Cold Feet

VIOLA

I take a last look at what was my life in the big city. The house has been sold and stands all locked up in front of me. My business is dead and the ‘Sold’ sign on the front lawn stands boldly like a headstone and testament to its death. I was able to afford this house because of my business and having to sell it now represents the loss of everything that I built.

I smile thinly as I hand, Jenna, the agent, the keys to the property. I don’t want her to see my pain. I don’t think she’d understand and besides, I’m really just another client to her. Was another client, I correct myself. The house is sold. I have no more value to her unless I’m in the market for another house and I’m not. She knows it.

Nevertheless, she did a great job for me.

“This is for you,” I say as I hand her a small gift.

“Oh, you really shouldn’t have,” Jenna says smiling with genuine appreciation.

“You deserve it,” I smile.

“Thanks,” she says smiling back at me.

I shake her hand and greet her. Then I get in the car, start it and with a quick wave and empty smile, back out of the drive. I look at the house one last time as I drive away slowly making my way to the freeway.

It’s a long drive and I stop regularly to rest. When I need to sleep, I stop and park in public places where I know it’s safe. I sleep in the car to save my money and make it to my hometown in two days.

not much has changed but then what do you expect? It’s

could think of to come right now. I tried finding work after my business died but my reputation preceded me and I wasn’t able to find work that would pay the bills and sustain my lifestyle in Los Angeles. It

left me after she passed away although I know anyone who had seriously wanted to sue me would

A house in this small town wasn’t worth much. I was nevertheless grateful that I still

with a bit more money than I expected and the fact that my mother’s house is paid in full, gives me some

them down in the bedroom before going through the house and opening all the windows and

have not had in a long time and I decide that I will finish the cleaning tomorrow. I need food and decide to drive into town to get some food from the

been when I was growing up. I roam between the shelves and find that the products I want are still in the same locations on the shelves where they were so many years before. As I wonder if I have stepped into the land that time forgot, someone bumps into me from behind and I drop the jar of peanut butter I am holding. It smashes on the floor splattering peanut butter

look at the mess. My thought is interrupted by the person

such a klutz,”

think I recognized the voice and turn to look at the

past her shoulders. Her hair frames her face as it hangs smooth, silken and straight. Her eyes are emerald green and her lips full and perfect. I am sure I have seen her somewhere before but can’t

to recall where I have seen her before. She

so good to see you! I had no idea that you were in

her. We graduated in the same

as if we are best friends. “I