Strange people...strange ways.

He was temperamental, strangely fussy and barely easy if ever. She was patient, understanding and efficient. Theirs was an unusual association. She knew at the end of the day that he means well and he knew at some level that she understood that. Often she discounted his raving and ranting on account of him being older and more experienced. She was always able to see beyond his eccentric exterior and she knew that inside he was just a perfectionist waiting for his perfect world. They had their moments of elation when things went well and when things were more stressful than ever, they pulled together and brought everyone else around as well. More often than not they saw eye to eye on situations and events that really mattered and together they made a great team.

Then one day, she had to leave. She said to him that this was what she had to do, that she had given it a great amount of thought and it was a hard decision for her to make. She explained that it was the right thing for her to do as she had to move on in life. His face fell. Suddenly he seemed twenty years younger. He refused to see why she had to go and was surprised that she was leaving earlier than expected. He behaved like he was being deceived. She was taken aback by his denial of things and his near childish reaction to the situation. She knew he would not be as understanding as the others, but this she didn’t expect.

She was all set to leave. She spent the last day making sure that the wheels were well oiled before she left. Friends shared lighter moments remembering old times whilst wishing her well and hugging her every five minutes. He left unusually early that day without saying goodbye. When she realized he was gone, it was too late. She was hoping he’d at least say goodbye and good luck. She certainly didn’t expect him to be gushing with emotion but this disappearance was totally uncalled for. She expected him to be more mature about the situation. Once again knowing him for what he is, she sent him a text later to say goodbye and how much she would miss everyone. There was no reply. She was appalled by his complete denial of things. She realized though that this was his loss and not hers. She had to move on and she did.

The last ride...

He woke up that morning eager, excited and happy. It was a Sunday. It was his day to do exactly what he wanted and with whom he wanted. He decided to take his new bike out on a longer ride than usual. Out of the city to a nearby resort town to catch up with a few fun friends and lots of interesting conversation. This was the order of the day. Soon, he was on the main link highway going out of the city. His friends had gone ahead of him, two days ago. So on this ride he was all by himself. He quite enjoyed this though, with the wind on his face and cool drops of an impending shower making this journey a lot more romantic. After a week of long hours and stressful chaos, this was exhilerating. He was listening to Maroon 5, to the song his girlfriend used to like. He smiled just thinking of her and remembering some of the great times they'd had together. He was just 6 miles away from the first checkpoint when it happened. There was a sudden turn of scenery. Skin and muscle were ravaged between metal weight and concrete. The last thing he remembered was letting out a desperate screeching cry. He didn't make it past that checkpoint that morning. And he didn't make it to the resort that day....
It was 8 a.m. the next morning. An unforgiving Monday morning, as usual, where getting out of bed feels like you're being sent to the gallows. She was in the shower when she heard a message received on her cell phone. Drying herself a few minutes later, she came to her phone to check the message. They said he was gone. At 25, he was gone, a bike accident on a Sunday morning. He was deeply mourned, they said. She could not believe what she had just read. Her legs felt weak and she had to sit down. He was always this gentle, helpful, smart and happy boy. She had worked with him on numerous occasions. He was loved by his team mates and doted on by his family. And to her, he was always the pleasant face she loved to see. Surely and strongly, it hit her again, the transience and futility of it all. As she sat there contemplating and trying to digest the news that Monday morning, it was time to get ready for work. It was another seemingly normal day with people to meet and things to be done. Life had to go on, as it always does.