In the Sense of Logic

3

In the sense of logic | Chapter 3

"I don't think I will be able to work here anymore...I am so sorry." 

"All of a sudden? Why?"

"Personal reasons..."

"Well, Oliver, it was a pleasure to work with you for the last three years. Remember that there will always be a spot open for you if you decide to return."

"Thanks, Max," I thank the manager.

I take in the view of the cafe for the one last time and I start to leave until I hear my name. 

"Oliver! Wait!" It's Marilyn. She runs towards me and catches her breath. She is holding a cup of coffee and a blueberry muffin. "Don't forget to eat breakfast, okay?" 

I smile gratefully at her and take them. "Thank you."

"Oliver..." her tone is serious. "Are you going to seize your opportunity?"

Even though this is a serious question, it somehow sounds funny to me. I burst out laughing and then catch my breath. She eyes me funny and I answer, "Yes. I am already one step inside the gate you told me to enter. Thanks so much, Marilyn." 

"Where are you going? Are you ever coming back to New York?" 

"I don't know actually. I am either heading for the best direction of my life or the worst. I mean, how bad can it be? I am willing to try." 

She comes in for a hug and I just stand there since my hands are full. I just tap her lightly on her head. 

"If you need anything, Oliver, I am always here for you. Just call me whenever you need me, okay? Okay, Oliver? Promise me okay."

"Okay." 

I also visit the library to tell them about my situation and they don't take it as personally as Max and Marilyn did at the Cafe. Librarians are quiet and stiff. 

"Oh, well, thank you for working with us, Oliver. Best of luck to you." That is the nicest thing the librarian ever said to me in the past three years.  

Another librarian named Julie, the one who helped me the most, gives me a light hug and presents me with a book. 

"What's this, Julie?"

"It's a book, Oliver, obviously." she laughs. "It's for you. I know how obsessed you are with this subject and it reminded me of you. It's a present. Read it whenever you get bored."

"Thanks for everything."

"Of course. Always drop by, Oliver." 

And now, New York is a stranger to me. I cut my connections and now I am willing to build new ones in New Zealand. I go home and start packing. It's ridiculous how one phone call can change my life like this. I feel like I am in some kind of drama. 

I barely have anything to pack. I have a few books related to science. I stack those neatly in a box. I add my journals, photographs, letters, etc in the box as well. I slide open my closet door and take out all my clothes. My clothes are mostly jeans, sweaters, shirts, and one suit. A pair of suit that father gave me. This is the last thing connects me to him. 

I fold all my clothes and put them in my suitcase. I barely have any that they all manage to fit. My small studio apartment barely have any furniture. It already came with a small refrigerator and a bed. I decide to get rid of my blistered desk and chair that I bought at a garage sale.