93: Caress

I've bumped into a couple of passersby on my way to the coffee shop. I apologize quickly without looking back. The closer I get to it, my anxiety exacerbates. It's weighing me down, and every step I take takes effort. The sun's glare is too bright, my skin too prickly. I feel everything around me intensely. Something is off, I don't know why I didn't notice it before.

I can't get the sound of his voice out of my mind. How he sounded. If it's another tactic to get me out of the city, I might just punch him. However, I have a strong feeling that it isn't. This is driving me insane, especially with everything going on with my mother. I don't even know where she is. I'm worried sick. I tried to call her on my way here, but her phone must be off.

I finally cross the street. I look through the window to see if I can spot him. I can't see him right away, so he must be at our usual seat, right at the back of the room. I push the door open and the bells above jingle merrily. The sound is irr