Tag: short story

Young and crazy

Late night parties bored Daniel. Not because he couldn’t socialise but because such parties seldom ended well.

The interns at work had invited him to a New Year’s Eve party once, and as they entered what appeared a refurbished garage, Daniel had groaned to himself. Disco lights had lined the ceiling, reflecting off the beer bottles in dancers’s hands.

Everything that night had spelled extravagant vanity—copious wine and cheese, barrels of beer, piles of nachos, grilled meat, biscuits and cakes—all shrouded beneath a layer of cigar smoke.

He’d left without a goodbye. He was no longer forever 21 material.

Evolution

The edges had waned with the years. Within, was her younger self laughing to a long-lost joke, her arm around his waist and his arm enveloping her shoulder. Behind them loomed their college cafeteria; just the sight reminded her of weak mornings and strong coffees.

Life—priorities and perceptions—had evolved with adulthood. Old ideals had drained as the monsoon gives way to dry weather.

Yet the photo remained. Jerry and Jo had been the thickest of friends and the slimmest of couples. Throughout college they’d kept everyone guessing their relationship.

Now, Jerry and Jo are just a cherished memory.

Love, misinterpreted

Karen tore her eyes away from the new couple. It was time for her to go home. She couldn’t move, though—acceptance was too difficult. They’d been friends since childhood. Together they’d built sand castles, gone camping, and even spent days at school evaluating boys. Life had been simple then.

Throughout college, Karen didn’t realise she and her friend had fallen for the same person. When at last Kevin reciprocated her best friend’s love instead of hers, Karen was crestfallen.

Though happy for Richard and Kevin, she couldn’t forgive herself for falling in love with a man who loved another man.