A Depression

By David J. Lythberg

The nameless back in the corner shifted, revealing a face. Through her peripheral, she knew him to be a young man---slightly older---with deadly eyes behind glasses. A blurry sight did this peripheral hold. A book she carried with her; Keats. With her eyes set to read, she chose to ignore this stranger, but the words didn't make sense to her and

• Language: English
• Publisher: Book Vine Press
• Release date: Jun 8, 2022
• ISBN: 9781958128947

Book preview

CONTENTS

Prologue

I.

II.

Guilt,

IV.

V.

VI.

VII.

VIII.

Prologue

Do you remember when we first met?

I’m constantly a bridge-burner, I said with pity in my mouth, every time is different.

I know, you replied, watching cowardly tears fall and roughly refusing you own, me too.

I looked away in silence, avoiding your stare, which was an empathetic one. Reaching out a concerned hand—baby-soft and lotion-scented—you pulled my eyes back to you, so that you could witness these tears. And your heart quivered to see them; it was all the strength you could muster to keep from shedding your own…

Who was this Love-less, and why he touched you so?

Now here you are: sitting beside a stranger in this lonely coffee shop, intimately stroking his head in comfort, and holding back the unloved urge to cry. Had you expected any of this, my dear?

The day started off normal and airy. You came here looking for something, you knew not what. The coffee house was a dusty interior, like a sandstorm. It was almost empty. You saw however my loveless back, huddled morbidly in the corner.

You carried your cappuccino with grace to a middle table. Situated your body comfortably…

I wrote this book to remember it:

The nameless back in the corner shifted, revealing a face. Through her peripheral, she knew him to be a young man – slightly older – with deadly eyes behind glasses. A blurry sight did this peripheral hold. A book she carried with her; Keats. With her eyes set to read, she chose to ignore this stranger, but the words didn’t make sense to her and she had to reread each page twice. They mixed and mingled with her thoughts and she felt as if she were reading their story instead. She reared back in disgust. His eyes were on her. she turned her mind to the tan walls and the four two-chaired tables. Fluent paintings. A stage.

A couple walked in and she stared at them like she knew no better. They sat near the front, conversing, before they made any attempt to order anything. It was obvious that they were in love and that made her jealous. Their faces hovered over the table, inches apart, and their hands played peek-a-boo behind a scented candle. She fell into such a dream-state she didn’t notice her hot beverage until it was too late! Spilling down into her flowered polyester and denim! A loud uuuggghhh!! rocked the place, sending her chair to the floor! All eyes shot to where she was, including his. Embarrassed blushing covered her cheeks, but she maintained her dignity as best she could by avoiding glaring glances and sympathizing stares. She didn’t mind the eyes of the couple, or the barista, but more than anything she wished not to be watched by the loner. Casually dabbing at her blouse with a napkin, she forced a look of nonchalance.

oh well…

they smiled compassionately and returned to themselves. She sensed his eyes on her.