Love's Redemption

Redmption 92

I went to a bar and stayed there from 3:00 pm till 9:00 pm, drinking the entire time. I didn’t drink much, but I drank for a long time, until my mind was blank. and my body felt empty.

I knew the owner, so even though I was alone, I didn’t have to worry even if I got drunk.

“When are you leaving? Do you have a ride?” the owner asked. His last name was Webb. I didn’t know his first name, since everyone only addressed him as Content bel0ngs to Nôvel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

Mr. Webb.

He looked to be in his fifties. If my dad were still around, they’d be about the

same age.

“Now, I guess.” I didn’t really want to leave, but I still had work tomorrow and

needed to rest earlier.

Tonight’s drinking was my way of saying a final goodbye to my feelings for

Chris.

I stood up, leaning on the chair for support, but Mr. Webb stopped me. “I can’t let you leave like this. I’ll have someone take you home.”

Mr. Webb was a thoughtful man. Despite his bar being tucked away in an alley, it had thrived for many years since most of his patrons were regulars and old

friends.

I started coming here back in school. I remember the first time I came here was because I saw Chris dancing with a girl who had a crush on him. Jealous and upset, I came here to drink.

I drank too much then and almost slept through the night. By the time I woke up, I was the only one left. I was anxious and scared, but Mr. Webb made me something to eat.

He told me to come here if I ever wanted to drink and not go anywhere else because I could end up in danger if I met bad people.

From then on, I came here whenever I felt down. He never stopped me from drinking, letting me do as I pleased. But no matter how much I drank, he

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ensured I was safe.

I knew he once had a daughter. When she was around 16 or 17, she drank because she was heartbroken and was assaulted.

Her mental health deteriorated after that and in the end, she committed suicide by jumping off a building.

Mr. Webb had opened this bar to protect those heartbroken girls and provide them with a safe space to drink.

“Alright.” I accepted because I didn’t want him to worry.

“Then wait here. Don’t go anywhere on your own,” Mr. Webb said before turning

around.

“Mr. Webb.” Right then, I heard a familiar voice.

I looked in the direction of the voice and saw Conrad walking toward me. I _chuckled. “Mr. Webb, it seems like you won’t need to have someone send me

home anymore.”

Conrad knew about this place too since he’d been here before. I’ve also run into him here many times. It appeared like today was no exception.

I didn’t believe in coincidences since I knew very well that most so–called coincidences were premeditated.

“The bill, please.” I tugged at Mr. Webb.

“It’s fine. Maybe next time.” Mr. Webb dismissed me.

I didn’t insist. If I didn’t pay this time, I would just pay double the next time. However, Conrad took out his phone and scanned the QR code. Without asking for the total, he transferred two thousand dollars.

Mr. Webb wanted to say something but Conrad spoke first. “Keep the extral amount for her next visit.”

The next visit? Did he think I was an alcoholic? Well, it would be better if he thought that.

Conrad came over and helped me outside. A cool night breeze hit us as we left the bar, clearing my muddled mind a bit.

“Do you want to take a car or ride on a bicycle?” Conrad asked.

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I was surprised at the question and memories started flooding back.

When Conrad left, I still hadn’t gotten my driver’s license, so I rode a bicycle all the time. Every time I drank here, Conrad would pick me up on a bicycle.