A Moment With You

CHAPTER 14 | Back to Where it Started

I stepped closer to you today
You stood still as I came to you
Your eyes just stared as if knowing I'd be there
While I finally stood in front of you
As if wondering what goes on in your head
Finally, I got to see you intentionally
Up close and never like a passing wind
We finally met, though unexpectedly
I'm glad I took a step
I'm thankful you stood still and stayed

The bus ride wasn't as long as Ray expected it would be. It was faster this time -- or perhaps because he had gotten used to it.

When the bus stopped, Ray quickly nodded a thank you to the driver who smiled broadly at him. It seems the driver had grown familiar with Ray despite being there for a few days. He embarked without hesitation and found himself in front of a road that led to a familiar view -- a picturesque town with a view of mountains. A few steps ahead of Ray was the bridge where he first met Irene.

He was back...

Ray took a deep sigh and started walking his way to where he knew was a safe refuge -- the Kim's home. He had called them earlier and asked if he could stay another night. They gladly said yes, of course. They have -- after all -- asked him to stay for another night.

Yes, another night. An hour ago, he was sitting on the bus bound for the city. Annie, the personnel at the bus station, was right. He could sit wherever he wanted since there were only a few who would be traveling that day -- him and the driver.

Ray had been sitting there for a while waiting to see if there would be other passengers while the driver seemed relaxed as he sipped coffee and chatted with some people who had just arrived. It seems more people were coming to town rather than leaving. Seeing them made him feel like wanting to call Irene.

Yes, Irene, he hasn't said goodbye to her. He wanted to call her. Unfortunately, he wasn't able to get her number. He tried calling the bookstore, but the phone just kept ringing.

By the time the driver entered the bus to check if there were other passengers, Amber called. She was with Mr. Yami. Ray didn't know exactly what had gotten into him at that time. Instead of confirming he was already on the bus bound for the city, he asked Amber instead to apologize to Mr. Yami...

"Just tell him something very important came up. I'll be going back to the bookstore." Ray said.

"You can't be serious Ray. He's here checking what time you'll be here." Amber gritted.

Ray could hear Mr. Yami chat with one of their longtime partners, Ms. Mimi. He also felt Amber's panic.

"I just have to stay another evening. I'll be back tomorrow morning I promise." Ray said. "Just please tell him something urgent came up."

Before Amber could protest, Ray had hung up.

After the call, Ray apologized to the driver and left the bus. He didn't notice the driver staring at him, laughing at what just happened. His only passenger had left.

Now, Ray stood by the bridge on his way to the Kim's.

He was greeted once more by the captivating view of the village. However, instead of the lights and lamps on the bridge, the high noon sun somewhat presented a different charm the village possessed. It immediately took Ray's breath away. Seeing it in a different light brought about a different kind of warmth.

Ray slowed his pace to admire the scenery. The walk was peaceful and he could hear the birds too. After a few minutes of walking, he could see Mrs. Kim waving at him.

"You came back!" She greeted and hugged him tightly. "I'm glad you decided to join us."

Ray hugged her back. "I'm happy to be here."