My Little Ounce of Sunshine Pt.4

Hey everyone! I'm sorry that I haven't posted something in a while, so I'm sorry for the lateness. I hope that you enjoy this!

Much love and keep dreaming,

Momo

Today was a beautiful day. It was those types of mornings where nothing could distract me more than watching a bright star shine colors of pastel blues, pinks, and purples upon the waking city. I let my eyes trace the small cars and allowed my mind to wander to the many tunnels of fanciful dazes rusting in the back of my head. I noticed the morning baker, the late sleepers, and those who woke up just to gaze out their windows and breathe in the fresh air to thank God for a new day. These are the type of people who’d I like to meet one day, but, for now, I’ll keep to my little room, in a small building, looking over the city, as if I’d owned it all. These types of mornings motivate me to take out my pen and paper and write quickly enough to let my ideas flow directly on the pages as if they were meant exactly for only those thoughts. I sat back on my peeling leather office chair and tapped my pen lightly against my chin unconsciously. I couldn’t let one of these mornings like this pass away without proper appreciation, so I took out my ever present old camera that constantly needs charging and took a picture of the city below. I find that capturing anything that inspires me, motivates me, or simply makes me happy in a photo or a diary entry helps me to appreciate life more. It’s as if we pass by these little gems way too often during the day, and if we can’t learn to love and appreciate these seemingly small things, we’ll never truly see the beauty of each day…

I was shaken from my trance from a knock on the door. My editor appeared and offered yet another stack of papers that needed filed through.

“Ms. Robin, I’d like to address the fact that you have been doing well these days lately…”

My mind raced to all of the possible job upgrades and salary raises, but quickly reminded myself that my job shouldn’t be revolved completely on how much money I make, but rather, how many lives I’ve touched through writing and through the people around me. I’d much rather say that I inspired ten people today and made them happy somehow, rather than saying that I got a raise. I cannot say that I am perfect in this effort, but it is worth trying. I then quickly remembered my editor standing in front of me and pulled myself together. “Yes, sir?”

“I would like to move you to another building, actually…There are plenty of other bigger opportunities for you, and a much better salary also. I know that this current pay check may not be exactly desirable…Well, you’ve been here ever since you were an intern in college…And what I really want to say is that you would be able to see your full potential somewhere else.”

I recounted his words over and over in my head till I thought of a solution. “Well, sir…Thank you for acknowledging me. I really don’t deserve any of this. I wasn’t the smartest in college and you took me in, as if you’d look past everything-my grades, my position, and looked straight in my heart. I really appreciated that then, and I still do now. So, I much rather stay here and continue my work. The pay isn’t necessarily what I’m going for, I just want to make others happy…”I sighed and shifted my position.

“I see… Then, would you rather I raise your pay? You’ve been here for almost five years and I think that this milestone is something to celebrate.”

I waved my hands frantically, “I really appreciate the offer, and I would be glad to accept…It’s just that…”

The editor cut my words off, “Then, it’s settled. I’ll raise your pay starting next month, and I can even move your office if you’d like.”

“Thank you so much! This is very generous of you, but I think I’d rather stay in here.” I pointed to the window. “You get the best view here of the city in the morning, and that helps me to write.” I smiled.

My editor laughed, “Well, ok, if you really insist! You know that this small space of yours is meant for interns and beginners, right?”

“Yes, sir, I am aware of that, thank you. It’s really become a home to me.”

“Well, then,” the editor began to trace his steps back to the door and twisted the old doorknob, “I’ll be seeing you later.”

I bowed my head slightly, “Goodbye, Editor!”

I was excited to eat lunch today and tell Haruki all about what happened, but when I arrived at the bench, he wasn’t there. Disappointed, I looked all around the building and even back inside, but he was no where to be found.

“I believe he’s out sick today, Ma’am.” The janitor explained.

“Oh,” I worried, although I don’t know why my heart raced in that moment, “Thank you!”

Eating alone was also therapeutic, but my mind kept wandering back to Haruki’s sweet smile and his dark eyes hidden sometimes under a black hat. I told myself to get rid of these childish feelings, but for some reason, they didn’t disappear. Haruki was just different…And I don’t know how to explain it…It’s just that he seems to understand the deeper meaning behind life, and making people happy, and the simple beauty of being a writer.

After I said my good-byes to my co-workers and the sweet old janitor, I rushed to get to the subway because I had run a little late today. Small raindrops dotted the sidewalks and it was just one of those days where I had forgotten my pink umbrella again. It was no use, I couldn’t risk makeup running down my face, so I took off my heels and ran to the subway. Rushing into the subway car, I quickly checked to see if my mascara had smudged everywhere, but thankfully it didn’t. As I relaxed and swayed back and forth with the bumpy ride, I accidentally bumped into the man beside me. I quickly apologized, “I’m so sorry, sir!” My eyes looked up to see a man who wore a black jacket over a simple grey shirt that led to the same color of black pants. His converse blended in with his pants, but a star on each side of his shoes marked that they were from an older brand. A necklace rested below his neck that looked valuable, yet simple and he held a bag of overflowing groceries in one hand. He wore a mask that covered his nose and mouth area, but I could recognize his eyes that peeped from underneath his black cap.