If there was anything Tyrone truly believed without an iota of uncertainty, it would be that nothing is true. That nothing is absolute.
Now, one might argue this simple fact, but everything is ultimately defined by context, and context in itself is volatile and formless. Context can be anything imagined or anything ridiculous but context is never certain.
So sometimes, when in chaos, Tyrone found himself wondering... What is one true thing in this moment?
And right now, the only true thing was that he wanted to go home.
As much as he loved working nights, the peace from the wind, the freedom to drive without judgment from the watching world, tired passengers who had no more juice to criticize, dramatic passengers often young adults getting ready for an exciting night...more logical men heading home, mother's leading their kids...as much as he loved watching the world exist without him... he just wanted to go home. He wanted to be alone, he wanted peace, he wanted silence and he wanted something. He didn't know what it was, nor could he express it or understand it, but somewhere within him was an unsettling and incessant itch, a desire.
It didn't matter, though; he had to work a little longer. The sun had set, people rushed about, he made a little more money, bought his fried pork, enjoyed it, and kept on working...night fell, and suddenly, he realized he had forgotten to go home. But now it was quiet; people no longer talked loudly, no one could see him, passengers were more in their minds, the world was alive, and yet...so simple. Home wouldn't be, he knew that, so he didn't want to go home anymore.
He just wanted to drive, singing to the music a little louder but not enough to annoy the passengers, he kept at his job. A few times he picked up girls who would sing along with him, some to get his attention and some with whom he connected in a way deeper than words through singing together alone.
He got compliments... yes a lot of it. It was that time of the night when passengers were mostly around his age and wouldn't try to boss him. They noticed him, they cared, they listened and he was a person once again. But it was almost only girls.
One might wonder why Tyrone was biased towards the female gender, this was why. He had horrible experiences with men, and every time he corrected his thinking, another man would come around and do something stupid. The best males were those quiet and nonchalant.
Females, on the other hand, made mistakes a lot. Some hurt him deeper and more than any man could but he appreciated them. They thought, they cared and they engaged their minds even if sometimes unreasonable.
As much as he wanted to stay out to play philosophy, there were soon no more passengers on the road, and gas stations closed. If he didn't want to get stranded by running out of fuel, it was time to go home.
****
Turning off the ignition once on the driveway, he paused for a moment. Part of him felt fear, he had stayed out too long, part of him anticipated the food as he was starving, and part of him was terrified. How long could he keep up with this life? Was it worth it? If he walked in now, his mother would either be angry at how late he returned or upset at how little he made. He would have to lie if she asked him about the daily loan repayment. He didn't make enough to cover it today but if he told her that, she would hurt him.
No, she would never get physical; she might not even say anything, but he could see it, he could sense it. Disgust? Disappointment? Anger? He couldn't tell but he knew it hurt. Each time, that look in her eyes felt like someone showed him his suffering and stomped it on the ground like it was nothing while stifling his voice and disregarding his explanations as excuses. That literally was his reality.
Regardless, he had to go in. So he did.
Fortunately, she was asleep. Sneaking up to her, he took her phone from the side of her bed and snuck back out to the kitchen where he had breakfast while reading a light novel online. He found peace reading, an escape perhaps more real for him than anyone else could ever understand.
After reading for a few hours, he realized he needed sleep and headed off to bed.
The next day would be long and he needed to be ready for it.
******
It was a new day on the road again, and Tyrone didn't know it yet, but it was the day when his world would become exactly what he wanted it to be: More than himself.
It all started with a thought- forgiving betrayal. It's an action that requires a great sacrifice, one that the betrayers often fail to see when they ask for forgiveness. By putting up with that transgression, one puts in motion a series of emotions and thoughts that will inevitably destroy them. But then again, by Tyrone's twisted logic...nothing is absolute.
In this context though, one thing was. The woman now sitting beside him.
There are times in life when you stop yourself from action by saying, 'Not yet.'
And there are times when an impulsive or instinctive reaction to circumstances brings about life-altering consequences.
Some say certain decisions have the potential to turn the gears of one's life and completely alter fate. As if there were moments in time when predestination goes to shit, and everything is redefined by one's action or inaction.
The truth, however, is that sometimes, most times...there is no choice, no decision. Things just happen.
So Tyrone was driving, as usual. It was January 5th, still the quiet after-party day, and he was at peace.
Until he saw her...then everything changed. The air shifted, and he could sense it. The world he now lived in was no longer the one he knew, but he could do nothing yet. Not until someone confirmed it.
"Where to?" he asked barely looking at her as he held the wheels tighter.
It was the girl in the white dress the day before, but Tyrone didn't recognize her. Tends to happen when you deny people their personality.
"Just drive" she urged, the rush in her tone palpable.
He'd only gone a few miles forward when he saw a car following...well rushing towards him from behind.
His fate had changed; his life was starting anew, and this game, Tyrone knew how to play.