Dark Room (A Short Story)
Emptiness succumbs to our being when we are in solitude.
Sensing the loneliness, feeling depressed while seated in the corner of my poorly lit room, I closed my eyes and breathed heavily. My heart couldn’t figure out why I still feel bare. I am surrounded by a wonderful circle of friends (though they are a few), earn a modest salary from my wonderful job, have a comfy place, can do what I want but when I am in my room like today…there’s nothingness.
I put my fingers on my temple and rubbed it gently, trying to relax, trying to feel okay. The 10 shots of my favorite brandy in the hotel earlier tonight really helped me feel comfortable. My head was getting better, the massage worked!
My hand tried to grasp where the remote controls were then pick them up, turned on the TV and the player. The player played the CD on the last scene where it was stopped – oh yeah – the player has memory feature, I reminded myself.
The actor was paddling the boat while the actress was on the other end. They were quiet, calmed and was touring in the body of water until they reached the place where there were beautiful migratory birds. With the help of the light coming from the TV I stood up and looked for my pack of Marlboro and ash tray. I was not supposed to smoke inside my room but I couldn’t help it. I sat again and lit up my cigarette paying attention now to the scene on TV. Thunder was rumbling and heavy rains were pouring. The actor was in a hurry to tie the boat onto the dock and ran after the lady. They had an argument, they were soaking wet. Then they kissed. The more i felt sad as i watched their passionate kissed. I decided to turn the TV and player off.
Moment of silence again. Darkness enveloped me once more. I continued puffing my cigarette not knowing what to feel and think. I felt numb. I felt cold. I pressed the button of my wristwatch and the LCD displayed 2:10am.
I wanted to sleep but I failed.
