A Calm spirit comes with a sip of fine whiskey. I look at this rich, seductive liquid in my glass. My finger playfully touches the rim of the glass. I didn’t plan to come here on my drive home. I should be in my house watching the news. But as I was driving around the corner, I stopped. I am here seated alone. Listening to jazz sounds. The music fills the room with waves of emotional stillness. A yellow light brightly illuminates at the end of the bar. I can vividly see flirtatiousness: a young man with what appears to be a middle-aged woman. The man sits comfortably with his arm stretched on the end of an armrest. He has lit a cigarette trapped between his fingers. The lover holds the lad’s chin and passionately kisses his lips with blind pleasure. I am in disbelief as the facade plays out. 

It’s clocking nine. I should be leaving! But I seem to be enjoying this sensational evening. I should take care because I have to wake up early tomorrow. I Shouldn’t let the thrill of alcohol get to me. Oh Lord, knows I worry. It’s just a mini bottle. Where is my party game? On my own, I continue to drink with steadiness and poise like a man who has never had to worry about his own life. Acting like all Intricacies are tales and stories of the past. For a minute, I had stopped staring at the cross-generation affair. When I looked back, they were leaving. She is holding her purse, and has his hand wrapped around her waist, gently walking towards the door. I immediately look around the room. There is no one else! I empty the bottle, take a deep breath and drink. Hastily, I take my coat off the chair and put it on as I walk through the room to the door.

©joeln