The Bud of Romance

Sometimes the moon reflects what we think on the inside. The same with yesterday, it reflected a sliver of light that shine through my tiny bedroom windows. But I am always fascinated with moon, that’s why I’m choosing this apartment specifically because the landlord said that it faced the moon. So after moving all my stuff, I rearranged my bed so it could be as ergonomic as possible for me to see the outside world. He has the same value in life, thinking he and I could get along nicely.

This has been my source of relaxation for the past week after moving from my old apartment, especially when I’m too tired to open any other application that will ruin my eyes more that it already has. The pandemic has been going on for the longest time ever. We all know that it is tiring looking through our screen all day especially when you are a teacher. The students are not helping either, they sleep, sometimes cry, and they have the audacity to eat during lesson, worse when I'm on a diet.

I have always been struggling with body image, looking through my mirror, it wasn’t all fantasy like “YOU are the fairest of them all” but it was all reminding me of a quote from Cocteau “Les miroirs feraient bien de réfléchir un peu avant de renvoyer des images.” - the mirror will reflects a little before sending back the images. I feel like it was playing a trick on me by saying I’m not worthy or something.

Saving me from feeling all sorry for myself, my phone beeped, showing me a notification from one of the dating apps. A little excited but also nervous, I opened it, DAMN! Another advert from the admin. I hope by moving to another place, it also gives me a new experience and a new boys I can scroll through because of the algorithm and all. I thought this modern era will give us more choices and simpler way of cruising, just by swiping left or right. Putting it aside and preparing to at least dreaming about my dream husband, I look outside again, and finally went asleep.

The sun shone brightly waking me up from my dream. Squinting my eyes and stretched, I start my morning by looking outside again, seeing how the city is finally alive. Birds flying freely, smoke getting free out of the chimney, and some windows were being opened signaling how people here have the need to smell the smoke from outside, probably because of how rarely people go outside nowadays.

My eyes caught a view that I haven’t seen before, the curtain from across the street finally slides revealing the eye catching view of a man. He has a scruff and has slightly darker skin which was a combination worth noticing. Jolted awake all of a sudden I stood up and stared at him without hiding my fascination. He was also trying to savor the city when his eyes caught my eyes and smiled. That smile, my heart was beating loudly, and finally return the smile. He waved and turned back inside, I’m guessing to start the day.

After those fateful encounter, my day went by without anything worth noticing. Aside from my crazy students, probably tired of teaching virtually, my stomach finally grumbled asking for food. Looking through the time, it shows 7 p.m., the perfect time for dinner. Feeling slightly hopeful, I try looking outside but greeted with the usual stuff closed windows. I changed to my more casual attire looking for food to satisfy my bulging stomach hopefully finding something good yet not fatty.

It was a really nice weather to be outside with the right amount of breeze and coldness during autumn. All the street was covered with drying leaves which is kinda homey and romantic too. I cannot wait until the start of the winter holiday, taking break from all the screen time I have during the day. Turning to the right, I found a really cozy restaurant, it read Le Gabriel, which sells a really nice coffee. I went inside finding a table to sit and found one right next to the big window showing people rushing home to finish the day. A waiter came to me, feeling confused with all the choices, I chose a coffee and Chef’s recommendation instead.

People say that living in a countryside is better because of how little the noise is and how it is more relaxing for introvert like me, but a city has its own charm. Light glowing on the street, people walking by, and now, I can see a couple arguing. Like watching a new série coming to Netflix full of drama. The scene was so fun, until the waiter came and delivered my food. It was a really nice meal too, combining with the coffee, everything is perfect. Ordering one bottle of wine to accompany me enjoying the street, I paid the bill with a tip and also regards to the chef.

When a dreamer is faced with daydreaming, time flies fast, until I was awoken by a tap on my shoulder “Monsier, the place is closing, but the chef asked you to wait a little to come to you,” said the waiter. “Sure and thanks again.” I sip and finished my wine, while noticing that the waiter is more approachable than normal Parisian waiter. Shrugging and continuing to look outside the window until after a while I heard a chair in front of me was pulled and someone getting ready to sit. Readying myself to say it’s occupied, I almost choke on my words seeing who it was. Looked similar like this morning but more mysterious with a neater appearance is the man across my place.

“Hi, thanks for your compliment, I never seen you around here before, are you new in the area?” he was sitting in front me casually. Gaping for air and I finally answered “Y-yes, just moved around here a week ago and find the coffee was nice so went back to dine in. But thank you it was really nice.” He looks better when laughing and answered, “No, pas grave, I am happy you enjoy it, I’m Thomas.” he look at me while smiling. “Bastien, nice to meet you,” I smiled back still a little bit shy considering how rare is it to talk to another people because of the pandemic, “I’m sorry to hold you here, I will bring the bottle home,” I said again blushing.

“Not to worry, the place is already closing and who to say I cannot be here.” he said, standing up, “Wait, I’m taking another glass.” I was never a good talker, especially with someone so charming as he, just sipping my wine waiting for him. He went back bringing another glass and another bottle of wine. “On the house,” he said pouring it. “Ah, merci”, sipping in felt a slightly different flavor, “t-that’s good! Is that Bordeaux?” tasting it while surprised. “Wow, correct! I don’t know that you know your wine!” he said slightly amazed of my guess. He showed me the year and it read 1989, I gaped more amazed because thinking it probably costing my salary for a week. “That is really expensive, I enjoyed this very much, thanks again!” tasting it again. “My personal collection, just for you!” he said while pouring a glass for himself and enjoying it too.

It was a crazy day for me and we talk for hours until midnight arrives and he walked me home, which was very romantic. I never had anyone walked me home even though I rejected most of the offer politely, hinting it was only for fun, but not this one. Saying thank you and a bit of awkwardness when saying goodbye because of the health regulation, we finally decided a wave will suffice. Going back upstairs and to my room, I was finally feeling this apartment as my home living in this area. After showering and finally ready to sleep, I looked outside again to see him smile and waved at me. Ensuring that it wasn’t a dream and my window has been a lucky addition to my life.