Tracing Memories

58: R e s c u e

You hate that I remember this but I am going to mention it anyway because it still amuses me. I can't ever recall it without a grin on my face.

It had been a month since you began your new job. All was going well and uneventful. Every day you left for work at the same time and returned at the same time. In the evening, after finishing my work, I would make myself a cup of tea and have it sitting by the window that had the direct view of the street because I liked watching you arrive home.

One day, I waited as usual but soon I felt it was getting a little late. I didn't worry too much, thinking you must have been busy but when another fifteen minutes passed I began worrying.

I picked up my phone, which was left on the bed, intending to call you but to my surprise, I found eight missed calls from you. I realised I left my phone on silent.

I panicked, the worst scenarios forming in my head, and quickly dialled back, my heart pounding.

"Where were you?!" You immediately exclaimed with agitation but in a hushed voice.

"I'm sorry... I..." I felt ambushed and couldn't form an answer, "But what's wrong? Where are you right now? Are you okay?" Instead of attempting a clearer answer I fired these questions.

"You need to come to the office right now. I am in a bit of a... situation." You explained calmly.

"Oh my God! What?! What is it? Are you okay?" I yelled.

"I am fine. I can't explain much. My phone's dying. Just... just come over quickly." Was all you said.

I wasted no time and made my way to your office as fast as I could. By that time the working hours were over and almost everyone had left, save for one or two people who were still gathering their things about to leave.

I pushed your door open with force and ran in.

"Close the door!" I heard your voice before I could spot you and I automatically complied. But when I turned I couldn't figure where you were.

"I'm here." You peeped out from behind your desk.

"What are you doing there?" I exclaimed as I circled around to reach you.

"My hand... it's stuck." You sheepishly announced as I noticed your forearm stuck under the desk.

"Oh my God! How did this happen?!" I shouted and was immediately told to keep my voice down.

"A document fell and went under it. I thought I could reach it but... I... miscalculated." You explained trying your best to be stoic about it.

"How long have you been here?" I asked.

"Half an hour. The phone was barely in my reach. Now help me, will you?!" You spoke in an annoyed tone again.

I went around to the side of the desk and tried to lift it enough for you to get your hand out. It was heavy but with some effort, I was able to do just enough. You quickly pulled your arm back and massaged on it. I let the desk go with a 'thud' as soon as you were freed.

"The document's still under there. We kinda need it." You looked in the direction with disappointment.

"Okay wait," I said as I reached my arm under the desk to retrieve it.

"No, don't!" You inadvertently exclaimed but my slender arm slid under and out effortlessly, the document in my hand. I smirked victoriously as I handed it to you.

You didn't talk about it after we returned home and I didn't either but at night, as we were about to sleep, I suddenly couldn't hold it and began laughing uncontrollably, startling you in the process.

"Are you still thinking about it?" You were not amused.

"I am never going to forget this." I answered between laughter, "I should have taken a picture before rescuing you."

"It's not funny!" You were annoyed but I ignored you, continuing to laugh.