Page 98 - Musings 2022

“How come the ever so sincere cashier is late for his bus?” he asked.

“Oh, I was just picking up a bottle of cough syrup from the drug store. I forgot to wear my
watch and didn’t realise the time.”

“Very well then, take care young man, it’s getting colder day by day” he replied with a smile.
This was as far as small talk came with Dylan. But it wasn’t always like that. Jerry remembered

what he had heard about him at the pub.

Young Dylan used to be a really charming, handsome lad. He had a lovely wife and they had
been newly married. He was the kind of a guy who is loved by everyone. That was until two

years back.
Two years ago, there was an accident. His wife Lisa, was bathing when she slipped in the

bathtub and passed out. He was at work. By the time he returned, there was nothing that could

be done. He found her naked body drowned in the bathtub. It was a terrible sight for any man
to look at his wife like that.

He was not seen in or around town for the next two months, and locked himself in his house
after the funeral. The old lady who worked as a receptionist at the bank was the one who

consoled him and got him back. He lost half of his weight in tears. The handsome young well
built gentleman had become a scrawny thin man. He seldom smiled after that, and when he

did, it was mostly polite. His days were monotonous, he woke up, went to work, came back

home, ate alone and slept early. He never went to the town hall for Christmas, nor watched the
game at the pub. Many suggested him to remarry, Dylan however seemed to pay no attention

to such talks. And how could he? He had lost the love of his life.
Jerry looked at Dylan who was sitting looking at his shoes. He appeared to be in deep thought.

It looked as if he was in a dilemma.

“Did not polish your shoes today?” asked Jerry.
“Oh! I was running late, did not get the time to do so.” he after a moment, coming out of his

reverie.
“I don’t remember Dylan Choke being shabby to work. Is something the matter son?” Jerry

inquired.

“Nothing of that sort, it’s just that I woke up late.”
“Oh very well. However, it’s a long ride home. I’m up for any stories you wanna tell me,” said

Jerry.
Dylan thought about what he meant. He looked over at Jerry. He had a friendly smile on his

face. However, his mind was thinking about something different. One could see the glow in his

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