close to my dialling heart

2🌹dove meets raven.

🎶 But no matter how many fish in the sea, it'll be so empty without me 🎶
~Eminem~

DOVE 🕊

It was just another ordinary day, the kind people often call boring. I had texted Nana earlier, but she hadn't replied yet. That wasn't unusual, since Nana was never glued to her phone. After finishing my lessons, I decided to head to a store in the college area that I loved. They made my favorite ice cream there, and it was a haven for foodies like me. They offered a wide range of beverages and food options, almost as if the Chairman knew that the cafeteria food was subpar and wanted to provide a better alternative. I was looking forward to treating myself to a sweet indulgence.

After spending time with Mal and Elaila the day before, being alone today made me feel like a lost and lonely puppy wandering the streets. Speaking of puppies, they're the only creatures that have ever truly captured my heart. I'm absolutely smitten with their adorable faces and playful antics! But, much to my dismay, Nana has always been stubbornly against getting a pet. I've never understood why she dislikes them so much, but it's a constant source of disappointment for me.

As I entered the store, I ordered my favorite ice cream, and Mr. Rhoose, the kindly owner, was still at the helm, crafting each scoop with love. He was a man who always spread joy, often sharing stories about the City of Love, Paris, his hometown. His infectious smile never faltered, and I admired his warmth. "Thanks, Mr. Rhoose," I said, and he waved at me with his signature bright smile. Nana once told me that people who always appear happy often hide the deepest hurts. I hoped to stay and chat with him someday, to learn more about his story and perhaps uncover the secrets behind his unwavering joy.

As I left the shop, my phone started buzzing in my tote bag. Juggling my melting ice cream in one hand, I rummaged through my bag with the other, trying to find my phone while walking. Nana was calling, and I couldn't miss her call - it was probably the only chance I'd get to speak with her all day. But, as the saying goes, you can't serve two masters at once. I struggled to balance my ice cream, adjust my slipping bag straps, and answer my phone, all at the same time. The buzzing persisted, and I knew I had to act fast before the call went to voicemail.

Lost in my struggles, I collided with someone, and my ice cream smeared all over their black shirt. I gasped in horror as most of the creamy mess stuck to their clothes. "Jesus!" I exclaimed, instinctively putting my phone back in my bag and forgetting about Nana's call. The phone stopped buzzing, and the call was disconnected. "I'm so sorry!" I apologized, my nervousness evident. Desperate to salvage what was left of my ice cream, I used my teeth to pull my sweater sleeves over my fingers, carefully holding onto the cone. With my makeshift mitt, I attempted to wipe the ice cream off the stranger's shirt, my panic evident. I was too mortified to even glance at the person's face, fearing their reaction.

The guy's all-black attire was intimidating enough to make me avoid eye contact, and my attempts to wipe the ice cream with my sleeve only made things worse. My heart raced and my senses went into overload, failing me when I needed them most. "I'm so sorry," I repeated, my voice trembling. Tears pricked at the back of my eyes, and I feared the worst. The thought of the words that might come out of his mouth was terrifying, and I braced myself for a scolding. My mind raced with apologetic phrases, but my voice was stuck, unable to articulate my regret.

"Hey, Xav..." A guy who had approached us said, his voice trailing off as he took in the scene. "Can you hold this for me?" I asked, grateful for the distraction, and handed the ice cream cone to the brown-skinned guy with locs. His gaze was fixed on his friend, and I found it easier to look at him than the other guy. "Is it okay if I wash your shirt? It...it won't come off," I stuttered, my breath hitching. My hands trembled as I touched the stain, and I was sure he could feel my nervousness. "Stop it," he finally spoke, his deep, husky voice making me tremble. I quickly withdrew my hands, intimidated by the brutality in his tone. "I'm so, so sorry," I apologized, biting my bottom lip and fighting back tears that pooled in my eyes.