13. It's a Common Thing

The midday sun shone brightly, illuminating the city with intense warmth. William walked slowly away from the café, his mind swirling with concerns about Starla’s career. He understood well that the dark events that had befallen her would leave a mark on her heart and memory. It was no wonder that Starla was traumatized by love, even struggling to channel her emotions into writing.

He remembered the times when Starla wrote with passion, each word she penned radiating sincere and deep emotions. But now, the pen felt heavy to her, as if every stroke reminded her of unhealed wounds. William hoped, however faintly, that Starla would find the strength within herself to write, to love, and to live with the conviction she once had.

“I’m worried her career as a writer won’t be the same as it used to be,” he murmured to himself, his voice echoing between the rhythmic steps of his feet against the pavement.

The city streets were filled with people busy with their activities, yet William felt as though he was in his own world. The hot air carried the aroma of coffee and toasted bread from the nearby cafés, enveloping the atmosphere with inviting warmth. Amidst the crowd, William suddenly halted, his eyes fixated on a familiar figure.

Luna.

His heart beat faster, not just from the surprise of seeing his ex-girlfriend but also from the flood of memories that suddenly overwhelmed him. Luna walked gracefully, her long hair flowing gently with each step. Their eyes met for a moment, but as if time had stopped, Luna turned away and continued walking.

“Where is she going?” he wondered, trying to guess where she was headed.

William felt drawn to follow Luna, curious about her destination. Carefully, he kept his distance, not wanting Luna to notice his presence. The sidewalk he traversed was crowded with pedestrians hurrying to lunch or just strolling, adding to the bustling midday energy. Each of Luna’s steps seemed certain, as if she had a clear purpose.

When Luna finally stopped, William realized she was right in front of the café he had just left. His heart beat even faster. Was Luna here to meet Starla? Or was it something else? His mind raced, trying to find an explanation for this strange coincidence.

They had once shared dreams and hopes at this café. William recalled the beautiful moments they had spent together, long discussions about literature, art, and life. But, like the changing seasons, their relationship had eventually drifted apart and ended. Seeing Luna here, at the same place, felt like being transported back to the past, rekindling feelings that had long been buried.

“Oh God, I can’t believe they...” he muttered, but his words trailed off as Luna’s figure disappeared behind the café door.

Luna walked into the café, leaving traces of memories with every step. William stood outside for a few moments, his heart pounding, his eyes following Luna’s shadow as it slowly vanished behind the door.

He pondered whether to follow Luna or let the memories remain buried. The midday air felt heavy, as if adding weight to his shoulders.

“No, I think it’s not the right time,” he decided after a long thought. William sighed, his eyes fixed on the café door that now felt distant. He turned away, walking away from the café, though his heart remained inside, with Luna and the memories that never truly left.

The bright midday sunlight seemed to accompany his every step, casting long shadows on the hot pavement. William knew that someday he might be ready to face the past, but today, he chose to move forward, leaving the café and all its memories behind.

...

Luna walked towards Starla, who was now waving as their eyes met. As promised, Luna approached Starla after finishing her errands. Her steps were firm, but there was something hidden behind her smile.

“Am I on time?” Luna asked as she put her belongings on the table.

“Yeah,” replied Starla, her voice sounding flat. Her usually bright eyes now looked dull, as if dark clouds were covering her light.

Hearing the tone, Luna knew something was wrong with her friend. She looked at Starla attentively, trying to find clues in her expression.

“Are you okay, Starla?” Luna asked gently, sitting across from her friend and touching Starla’s hand with care. “Why do you look so down? Thinking about that Korean guy?”

Starla sighed deeply, as if the burden on her heart was too heavy to bear alone. “No. There’s something bothering me, Luna.”

Luna listened patiently, giving Starla space to open up. Outside, the midday sun shone brightly, but inside the café, the atmosphere felt calmer, as if time had stopped for a moment to allow them a heart-to-heart conversation.

“I feel lost,” Starla continued, her eyes welling up. “After everything that happened, I don’t know if I can write again. I’m thinking of just quitting writing.”

“Why would you do that?” Luna asked, shocked to hear her friend considering giving up writing.

“Lately, my work has been below standard. Maybe I’m just not cut out for this,” Starla replied, bowing her head in despair. There was a tone of hopelessness in her voice that made Luna feel concerned.

“Not cut out? Your novel was a best-seller, Starla. That alone proves you’re talented!” Luna protested enthusiastically, her eyes shining.

Starla lifted her head, looking at Luna with still tear-filled eyes. “But it all feels like mere luck. Now I feel empty, with no inspiration left.”

Luna shook her head slowly, sighing. “Starla, every writer has difficult times. Success isn’t just about inspiration, but also about perseverance and heart. Remember, your writing once touched many hearts. That wasn’t by chance.”

Luna understood how heavy the burden her friend was carrying. She knew the dark events that had befallen Starla had left deep scars, changing her outlook on love and life. “I’m here for you, Starla. You don’t have to face this alone. Together, we can find a way out.”

Starla smiled faintly, feeling a bit relieved by her friend’s words. Luna’s presence was like sunlight piercing through dark clouds, offering at least a glimmer of hope amid the uncertainty. They both knew the road ahead wouldn’t be easy, but with mutual support, they were confident they could face it.

Outside, the city continued its hustle and bustle, but in that corner of the café, two friends gave each other strength, rekindling a lost spirit. Slowly, Starla began to feel that maybe, just maybe, she could find her voice in writing again and express her buried emotions through words. Should Starla really give it another try?