gift of contentment and bliss.
The sight of Ani leaving was like a beautiful painting, a masterpiece of pride and elegance that captured her heart. As she watched him leave, a deep sense of contentment washed over her, beyond the limits of her words. She couldn't help but admire the grace and poise with which he carried himself as he walked away. His gait was full of dignity and confidence, exuding a sense of self-assurance and satisfaction. She could not take her eyes off him as he strode away.

                         At the basketball court.....
At the epicenter of the court, where the action was sure to unfold, he waited with bated breath. The court was like a stage, a platform for athletic prowess and skilled play. The lines were crisp and clean, the hoops stood tall and proud, ready to receive the ball with grace and precision. The court was a place of action, a place where legends were made and records were broken.
The night was thick with silence, the stillness of the air punctuated only by the pounding of Ani's heart.
"It's lonely here, like a shadow has descended on this place. The darkness seems to have consumed every corner, leaving nothing but fear and uncertainty in its wake. The voices in my head are getting louder, filling me with doubt and despair. My heart is racing, my mind overwhelmed with negative thoughts. I'm trapped between a rock and a hard place, with no way out. I'm desperate for help, but it feels like no one is listening. I'm alone in this struggle, with no one to turn to." Ani's thoughts echoed in his mind, a constant companion in the darkness. His inner monologue was a stream of consciousness, a chaotic jumble of emotions and memories. It was as if his mind was a mirror, reflecting the turmoil within, revealing his deepest fears and insecurities. It was a private moment, a personal reflection, an introspection of the soul.
He felt isolated, trapped in a world of his own making,  His thoughts were like a raging storm, swirling around his mind and battering his soul. He was lost in a sea of despair, with no beacon of hope in sight. It was as if his life was being played out on a stage, with him as the only audience member. He was the sole witness to his own suffering, a spectator to his own sorrow.

Her purple gown flowed behind her like liquid flame, and her eyes sparkled like twin stars. She moved with grace and poise. She was the embodiment of allure and mystery, her beauty a force to be reckoned with. As she approached him,  he was lost in his own thoughts, unaware of her presence. He was lost in a world of his own making, oblivious to the world around him. It wasn't until she was right in front of him that he looked up, his gaze meeting hers. The spell was broken, and he was suddenly aware of her beauty, her power, and the impact she had on him.

The moment their eyes met, his world stopped. He was frozen in place, unable to move or speak. His heart was pounding in his chest, and his mind was racing. She was like a goddess, her beauty so overwhelming that he couldn't think straight. He felt like he was drowning in her presence, unable to escape the pull of her allure. It was as if time had slowed down, and the world had disappeared around them. It was just him and her, alone in a bubble of their own making. He stares at her like he has been in a trance-like state, enraptured by her.
" God is truly an artist, I must say. You are living proof of His power, a testament to His glory, an embodiment of all that is good and true and a reflection of His love made manifest." Ani gazed at her with eyes filled with admiration, his tone warm and sincere.
A wave of happiness washed over her, a warm and gentle feeling that spread through her body. Her heart felt lighter, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips.
"I apologize sincerely for the delay, please accept my deepest regrets. Let's get going now, the darkness is upon us." Preye's voice was apologetic, with a tinge of urgency, as he spoke to her.
Hand in hand, they strolled out of the court, the crisp night air caressing their skin. The moonlight illuminated their path, a guiding light leading them into the night.
Abruptly, there appears a tall and imposing, his face was twisted in a mask of rage, his brow furrowed and his lips curled into a snarl. His eyes blazed with fury, and his jaw was clenched tight. He looked ready to explode. "Stop right there!, " he yelled at them with a commanding tone. His face was a picture of anger, his features twisted into a scowl. His eyes were narrowed, his lips pressed into a thin line, and his jaw was clenched.
"Hey there, friend. Might I suggest a more pleasant demeanor? You look like a hungry wolf about to pounce on a small, defenseless lamb" Ani responded in a joking tone. His response to the threat was a sarcastic smirk, his lips curling into a wry smile. His words dripped with sarcasm, his tone light and mocking. He seemed to find the whole situation amusing, a laugh just beneath the surface.
"He might be a jester trying to show us his jokes and antics" Preye retorted. Her response was full of wit and humor, a sly smile playing on her lips. She teased and prodded, her words dripping with sarcasm. She laughed, her eyes sparkling with mischief. It was clear she was only joking, her intention to make light of the situation.
The loutish man's words were like an empty threat, hurled from afar. They were meant to intimidate, but they lacked any real power.The threat fell flat, failing to ruffle the person's feathers. They seemed unimpressed, their expression unreadable. They didn't take the bait, refusing to give the threat-maker the satisfaction of a reaction. They stood tall, unflappable in the face of intimidation.