The night passed by with the man thinking and making scenarios in his imagination like a teen. The next morning while he hadn't slept much, woke up and did his work much faster than usual.
Hey, are you good?
A co-worker asked David. As David turned around it was his best friend Johan.
Yes, why?
Asked David while tilting his head a little in confusion.
Because you have been working non-stop for hours. You even didn't take a break and continued your work.
That, I have something to do that's why I want to finish sooner today.
I see, if you want, I can help you with the work.
That would be nice. Much appreciated.
But it won't come free.
Johan's face made an evil grin.
What? What is the cost?
Suddenly Johan started laughing.
Nothing I was just joking.
That scared me for a second.
What did you think I would ask for?
I thought you would ask for me to work overtime for you. Or take you to the fanciest restaurant.
That doesn't sound like a bad option.
David made a sigh and said:
Don't even think about it.
Don't worry. As I said I was just joking. Friends are for days like this.
It is much appreciated.
Going forward like this David finished his work earlier and went out to the meeting point.
I hope I am not late.
David was looking at the bench from outside the park to see if the lady had arrived. But to his much concern, the lady hadn't arrived there yet. David sighed in relief.
Luckily, I am not late.
Then he made his way to the bench on the way he saw a boy selling flowers and David thought to himself that it wouldn't be bad to buy some for the lady. But a sudden thought came.
I don't think it is appropriate to buy this. After all, we are not that familiar so I don't think she would like it.
Thinking this he didn't buy flowers and just went to sit on the bench.
After waiting for a while, he saw a familiar face outside the park.
The lady slowly making her way to the bench also saw David and shook her hand.
Hello sir.
Hello, milady. How are you?
I am fine. How are you?
Seeing you I feel relieved.
Why is that?
I just thought you might not come. Or that you would have arrived sooner than me and had already left thinking I wouldn't come.
That makes sense but I would say you overthink.
David smiles gently and says:
So, I stood by my word and came today. Can I now know your name?
As promised, I will tell you then. but before that can I drink something?
David exhales a heavy breath.
Yes, you can.
The lady makes a gentle smile and says:
I see you are impatient. In that case, my name is Khatoon.
Khatoon, that is a beautiful name.
Yes, now can I get myself something to drink?
Ah, yes right away. There is a store right there, what should I get you?
Says David while pointing to the left where the shop is.
In that case, I would take a juice.
Okay, I will be back then.
David went to the store and bought a few drinks. When came back was faced with the surprised face of the lady.
Hm? What happened?
Nothing, it's just that I think you have bought a lot.
About this, don't worry.
But, why so many?
Because we will be talking for a while, it is better to have a few.
That is quite thoughtful of you. By the way, what is your name?
Ah, I forgot to tell you. My name is David.
That is a nice name.
Yes. But not as good as yours. What does your name mean?
It is a Persian name. it means 'lady'. In the past women were referred to this way.
I see, it is quite meaningful.
Thank you. Your name is also good and meaningful. As I remember it is taken from the bible, right?
You are correct it is a prophet's name in the bible. He was famous for his belief in God.
Yes, he was, what about you then?
As for me, I try to be a devoted person. But it seems like my desires take the best of me.
I see. Hope you do well then.
Much appreciated. What about Milady then?
I am a religious person.
That is nice.
David claps his fist into his hand and says:
I think you were sent for me to be guided more in the right way. You do seem much more devoted than me after all.
Who knows. Maybe you will learn from me from now on.
Yes, I will take good lessons teacher.
Both chuckle and smile. Then an awkward silence rises. David, noticing it tries to find something to talk about. When the lady asks:
By the way, if you are 20 then do you have a job?
Yes, I do work although I couldn't continue my studies thanks to a friend, I was able to find myself a job.
What is your job?
I work at a wedding hall.
Then aren't you busy with work?
No, I mostly do booking and arranging work so I am not that busy.
It must be nice working in a wedding hall. Seeing people get together and be happy.
It is most of the time. But weddings are not that simple. Sometimes things tend to get much more complicated.
It must be rough then.
Sometimes it can be. What about you, do you also work?
Yes, I do some part-time jobs after school. I did ask this before as well, but what caused you to not continue your studies?
If I have to say it directly,
David pauses for a second scratching his head he says:
It is because mostly I don't have desires, things I wish for nor a goal for the future. So, after I graduated not having any plan, I spent a year like that. Then, my friend said I should do something just to be able to live and make some money for life necessities.
I see, it must have been quite hard for you.
It was not.
How is that?
Because I had some money and I lived as a kept man for years. So, I was well taken care of.
The lady shocked stays silent for a minute.
You were a kept man?
Yes, from 11th grade until I started working, I was a kept man. Even in school, I was given money by my sugar mommy.
That is surprising.
It can be, but for me it was normal. If I could have lived properly and had food it was all fine for me, it is even now.
You don't want to go back to being a kept man?
David laughs and after a while answers:
If I must, I guess I will go back to being one. But at the time things are going well. I am living a respectful life, so I don't plan on going back to being a kept man.
That is good to hear.
You seem to care a lot about someone you have just met.
Well, all human beings are dear and respectful. Most importantly humans are born to be free, so I don't think they will feel good if they make themselves do things that chain them.
Davis's eyes open in surprise.
That is also a way of seeing things.
As they continued talking like this, the lady got a phone call. While talking David guessed that she had to go, and their time was over.
After she finished the call, David said:
Do you have to go?
Ah, yes. I must go now.
It's all right. Can I have your contact this time then?
Yes, here is my contact.
They exchanged contact after that the lady and David said their goodbyes while promising to meet each other when they have time.
I will message then when I can come again, dear sir.
Okay, I will wait for it then. Also, if you need help in anything I can do you can text me about it.