Anything Different?

That’s the thing about this city, everything is the same. But then again, nothing is. The only thing that crossed my mind as I walked through the city lights of Manhattan, Kentucky, was how dark and quiet it seemed. Of course, a reasonable explanation was that I was out in the middle of the night wandering the quiet streets. However, there were a couple people still walking on the sidewalk but no, not me. I was walking in the streets. Now, anybody would probably want to ask but seriously, it was a free world and everybody walked on the sidewalk and all cars drove on the road. It was the same thing for everybody. Sure, there was the chance of getting hit but it did not worry me.

As the dark clouds overhead signified that rain was on its way, I listened to the distant sounds of cars that could be heard from the freeway that was just not far from where I was at. Prior to this, I had been sitting on my doorstep and had just the momentary feeling to want to walk outside where anything and everything was found. But it seemed like in this city, that was not the case. Like I said before, this city is the same. Same lights, same people, same understandings, same houses, same trees, same buildings. But, it was also different, I just can't explain how. The rain began to fall and it sprinkled over the street I was on as well as the other places near me. Easier said than done and I was already soaked from the water.

My clothes were simple; just a plain white t-shirt and some sweats. The few people still walking, headed towards the many spots underneath the building frame, casting a weird glance at me as if I was crazy. I could see their point of view but they did not understand mine. I had a purpose being in these streets, and whether they understood that, it was important for me to be here. None of the people who would cast weird or concerned glances towards me understood that. If they did, they would understand that I had a strong urge to be able to figure out something that was different in this city. It was everything I stood for. It was the main purpose of me. It was everything to me.

Rain drizzled down the side walls on each building, and soon, every scent that lifted off the ground was a mixture of paint, stone, and water. Also the same. As I neared the end of the street, heading toward an end road, I saw something that stopped me in my tracks. It was a raccoon. Digging in the trash and scavenging for leftover food. Even while the rain poured, it did not seem to stop this little creature. The large bushy tail flicked to the side as it´s head was inside the trash can. It probably did not even notice me, yet here I was not even a foot away from it. Thunder vibrated through the ground, a deep rumble that could be echoed deep within my bones. But the raccoon still did not look up. To the side I saw a small rock, big enough to cause a large sound but small enough not to harm. Carefully, I made my way to the rock and picked it up, the wet stone feeling cold in my palm. I looked over at the raccoon who was still paying no mind to its surroundings and threw it. My aim was true and it made a loud bang against the metal can. The raccoon, startled by the sound, looked up and glanced at the rock before turning it´s gaze to me.

Human eyes met animals, the stone forgotten on the ground but yet, something passed between the two being´s. Something that could not be described but yet seemed very important. After a while, I turned my gaze from the colored creature and turned around to head down the same street as before. From this view of the street, it was the same thing but only backwards. Each building had switched to the opposite side and I could view it from a different angle then the one I had when coming from the other way. I paid no mind to the same buildings, trees, streets, and lights that I already had seen while I had been walking in the opposite direction. As I had said before, it was all the same.

The water from the clouds had soaked into the beanie I wore on my head, protecting the brown hair underneath that fell onto my shoulders. It did no good to wear it anymore so I took it off and stuffed it in the crook under my arm, holding it in place. My hair stuck to my cheek, tickling underneath my jaw as I walked and I struggled to keep it away from my mouth. Despite the cold air that blew along with the cold rain, I had no trouble with it. Rain in Manhattan was the same thing as knowing you would fall back down to the ground if you jumped. At this time of night, many others were already sleeping in their bed, dreams filling their unconscious minds or perhaps not. Everything you would expect to happen if you were asleep. Yet, there was nothing different about any of it. This is what drove me to be walking in the rain in the middle of the night even at the thought of how crazy it sounded.

Water soaked into my already drenched shoes and I looked down. I had stepped in a particularly large puddle in the middle of the street. Anger flashed in my head at the knowledge of what would happen. What I knew would happen. It was as if fate had sealed the deal and I was left the victim. In the cold air, a cloud of air flew out of my mouth as I let out a large sigh. Instead of going my own path, I allowed fate to have hers. At the sound of a car that I saw headed my way, I moved to the side of the large puddle and stayed there, not even closing my eyes as the car passed by particularly close, its tires sending up a large splash of fresh water that splashed over me like a wave. I didn't even complain as the water covered me, running down my body and diminishing any chance of having at least some type of hope for a dry spot. The few people that were nearby were walking towards me as if to offer some dry warmth but I gave them no chance as I continued walking down the street, my hands tucked in my sweatpants pocket and my weary gaze staring at the spots where I placed my shoes as I walked.

I grew up in Manhattan and lived here for all my life so it is obvious that I should know just about everything. But what if I want to find something different? Is it wrong of me? I can feel the want in my bones. Everything I know about this city is something I want to forget right now. I want a surprise. It was also something important to me. And yes, as I said before, it was all the same. In the cold rain, my head lifted to allow the raindrops to fall onto my face and fall down my neck. I know you may be thinking about how crazy it was to be still in the rain and in the middle of the road. Trust me, it doesn't matter to me since I was already soaked and besides, I was looking for something. If you ask me what I'm searching for, I suggest you get out of my head because just to let you know; I don't know what it is. My eyes closed of their own accord and my arms were spread as I twirled slowly in the middle of the road. Honestly, it was quite refreshing although in order for you to know that, you should join me in the real world. After a couple of minutes, I couldn't take it anymore and I brought my gaze to look back in front of me. Quite disappointing for I thought that if I had been in a bliss then I would have had a miracle happen when I looked around me. Unfortunately, as you can see, there was nothing that proved to be a miracle; unless you say everything that is the same is a miracle. 

I dropped my hands back to my sides and my body seemed to slump over in defeat. It was pointless to try and look. Manhattan was the same, there was no changing that. Filled with disappointment, I brought myself to begin walking back home. Might as well am I right? Maybe just sleep in my wet clothes just to change it up a bit. As I neared my street, I saw that my neighbors house was lit up. Who would be up at this time of the night? Uh hello? I'm talking to you. Oh well that is just rude, just because I'm outside doesn't mean our neighbors need to be. Wait a second, I looked over to the driveway of my neighbor and stood where I was. Do you see that as well? Am I crazy? Wait, don't answer that. I forced my legs to continue walking toward the direction of my house and as I neared the neighbor's house, I couldn't help but stare at the moving van that was parked in the driveway.

That's strange. We've had those neighbors for a long time now. Why are they gone? Whoever moved into their house had done it fairly quick. I had not been out for very long and when I left, there was nobody in the driveway. Weird. As the moving van backed out of the driveway and drove away, a tall figure stepped out from the doorway and looked into the rain. I could tell it was a man with the lean figure and the way his hands were in his pockets as he stared out into the darkness. I hadn't realized that he was staring at me since I was too busy staring at him, almost as if I was in a dream. He just stared at me and I hadn't noticed until now. When I finally brought myself to his, a flutter seemed to course through my stomach as I stared into his pure icy gaze. We just stood there, staring at each other and I seemed to have forgotten how cold I was getting. Turns out, there was something different after all.