Menzi



It was 10 a.m, and I found myself in a place I knew I shouldn’t be. Instead of turning around and heading to the coffee shop just a few blocks away, I walked into the bar. As I entered, the bar was eerily empty except for the bartender, who was diligently wiping the glasses. He glanced at me briefly as the door swung open, allowing a beam of light to pierce the dimness, then returned to his task. I took a seat at the bar and ordered a whiskey, no ice.

It had been precisely 2 months and 20 days since I last saw Dineo, and she had been constantly on my mind ever since that day I sent that foolish text. I had hoped I could forget about her and move on, but all my attempts had been in vain. Her image haunted me, especially her beautiful smile. Many nights, I lay awake wondering what she was doing, if she had forgotten about me. I regretted sending that thoughtless text. I wished I had been brave enough to open my heart to her, to let go of my fears and the past. Maybe we could have made it work. Who knows, we might still be together today, but now I’ll never know.

I missed her intensely and felt like a complete fool. I had believed that I could forget about her and move on, but it turned out I couldn’t, no matter how hard I tried. I couldn’t get over her.

“I knew I would find you here,” Brian said, clapping me on the back as he sat down beside me. “Drinking already?” He asked disapprovingly, looking out of place in his tailored suit. He shook his head as the bartender offered to pour him some whiskey. “You need to get over this girl.”

“I can’t,” I replied, downing the whiskey and savoring the unfamiliar burn in my throat. “I want her.”

“Well, for a moment, forget about her, because I need you to prioritize the business,” Brian insisted. “You said you needed something to distract you, and I gave you that opportunity. Stop nursing your wounds and move on, my friend.” Brian stood up, adjusting his suit. “Forget about that girl and go to the meeting you were supposed to attend two days ago.”

I watched him walk away as I ordered another glass of whiskey and leaned back on the wooden bar stool. I stared at the news playing on the TV mounted on the wall, trying to shake off Brian’s harsh words. He was right about one thing: it was time for me to stop wallowing and try to do something that would help me forget. I took a deep breath and stood up, settling the bill before heading out.

The sun was high in the sky, blinding my eyes as I stuffed my hands in my pockets and made my way back to my apartment. I tossed my keys on the counter and stepped into the shower, hoping the water would wash away the memories of Dineo and me.

After I finished bathing, I packed my bags for the trip ahead. I knew Brian wouldn’t let me off the hook again, especially when he took his business so seriously. I received a message on my phone: “Your ticket, and make sure you don’t miss that flight.” I let out a sigh and pocketed the phone, even though I didn’t want to leave. Perhaps this trip was what I needed, and maybe that’s why that bastard insisted on sending me away.

The flight didn’t take long, and before I knew it, I had landed in Mpumalanga. Glancing at my watch, I realized it was already 6 p.m., leaving me little time to do anything other than head to my hotel room.