Drip drop.
The rain didn't just fall; it hissed against the road, turning the empty street into a resonant soundboard. Street lights flickered overhead, and loud screams echoed from the main street where bands were performing despite the heavy downpour.
Wooooossshhhh!
A gust of wind slammed into my face. I gripped my umbrella firmly, though I was already soaked to the bone. Fortunately, my belongings were still dry. For now, that was my only bit of luck.
I arrived at the bus stop and sank onto the bench. I looked up, but all I could see was a heavy, pouring darkness.
Around me, everyone was busy. According to the clock at the bus shed, it was seven o'clock in the evening. People walked side by side, clutching their umbrellas. Some seemed happy, rushing home as if someone were waiting for them. Others looked like they'd had a miserable day, wanting nothing more than to crawl into bed.
And then there was me. I'd be pulling another all-nighter once I got home. I had to ensure my work was perfect, even when working from my own room.
'I want to buy the new merch, but I can't afford to starve for days.' - A girl stood outside the shop to the right side of the bus stop. She looked eager, yet sad. She pulled her hands away from the glass window and walked off.
'I want ice cream, chocolate bars, and candy balls' - A child pointed at the nearby shop.
'How do I pay off my debt?' - thought a woman in her twenties, dressed in a sharp red suit.
The thoughts began to crowd me, unfiltered.
'I want to paint again, should I tell mom?'
'What should I do about my boss?'
'My ex keeps bothering me…'
'How can I keep up in math?'
I didn't know how to feel. That's how the world revolves, I supposed. We make decisions, but we never truly know how to respond to life.
Suddenly, a stranger stopped walking and stared heavily at me. She was a middle-aged woman with wavy hair, blue eyes, and a floral dress. She looked lost, her eyes darting around the street.
'Where can I find Samsam Restaurant? I think I'm lost.'
"Samsam Restaurant is three blocks away from here." I said, pointing the way.
She froze, looking perplexed. "Oh? How—?"
I let out a heavy sigh, avoiding her gaze—and everyone else's.
The bus finally arrived. I stood and waited for the other passenger to alight before stepping through the door.
Beep.
I tapped my card and sat down, immediately closing my eyes. It was the easiest way to stop being involved with people.
This was my last day working on-site. Because of the "Incident" three days ago, I was transitioning to remote work. I had started seeing people's thoughts vividly, and I didn't even know how it happened.
That woman must have been shocked. I didn't want to make her uncomfortable, but I had. I'd told my boss it would be more "efficient" to work from home. Luckily, he approved it.
The rain had stopped. The sky wasn't as dark as earlier; you could clearly see the ocean in the sky.
"We have arrived at Cloudnine Station. Please alight the bus carefully." -the bus announcement chimed.
I stood up, walked out of the bus, and started walking with my head down, avoiding everyone's gaze. I didn't see this as a talent or an ability to celebrate. I was extremely anxious. I started wondering if I was even alive or just dreaming. It was overwhelming.
I arrived at my place. Holding the key in my hand, I twisted the doorknob.
Creak.
Slam.
I locked the door from the inside and headed to my workspace to drop off my bag. After grabbing some clothes, I walked slowly to the bathroom to wash up and brush my teeth.
Drip. Drip.
Water fell from the faucet. I stared at my reflection in the mirror. I pinched my cheeks over and over, then slapped them.
"Ouch!" I muttered in pain, clutching my face. It was red as a tomato. I had been doing this for three days, trying to wake myself up from this shitty dream.
I sighed. "Clearly, you aren't dreaming. Accept reality, Pollen" - told my reflection while washing my face.
It really wasn't a dream.
'What should I do? I'm going insane.' I thought, terrified of the possibility that I was losing my mind.
I needed to talk to my best friend, even if she laughed at me. I should at least meet her; tomorrow would be the perfect day.
I jumped into bed and tried to fall asleep.
Zzz…