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v1.4 (last commit 2024-09-24T16:23:10+00:00)
Song Credit: The Walkmen, “Heaven”
Listen to this piece 🔊
Ally stood in front of her closet, her bedroom a battlefield of discarded outfits: sheer cocktail gowns, an assortment of blouses, yoga pants, scattered shoes, t-shirts crumpled on the floor. The clock ticked louder with each passing second, her phone sitting silent on the edge of the bed, reminding her of the text she’d sent Joe an hour ago. "Hey, are you working tonight?" No response.
She sighed, biting her lip as she tried to focus. A part of her wanted to give up and just stay in, but a deeper part of her was done surrendering to fear. Joe would be at COMMUNITY. He always was.
Our children will always hear Romantic tales of distant years
“Alright, trying but not trying too hard,” Ally muttered to herself. She finally settled on a white tee tucked into high-waisted jeans, finished with a black biker jacket that gave just the right mix of "effortless" and "this is me trying". She glanced at the mirror, nodding slightly in approval.
Next came the makeup—subtle red lipstick to add a pop, a smoky eye to make her eyes the star of the show. Her hands paused over her natural chestnut curls in the mirror. Should she let them be, wild and free? No. Not tonight. She pulled out her straightener and worked through the curls until her hair fell sleek, then gave her bangs a final teasing touch.
Another full-body check in the mirror. She smoothed the jacket, ran a hand through her hair, and checked her phone again. Still no response from Joe. With a deep breath, she grabbed her bag, slid on her boots, and ordered an Uber.
Our gilded age may come and go Our crooked dreams will always glow
The drive over was a blur of nerves and anticipation. Still no response from Joe. “Ugh, he’s usually quick to reply,” Ally whispered, taking a deep breath and exhaling slowly, trying to calm herself. The familiar wooden sign that read COMMUNITY came into view as the car pulled up to the curb. She stepped out into the night, the air cool against her skin.
Inside, the space was alive. Warm lighting bathed the room, highlighting the rich woodwork and bohemian chic décor—rugs, low tables, and cushions strewn across the floor. The place was packed; standing room only, it was Open Mic night. Ally could hear the hum of conversation, a mic check over the speakers. She scanned the room, her eyes catching the sight of Joe on stage, a microphone in hand.
Her breath caught in her throat, and for a moment, she was transported back.
Stick with me, oh you're my best friend All of my life, you've always been
Joe had been a steady presence in her life, even if she hadn’t fully noticed it until now. They’d known each other for years, crossing paths at COMMUNITY over endless cups of exotic teas and easy conversations. He was the guy everyone knew, the guy everyone liked, with long dark hair and an easy smile that made you feel like you were the only person in the room. Joe had a quiet confidence that always intrigued her, an authentic warmth that seemed to radiate from him. They’d even gone on a couple of dates, but Ally had always kept things at arm’s length.
Remember remember All we fight for
He wasn’t part of the plan, after all. Joe wasn’t the Ivy League-educated, type-A personality she thought she needed. He was artistic, adventurous, valued people over prestige...different. Unfamiliar. Vulnerable in a way that made her feel both drawn to and terrified of him. He remembered the little things—her favorite author, her favorite music, what lit her up. But more than that, he listened. Really listened. And that scared her.
Remember remember All we fight for
It wasn’t what was envisioned for Ally: a dynastic power couple, two perfect kids, summers in the Hamptons. No, Joe didn’t fit into that image. So each time they talked about hanging out more, she disappeared for months, lost in her pursuit of the perfect life she thought she wanted.
Don't leave me now, you're my best friend All of my life, you've always been
Then, six months ago, everything crumbled. Her long-term relationship with the perfect-on-paper partner ended, leaving her devastated and questioning every decision she’d made. Three months after that, her startup folded, and with it, her carefully crafted vision of the future.
In the wreckage of it all, Ally had spent months in self-reflection—therapy, silent retreats, meditation. She’d slowly begun to realize that maybe, the ideal life she’d been chasing wasn’t the one that would make her happy.
Don't leave me now, you're my best friend All of my life, you've always been
The roar of applause snapped Ally back to the present. The crowd cheered as Joe stood on stage, clearing his throat into the mic.
“Thanks, everyone. I’m truly touched—and maybe a little terrified—that you all came out tonight. Some of you know I don’t just make lattes and cappuccinos. I also like to write a little poetry.” He chuckled, the sound rich and warm. “So, I thought I’d share something with you.”
Remember remember All we fight for
Ally’s heart raced as Joe glanced out into the crowd, his gaze scanning the room. Then, his eyes found hers. A flicker of recognition crossed his face, followed by a smile that sent a long forgotten feeling of warmth rushing through her. She raised her hand in a small wave, and he nodded, his grin glowing just a little more.
Remember remember All we fight for
Special Appreciation
My motley SF Community of misfits and vagabonds 💛