Compilation of one-shot Stories

Passing Through

In the bustling city of Baguio, where the cool breeze whispered secrets among the pine trees, there was a small, unassuming café tucked away in a quiet corner. It was known among locals as a place where one could escape the chaos of life, even if only for a little while.

Mara, a third-year nursing student, often found herself there. The café had become her sanctuary, a place where she could find solace and a temporary respite from the demands of her studies. The walls were adorned with paintings of serene landscapes, and the soft hum of jazz music played in the background, blending seamlessly with the gentle clinking of cups and saucers.

One rainy afternoon, Mara sat by the window, watching as raindrops traced their way down the glass. Her laptop was open in front of her, a half-empty cup of coffee to the side, and scattered notes and textbooks covered the table. She was trying to make sense of the material for her upcoming exam, but her thoughts were scattered. Her gaze shifted to the cafe's door every time it opened, hoping to see someone, anyone, who might offer a brief distraction from her worries.

It was then that a man walked in, drenched from the rain, his face partially obscured by the brim of his hat. He shook off the rain and scanned the room before approaching the counter. Mara couldn't help but notice the weariness in his eyes as he ordered a hot cup of coffee and sat down at a table near hers.

The man glanced around, noticing the café's atmosphere but not quite absorbing it. His gaze eventually fell on Mara, who was engrossed in her notes. There was a moment of silent understanding between them, as if they were both seeking something that this place couldn't quite provide.

Mara, despite her struggles, felt a pang of empathy. She was familiar with the feeling of being a mere stopover in a larger journey, a place where people came to rest but never truly belonged. She had been grappling with her sense of transience, especially in her academic life. The inadequacy of online classes and the lack of support had left her feeling like an outsider in her own educational journey.

Summoning her courage, she approached the man's table. "Is everything okay?" she asked softly.

The man looked up, surprise evident in his eyes. He managed a tired smile. "Just needed a break from the rain, I guess."

Mara nodded, understanding more than he might realize. "Sometimes it feels like we're just waiting for something," she said. "Waiting for things to get better or for life to make sense. But maybe we're just passing through, finding moments of peace along the way."

The man considered her words, and for a moment, he seemed to reflect on them. "You're right," he said quietly. "I've been thinking that I'm just a stopover, a pause in someone else's story. It's comforting, in a way, to know that it's okay to just rest for a while."

Mara smiled, finding solace in their shared understanding. "Yes, it is. Even if we're just temporary stops, we can still find moments of calm and clarity."

As the rain continued to fall outside, Mara and the man sat together, sharing stories and reflecting on their lives. The café, with its quiet charm, became a temporary haven for both of them—a place to pause, to find respite, and to understand that while they might be passing through, their moments of connection were meaningful.

When the time came for them to leave, they exchanged a warm goodbye. Mara returned to her studies with a renewed sense of peace, accepting that while she might be a mere stopover in the grand scheme of her journey, she could still find comfort and meaning in her transient moments.

As she walked back to her dorm, the rain had ceased, and the city lights twinkled in the distance. Mara realized that while she might not have all the answers or the perfect place to call home, she could find moments of belonging and understanding in the fleeting encounters and quiet places along the way.