Something to Believe in

It was another Tuesday afternoon, Luca sat in his white Suzuki with his head down against the steering wheel. His boss had pulled him aside earlier that day to let him know that his performance and tendency to drag his feet couldn't be tolerated anymore and as a result he was being let go.

What would he tell his wife? Things were already bad between them. She threatened divorce every argument, they were already sleeping in separate beds. Knowing the words she would scream at him as he'd heard that condescending tone so many times before, although tonight he felt he deserved it.

Luca was not ready to face that reality yet; at least not while sober. He drove down to his favorite bar, the rolling acorn. Noticing that it was busier than he was comfortable with, he left. Needing a quiet night to himself to collect his thoughts and figure out a plan or they would lose their house for certain. Driving aimlessly around he came across another bar; Tame. Its name shone bright in the neon lights plastered at the entrance. “Better than nothing” Luca grumbled to himself as he parked.

There was a slight drizzle but he didn't mind as the cold droplets felt refreshing on his skin. He stood for a moment taking in the breeze and the light scent of rain, his peace was interrupted by the sound of a horn going off. Luca jumped as he was sucked back into the present moment, he glanced around and saw an 18-wheeler truck squeezing its way into the parking lot. Shaking his head he wandered inside, the smell of fresh bread and yeasty beer made his mouth water with eagerness. Picking a seat near the back, closer to the windows so he could continue to watch the rain.

As Luca sipped on his beer trying not to engulf himself just yet, a man approached his booth and sat on the opposite side. Luca was annoyed but did not complain as the 2 shots of whiskey he had ordered first had settled into his bloodstream. He observed the man with a curious stare, wondering why he chose to sit near him with so many vacant seats available. He noticed the man was drinking orange juice, feeling baffled he inquired the man on why that was. The man gave a weak smile and took a sip of his orange juice, explaining that he was the truck driver and could not have any alcohol but that it is a running superstition in his family that orange juice brings upon great luck. Smiling to himself Luca pondered if he himself believed in luck. He did but the question was if he had any luck left.

Luca looked towards the window, watching the rain leak down the glass. Losing himself in thoughts of how he would explain his termination, where would he find another job, was anyone even hiring, would they need to take out a loan or borrow money from siblings to avoid losing everything. When he finally glanced at his watch, he realized time had passed him by. Knowing he ought to get home and deliver the bad news before the Wednesday morning interrogation came.

Gathering his belongings he stepped out of the booth, he stumbled over something laying on the floor just beneath the table. Bending down to see what it was he discovered a black journal notebook, he was immediately struck by the softness of its exterior cover. He examined the book, fiddling with the elastic closure that held the book shut. He was not one to be nosy but he knew he had to cross that line. Sliding the elastic over and flipping to the title page, Luca read “In case of loss please return to: Roman Montgomery at 1822 Pluto Drive, Apartment #97, London, Ontario. With eyes widened he read the next line “As a reward: $20,000.”

Luca shook his head in disbelief, this had to be a joke. What could be so important that someone was willing to pay that much money for this notebook. He flipped through the pages, stopping at random to see the contents held between the ivory-colored paper. Luca smiled realizing the pages were filled with poetry, noting the dates it appeared there was a poem for each day of the year. Luca tugged at the bookmark ribbon which led him to a page featuring a glued in picture of a young couple sitting amongst flowers, he read the poem “Roses are red - violets are blue, although the season will be gone soon, my love for you will forever bloom. Plant new seeds in new springs, I will always grow in the garden that is your heart.”

Chuckling as he secured the black elastic closure around the book he relished in what a gift it is to love and to be loved. He thought of his wife and how happy they once were, where had it all gone. Luca tucked the book under his arm and left the bar. Although it had stopped raining the dark clouds still hovered low, it would not last long so he had to move fast.

Luca parked on Pluto Drive, 1822 was just across the street. He figured he would walk and try to figure out what he would say upon returning the book, should he inquire about the reward or would that be too much. He was not returning the book for that reason; it was just the right thing to do. Approaching apartment 97 he gripped the book tightly, feeling excited and nervous. He scolded himself for being childish.

Knocking on the door loudly and taking a deep breath in, Luca was startled at how fast the door was answered. He barely had time to formulate a hello before the man choked out a surprised "Can I help you?" Luca hastily replied whilst holding the notebook out in front of him "No, I mean yes. I found this and I believe it's yours." The man nearly dropped his glass of what appeared to be orange juice and motioned for Luca to come in.

As Luca walked across the street towards his car, a new lightness in his step. He looked wistfully at the sky believing that this was it, a new chance, a new beginning. He had been given a chance to save his marriage. Plucking a tulip from a nearby bush, Luca folded the cheque and placed it within the petals. How does $20,000 sound as an apology? They would celebrate with orange juice.