Ethan lay on his bed staring at the ceiling feeling a dull weight of a boring morning pressing down on him. Everything was so boring,he thought, like I'm missing the point of it all a heavy sigh escapes him.
He swung his legs off the bed slipping into his warm flip flops. Getting ready for work felt like moving through a fog, each step automatic, like his body knew what to do even if his mind didn't care.
Keys in pocket, he stepped out of his apartment and into the city streets. the morning air was sharp but familiar, more by habit more then desire. He entered the coffee shop at the corner. The smell of coffee filled the air.
The barista Emily, notice him.
Hey Ethan she said, her usual joyful smile lighting up the whole shop let me guess the usual, right?
"Yeah,he said giving a small nod. His voice was quiet almost distant
Emily studied him for a moment before turning to the machine. You know she said casually," you should smile more
Ethan glanced up at her
You can't keep looking so down all the time
She added,not unkindly
He gives a tired half,smile one that barely counted I'll work on it, he muttered.
Emily chuckled softly. I'll believe it when I see it
She started preparing his drink when Ethan leaned against the counter letting . his gaze drift towards the street outside the city was alive. people walking fast, cars passing conversations overlapping.but none of it felt like it belong to him. it was like watching the world through glass
When Emily handed him his coffee, he took it and stepped back outside as she waved goodbye.
The first sip his tongue -bitter, warm, grounding
That hits the spot, he whispered under his breath
As he walk down the City Street, coffee in hand, he couldn't help but think about how shitty his day was going to be.
Ethan had barely made it half a block when a sound cut through the city noise.
A scream
He slowed.His first instinct was to keep walking.
Not my problem, he told himself
Then it came again-closer this time , sharper panicked. From an alley.
Ethan stopped the corner, his heart pounding mind racing.
He to thought himself
What am I doing
Not a hero
Before he could stop himself.his body moved automatically his mind freaking out
Shit! Shit! Shit! I can't stop myself.
He made it to the mouth of the alleyway a man was holding a woman at gunpoint.her hands raise her back against the wall.
Give it to me the man snapped I don't have all day.
I told you I don't have anything the woman cried please just leave me alone.
Ethan lunges at the man dropping his steaming coffee. He grabbed the man by the risk.
Get away from her! Ethan said shouted everything happened way too fast Ethan struggled with a man
AnThen suddenly a gunshot Pierce the air he clutches his stomach the world turn upside down his gaze was hazy. he collapsed on the ground his blood staining the ground crimson
The man dropped his gun and ran.
No-no the woman screamed rushing towards him. Help! Someone help us! Please call the ambulance .
Ethan lays there staring up at the thin strip of sky above the alley screamings and yellings fade into the background the sound of ambulances and the world fades away
I'm 49 Ethan thought almost 50 most people my age have something to show for it s like daughters nieces nephews son's. I never even got that far he thought never married hell.. I never even crossed that line.
49 years 49 years I spend most of my life just getting through the day feeling empty I couldn't even fulfill nothing in my life and suddenly his vision turned black.
And then an unknown voice echoed in the darkness I'll give you a second chance I wonder what will you become in this new life of yours.