Caught in-between #Wattys2016

Before

"Cassandra honey? Cassandra!"

My mother's frantic voice called through the phone receiver. She sounded as if she were miles away, as if her voice were travelling through some sort of tunnel. I felt numb, rooted to the spot for that moment. The phone receiver slipped through my fingers and clattered to the floor as I tried to comprehend what I had just been told. Beads of cold sweat collected across my forehead and my hand started to tremble as the tears rolled steadily down my face.

"No" I barely whispered, shaking my head in absolute disbelief.

I needed air, I needed to get out of the apartment. I stumbled towards the door grabbing my keys on the way out and flew down the stairs that led to the front door. I stepped outside into the rain choking back the anguish that threatened to engulf me.

I started to run, unaware of where I was running to. The silent tears had turned into dry raking sobs; I felt as if my chest would explode. I ran from the realisation; "He's gone, you'll never see him again. That's it."

"Hey! Watch where you're going!" a male voice shouted angrily as I slammed into his shoulder.'

I barely noticed as I struggled to maintain my balance. I lurched forward and crumpled to the pavement. I could feel the stares of passers by; none wanting to involve themselves in my ordeal. I couldn't believe he was gone! I held my head in my hands, weeping now. Why did Joe have to have left today; I needed him!

I was vaguely aware of the  hands that lifted me sodden from the pavement.

"You can't do this here" the unfamiliar voice murmured in my ear. "Let's get you out of here"he continued as he steered me towards the level crossing.

"No" I whispered weakly as I struggled to release myself from his embrace.

"You have the choice of doing this with some dignity or  running off into the night somewhere. I for one am not keen on letting you do the latter in the state that you're in" the unfamiliar voice reasoned.

My feeble attempts at escape were instantly quietened by the logic  in his words. He led me towards a quiet Italian café where he ordered me a strong Cappuccino. We sat at a private booth in the back of the café. I continued to sob quietly as I held my coffee with both hands, grateful for the warmth that it provided.

"I'm sorry for your loss"the stranger said quietly. I glanced up really seeing him for the first time. His narrow deep set near black eyes, striking against his caramel skin, were staring at me intensely, his brow creased with concern. Confusion seared through my grief, "How did you....?" I shook my head trying to rearrange my thoughts.

"I obviously don't know what it is that you've lost but I'm guessing that you've lost something that meant a great deal to you....I mean it's pretty clear that you're hurting" I nodded, chocking back sobs. He reached for my hand; I allowed him to take it.