Summer That Never Came Back!

I am the owner of a cafe and book store in the town of Surrey, UK. I feed on music and books. And that was what my dream was. To own archives of books and share them with people at the later stage of my life. However, I got retired a bit early. After making a fortune as a web designer in Sydney, I had moved back to my town in the UK. My parents had passed away and I was a single gentleman going through mid-life crisis. All these years, I never had time to find the one. When I sat on my chair sipping a cup of coffee in my store named 'Cafe Chronicle', I tried to find my soulmate in the lost faces of my book store.

One of those days, a woman in her late 20s and petite features entered my book store asking for clinical research books. “Excuse me”. She said in her high-pitched tone. “I need 4^th edition of the book 'Fundamentals of Clinical Trials' by Lawrence Friedman. Do you have that, in any case?” She said the entire sentence without a pause. I could sense the lack of patience in her tone. Perhaps, she was desperately looking for the book. “Ammm...let me see.” I started looking through my collection of 'Clinical Research Courses'. After looking for about 15 minutes and realising that it's of no use, “Sorry ma’am, I don't have it.” I said. “But maybe I could provide you with it sometime during the next week.” “Okay, I will come next week then.” she said promptly and before I could respond to that, she stormed out of the book store.

There was something about that woman. Apart from her striking looks, the curiosity, eagerness and anxiety in her tone were quite childlike. Even after she left, I kept thinking about her for hours together, anticipating her presence at my book store the next week. I made sure that I could give her the book by calling numerous book stores and getting in touch with the book providers near my area and beyond. I finally found an online forum where the book was available. I quickly ordered it feeling that I had struck a fortune. One of the sunny afternoons, as I heard the sound of chimes hung at the door of my book store and looked back, my heart skipped a beat as she entered. Walking with her tiny steps and a smile on her face as she approached me, “Hi” she said. “It's me again...any luck with the...” “Oh yes ma’am, I got it.”  Said I giving her a chance to breathe. “But can I know the name of “me again”. “Oh, I am so sorry, my name is summer.” “Oh no no no, don't be, why are you so hanky panky and always in a hurry?” “It's nothing...I am a medical student and I have so much to accomplish you knows...” “I understand. But why not have a cup of cappuccino with me and breathe a little over a chat.” “Sure” she said. I was quite surprised that she accepted the offer.

As we sat at the table, I asked her about herself. And then, she started speaking at reckless speed, “I live in the next street, a few blocks away with my mom and she owns a company that offers outsourcing payroll service. She is a divorcee and since there is no one to take care of her, I live with her and am willing to become a doctor.” “Wow, it's fantastic that you are willing to become a doctor and you take care of your mom so well. But tell me one thing, if you speak so fast, how will you offer treatment to your patients with patience?” I asked as I winked. “Oh, the people who speak fast are very intelligent. You know why, 'coz they think fast.” She ended a sentence with a smile “Phew! Now that's something new.” When she spoke without full-stops, I would keep looking at her and smile. I loved to be a listener. After about an hour, she stood up to leave. “Keep coming at Cafe Chronicle” I said. “I for sure will...and thanks for the book...and why don't you come over to my place sometime? My mother has a fantastic collection of Moorcroft Pottery. You will love to see it.” Yet another sentence that pierced through my heart. “I will” I said as she left. She was in so much hurry that she invited me without realizing that she did not give me her address. But I didn't feel like stopping her. I felt she was very cute and I was not desperate either thinking that she would come again.

Days have passed since I have seen her. I keep mulling over what she must be doing. None of the streets that I pass through have her presence. Neither have I bumped into her. Although her voice keeps lingering in my ears and is difficult to concentrate on work, I am not a desperate college going kid any more who would ask girls out or ask for their phone number and addresses.

Work and thoughts have drained me. Perhaps, I should call for a mobile massage service and get over the stress. Or maybe go for an outing...Yes. Outing sounds great. Thinking that, I dial the number of a company offering London Luton Airport Service. Cafe Chronicle gave me the privilege of meeting summer that never came back. I thought as I locked my book store and left for the journey.