EVOLUTION Vol.2

CHIT CHAT

Write a story - When it's said and done, we haven't told you a thing

*

Oliver sat at the bar, nursing his drink. He had been coming to this place for years, and yet he still felt like a stranger among the regulars. They were all older, grizzled men who seemed to know each other's life stories inside and out. Oliver, on the other hand, kept mostly to himself.

He had always been a private person, never one to share his thoughts or feelings with others. But lately, he had been feeling more and more disconnected from the world around him. He had a good job, a nice apartment, and a few friends, but something was missing. He couldn't quite put his finger on it.

As he took another sip of his drink, he noticed a woman sitting a few stools down from him. She was pretty, with long brown hair and a shy smile. Oliver didn't usually approach strangers, but something about her caught his eye.

He mustered up the courage to speak to her. "Hi, I'm Oliver," he said, offering his hand.

The woman shook it. "I'm Emily."

They chatted for a while, trading small talk about their jobs and hobbies. Oliver found himself opening up more than he usually did, and he was surprised at how easy it felt.

After a few more drinks, Emily suggested they go somewhere quieter to talk. Oliver hesitated for a moment but then agreed. They left the bar and walked a few blocks to a small park.

As they sat on a bench, watching the sunset, Emily turned to Oliver. "You know, I feel like we've been talking for hours, but when it's said and done, we haven't told each other a thing."

Oliver chuckled. "Yeah, I guess you're right. I don't usually open up to people that quickly."

Emily nodded. "Me neither. But there's something about you that makes me feel comfortable."

Oliver felt a flutter in his chest at her words. He had never been one for romance, but he couldn't deny that he was attracted to her.

As they talked more, Oliver felt himself opening up even more. He talked about his childhood, his fears, and his dreams. Emily listened attentively, nodding at all the right moments.

As the night wore on, they stood up to leave. Emily gave him a shy smile. "I had a really nice time with you, Oliver. Maybe we could do it again sometime?"

Oliver felt his heart skip a beat. "Yeah, I would like that."

As they said their goodbyes and went their separate ways, Oliver felt a sense of joy and contentment that he hadn't felt in a long time. He knew it was too soon to tell if Emily was the one for him, but he couldn't help feeling hopeful.

Over the next few weeks, Oliver and Emily went on more dates. They explored the city, tried new restaurants, and talked about everything under the sun. Oliver found himself falling for her more and more with each passing day.

But then, one night, as they sat in Emily's apartment, Oliver's phone rang. He didn't recognize the number but answered it anyway.

"Oliver, it's your mother," came the voice on the other end.

Oliver's heart sank. He hadn't spoken to his mother in years, ever since she disapproved of his career choice and cut him out of her life.

"Mom, what do you want?" he asked, trying to keep his voice steady.

"I'm sorry to bother you, but your father passed away last night. We're having the funeral next week and I thought you might want to come."

Oliver felt a wave of emotions wash over him. He hadn't seen his father in years either, but the news of his father's death was hard news to hear.

© 19 April 2023