The Heart Of The Lonely

CHAPTER 7

Flurries of autumn leaves drifted down past the empty streets of New York, swaying back and forth in the brisk winds as a flickering light haloed the side of the road, its small sliver of golden ray pouring in through the small gap of the window, right across Brandon's face as he watched with curious eyes thousands of buildings pass him by. A line of red tail lights backed all the way to the end of the avenue, early morning people driving to their work locations.

In the midst of the polluted air, the cold breeze of the crack of dawn felt nice against his face while the evening lights melting through the end of the night continued to illuminate the scenery. The smell of dark coffee filled the yellow cab with its delicious aroma, making him realize just how badly he craved one.

Detaching his attention from the architecture displayed in front of him, he pulled at his white hospital bracelet that hung tightly to his wrist. He struggled for a brief instant but was soon able to rip it off, looking at the item in his hand where his name and room number had been written.

It marked the end of a chapter that he was thrilled to put behind, although, a part of him couldn't help but feel an arriving minor wave of nostalgia. He'd miss the lovely medical crew that had taken care of him all these years, especially Babu.

And, for it was the only place he'd known since he had woken up, the familiarity and habits he had developed there gave him the reassurance that the unknown he was stepping into didn't.

The taxi driver glanced at him through the rear-view mirror as they neared the famous Brooklyn Bridge before pressing on a button on his phone, the GPS still running and giving him the directions he had asked for.

"How's it going?" He spoke with a smile, one hand holding the steering wheel, the other one gripped the plastic coffee cup, ensuring that it was still warm enough to drink.

He wore large square glasses and a faux fur trapper hat. He seemed to be one of the very few, eager to welcome winter. Overall, he was a funny looking man.

"I'm good, thanks." Brandon replied, appreciative of the small talk he thought the driver was attempting to make.

The man gave, with a raised eyebrow, another look through the rear-view mirror. He didn't retort and focused back on the road, lowering the volume of the radio.

"What did you do today?"

"I was at the hospital but now, I'm going to see my wife." A little taken aback by his question, he responded sincerely, no longer looking through the window.

"At the airport?" The hat-wearing guy asked as if he already knew the answer and moved his head in a small nod.

Brandon's eyes moved around in confusion.

"No, I told you. The Hampton's. That's where we're headed."

Clicking his tongue, the man took a deep ragged breath.

"One second, honey." He said and quickly proceeded to remove the hat off his head, setting it aside.

Then, he turned around to look at Brandon.

"Excuse me but I'm kind of talking to my wife, here." He pointed at the bluetooth piece in his ear, lightly tapping it with his index finger.

He focused back on the road, setting the gearshift to a lower range. Silence spread through the automobile as the brown-haired man stared at the back of the driver's head, dumbfounded. What kind of sorcery was that?

"To— to your wife?" His question came in an amused and intrigued tone, thinking for a second that the man was messing with him.

"Yes, to my wife." He acquiesced with a crack of a smile.