The Night Duty

A nightmare to be too true!

- Shandy Singaporean

It was an early evening. Winter had not yet knocked on the doors of this vibrant metro city. The weather was pleasant, earth smelled fresh, and the cool breeze at 12°C ambient temperature added a hint of romance in the air. The sun was setting, collecting its golden rays to let the moon spread her charm with cool resplendence. It was going to be a naughty full-moon night that evening, so it seemed.

A young man, just 6 feet with a clean-shaven handsome face, dressed fashionably in an executive cobalt blue suit, with ripping muscles, visibly pressed tight against the sleeves, suggestive of an athletic body, was waiting for a bus at National Club Bus Stop near City Park’s Foot Crossover Bridge. He considered himself lucky enough at a young age. And rightly so, for he had succeeded to be the Club’s Manager at just 28. Michael had finished his day’s work, and was headed home, although no one was waiting for him. He lived a bachelor’s life, and had not yet made any friends in this new city.

On the opposite side across the road a bus moved away from the Bus Stop revealing a young girl standing there. She was alone. As their eyes met, he noticed she had smiled with some coyness hesitatingly. He found her beautiful, and himself attracted. Her smile had set his heart aflutter. From the corner of his eyes, he noticed another bus approaching her Bus Stop. He didn’t want to lose this opportunity, so he signalled her not to board the oncoming bus, and instead wait for him to take the Foot Over Bridge to reach her. This time also, the Lady Luck seemed to be on his side, for the girl had consented with a smile.