April 22, 2014
The Night the Sky Opened Up
I remember the night sky opened up as I stepped out of the smoke filled room to clear my
mind and lungs. The whiskey was running deep in my veins that night, blocking out the
chill of the wind as it blew through the gaps between the buttons on my suit. I could still
hear the trumpet player wailing away on his instrument to the bemusement of those who
possessed the ability to enjoy themselves. My mind had been withdrawn for days,
unaware of all that was happening around me. I had wasted years of my life trying to
make the situation work when all the while I knew it was futile. That's when I spotted
her. The red dress contrasted so brightly with the grey surroundings that it was almost
impossible not to notice her. She had pulled her hair back and wore a shade of lipstick
that matched the bright intensity of the dress she was wearing. Black leggings ran down
the sharp curves of her calves and ankles, fusing with the black heels that gave her an
extra couple of inches of lift. It was the hat that always pulled her outfits together though.
Tonight it was large and circular, with the bill extending out in all directions and white
laces wrapping around the dome, complimented with a white rose protruding from the
side. She wore it slightly tilted, giving herself the look of a Hollywood starlet from many
generations ago. She looked so perfect standing there beneath the florescent lights of the
theatre's sign that I could not look away. I took a drag of my cigarette, inhaling slowly,
trying to savor the beauty of the moment. As I exhaled the smoke swirled up and around
my face. The haze blocked my view for a few brief seconds but it was long enough.
When it cleared she was leaning on the arm of some man. I had never seen him before
but the image was disheartening to say the least. As they turned to make their way down
the sidewalk my eyes met briefly with her's. I know what I must have looked like,...