In Charlotte's Eyes

Who She Needs

After about an hour and a half of wandering and exploring the general area Suzuki lived in, Charlotte was finally able to pinpoint where his house was. Throughout the car ride, Charlotte made a few observations: It was November 25th—a Wednesday—and it was 3—almost 4—P.M. in the afternoon. Suzuki wouldn't be home yet.

“Do you want me to wait with you?” Lucia offered as Charlotte stepped out of the car.

“No. It's okay. Thank you for going out of your way to help me.” She turned back and smiled at the kind soul. This act of kindness really made her day. “I couldn't ask for more.”

“You're gonna be waiting for a long time, though..” Concern laced her tone. “If he gets off of work at eight, like you said, then you'll be waiting for close to four hours. Are you sure?”

“Yes. Again, thank you so much for your concern. Thank you for taking the time out of your day to help me.” She bowed.

“I'm sorry that you went through what you did, Charlotte.”

“It's okay.” She beamed so Lucia wouldn't worry. “I'm alive. That's all I can ask for.”

Lucia’s brows were scrunched and she hummed uncomfortably. “I can't help but worry, still. Are you sure you don't want me to stay?”

Charlotte nodded. “I'm certain.”

“Okay.. Just- make sure you go to the police about it eventually, okay?”

She grimaced through her smile. “I will.”

“Okay. Goodbye, Charlotte.”

“Bye, Lucia!”

“Hopefully I see you again.”

Charlotte closed the car door. Afterwards, Lucia backed out of the driveway and went on her way. That left Charlotte alone.

She slowly walked to his front porch, taking in the nostalgia that came with being back here. She took a seat on the swinging chair, leaning back.

Alone she sat.

Alone she watched.

Alone she thought.

Cars would pass by. People walking with their families. Squirrels. Time passed by.

The sun set. Blue and purple hues. Clouds tinted pink. The sun emanated a warm orange glow. It disappeared over the horizon as Charlotte gently rocked with the chair. The breeze blew the leaves off the trees, floating gently to the floor.

Charlotte watched with a stoic expression, but inside she was awestruck. All of this was missing on The Plane. The soul and living nature of the world.

The world around her darkened. The stars began appearing in the sky. Midnight blue. There was a chill in the air that came with the night. Each car that passed by would spark Charlotte’s excitement of seeing Suzuki again. It would happen soon. Until then, she gazed at the sky. The crescent moon appeared now. She hadn't seen the night sky in months. It brought tears to her eyes.

She embraced the beauty of the world as she sat, rocking gently back and forth on the chair.

A car slowed down in front of Suzuki’s house. It pulled into the driveway. She could see it clearly now. Suzuki’s car. She gasped as she got up and walked down the steps. Suzuki pulled into his garage, which was detached from his house. As it closed, Charlotte went to the side of the building, waiting for Suzuki to emerge from the door. A light gently illuminated the side of her face when he opened the door. Instinctively, she blurted, “Suzuki..!”

He flinched, and his eyes snapped to her. The two gazed into each other's eyes. Suzuki seemed aghast, his hands weakly grasping his small backpack. Charlotte’s eyes were wide and her lip quivering. Tears threatened her eyes as she stared at him, taking his image in for the first time in forever.