I stood before Mia's desk, my heart racing with anticipation.
"Good Morning, Ma," I began, my voice laced with trepidation.
"Can I say something?"
Mia's expression remained unreadable.
"I just want to apologize for what happened last time," I continued.
"I made a stupid mistake, and I'm truly sorry about it."
My eyes cast downward.
"I would understand if you dropped me from the team."
The weight of my mistake crushed me.
"But if you do forgive me, I promise not to be this stupid again."
The room fell silent, seconds ticked by. My head remained bowed, waiting for her verdict, hoping this wasn't my last day. Mia's voice broke the silence.
"Here you go, Nate."
She handed me my employee's pass, my thoughts spiraled. Was she giving me the pass, as a gesture to leave the company?
Had I misinterpreted her gesture?
Confusion etched on my face.I looked up.
"What are you waiting for?" Mia's voice was firm but encouraging. "There's a lot of work to do. EcoCycle just invited us to a retreat this weekend, and we must present the complete project work to them. So, there's no time to slack off."
I nodded briskly, relief washing over me.
"Ok, Ma," I responded, swiftly exiting her office.
The team plunged into overdrive. Mia's instructions echoed in our minds. We worked tirelessly, fueled by determination. As I compiled the final documents, my phone buzzed. Ava's name flashed on the screen, I had forgotten, she wanted to see me, and it was almost time.
Panic fluttered in my chest. I considered staying longer at work, using it as an excuse to avoid her, but my tasks were nearly complete. In a few minutes I was done with work. Standing before the company building, I hesitated, torn by conflicting desires. Meeting Ava was dangerous, yet irresistible, unanswered questions swirled in my mind.
Why did she move away without a word?
Why didn't she inform me earlier?
Did I ever mean anything to her, or was I just a friend?
These questions held me captive. I couldn't lie to myself, I yearned for Ava to reveal.
That she was forced out of the country.
That she had feelings for me.
That our connection was real.
With a deep breath, I surrendered. I stopped a taxi.
"Daisy playground, please," I instructed.
The driver raised an eyebrow.
Yeah that was our very own hideout,a place where memories lingered.
The taxi dropped me off.
I walked toward the playhouse. Creaky swings.The slide we once raced down.Every step revived a memory. I stood before the playhouse, hesitation gripping me.
Turn back, or see it through?
I pushed open the creaky door, Eva was already there, her gentle snores filling the space. Her head rested against the playhouse wall. Her chest rose and fell with each peaceful breath. Time seemed to have stood still. She remained carefree, unchanged,sleeping soundly in this abandoned playground. I drank in the sight, regret washed over me.
Was I truly that inadequate?
Never good enough for her?
The playhouse's chill enveloped me but Eva slept on. Exhaustion etched on her face, probably drained from work. I took off my coat to cover her with it. Our faces were inches apart.Transfixed by her slumbering beauty. Her eyes fluttered open, locked onto mine. My heart skipped a beat.
Just the sound of our ragged breathing, she smiled, and closed her eyes, she fell asleep. I quickly covered her with my coat.
I immediately rushed out for air. My face aflame. I inhaled deeply, composing myself, hiding vulnerability.The night air wrapped around me.I stood sentinel outside the playhouse, watching over Eva as she slept. Anger still simmered, but I couldn't abandon her in this desolate playground.
My vigilance was broken by the shrill ring of my phone.Who could be calling at this hour?
Mia's name flashed on the screen. I took a deep breath and answered.
"Hello, Ma."
Mia's voice was barely above a whisper, laced with worry.
"Hello, Nate."
Her tone was uncharacteristically shaken.
"Are you okay, Ma?" I asked, concerned about etching my words.
"Sorry for calling so late," Mia's voice trembled. "I had no one else to turn to. I felt safe with you...you saved my life once."
Her vulnerability caught me off guard.
"It's okay, where are you? I'll come meet you," I urged.
"No, it's fine. I'm leaving now. Just need to rest. I'll be fine," Mia insisted.
But I sensed desperation beneath her words.
"I insist, where are you?" I pressed.
A pause.
"Am in a playground...Daisy Playground."
I was stunned, my mind racing, was it really the same playground?
I swiftly ended the call and began searching for Mia. My eyes scanned the deserted playground. The swings creaked gently in the breeze, and then, I spotted her. Mia sat alone, her figure silhouetted against the moonlight.
"Mia!" I called out, my voice carrying across the playground.
Her head jerked up, surprise etched on her face. Why was she here?
This was more than coincidence.
"Nate, what are you doing here?" Mia's voice was laced with wonder.
I settled into the swing beside her.
"Am surprised as you are," I admitted.
Mia's gaze drifted into the distance.
"This was my old neighborhood," I began.
"This playground was my escape, my sanctuary."
Mia's eyes locked onto mine.
"I had no idea," she whispered.
"A lot of memories linger here."
Mia's expression softened.
"Can I tell you a secret?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
"This playground...it was one of 'L Group's' main projects."
"My mom designed it, I'd follow her,and play here all day, and forget everything."
Mia's eyes sparkled.
"This playground was my escape, too."
As she spoke, her words painted vivid pictures, I listened, captivated, our shared connection to this playground bound us in unexpected ways. We were lost in conversation.When my name echoed through the night.
"Nate!"
I turned.
Ava stood behind me, I
completely forgot about her. Her eyes locked onto mine, a mix of surprise and curiosity. Mia's gaze followed mine to Ava.
"Who's that?" Mia asked.