His name is David. The attraction was clear to everyone around, including the two of us. Though we had just met, the love was undeniable. If the fluttering of the heart and the butterflies in the belly were an indication of a perfect love, we were going to live happily ever after. And, our journey together was going to start after his job interview.
We said our good-byes for the night, and morning came instantly. I walked into the office building, which looked more like an elegant shopping mall decorated with glass and mirror sculptures. Everyone was dressed in blue or black suits. I felt out of place, as I looked down and noticed my pants were too long and I was not wearing shoes. Still, I proceeded to walk to the center of a lobby-like area, finding a seat on a bench. I was to meet David here, prior to his interview.
I waited. Countless people walked through the revolving doors, though David was no where to be seen. I checked my watch. His interview was to begin within the next 10 minutes. I looked at my friend. I saw the concern in his eyes, as he indicated we should head up to the office where the interview was to take place. I heard him say, “I hope he is here.”
My heart sank. Why wouldn’t he be here? I asked myself. Where would he have gone? My friend nudged me, letting me know we had to get to the elevator. When I stood, I realized – again – I had no shoes on my feet. I noticed one shoe next to our bench, and I put the shoe on my foot. I scrambled to find another abandoned shoe, though I was unsuccessful. My friend began running towards the elevator, and I hobbled behind him.
Many people dressed in suits walked onto the elevator with us. My friend pushed the button for the floor we wanted. I looked. The 147th floor? I was afraid of heights – I didn’t like elevators – I did not have a good feeling about this at all.
The elevator started to move – quickly. I closed my eyes and put my head on the shoulder of the person beside me. She jerked her shoulder and scowled at me. Apparently, she didn’t appreciate the head of a stranger on her shoulder. I did my best to hide in the corner, until the elevator stopped and we reached our floor.
My friend and I made our way through the crowded elevator and out the door. We looked around the office, in search of David. We did not see him. We asked the receptionist if she had heard from David. A sad expression came across her face, as she handed me a note.
The note read, “My heart is racing, as I write this note to you. Is yours? I miss you. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. But, I’ve flown to Nicaragua.” I stopped reading and felt faint. My friend caught my arm, walked me to a chair and sat me down carefully. I caught my breath and began reading again, “After saying good-bye to you last night, I was overcome with something – I’m not sure what it was. I called my Dad, and I asked him if I could come home. For whatever reason, I need to go home. I will return. I love you. David.”
I dropped the note. My heart was racing, and I was confused. My friend picked up the note, shaking his head as he read it. He didn’t seem surprised. My friend stood up and started walking away. For him, the story ended. I watched as my friend disappeared in the crowded elevator. I sat alone. Lost. Confused. Hurting. And, I started to cry.
I woke up. My heart was still racing, and I felt tears running down my face. Rob walked into the bedroom. “Good morning.” He said with a smile. It was a dream. It was only a dream.