Streaming Love

Abinaya Sreenivas posted under Flash Fiction QuinTale-18 on 2020-04-27



The clouds were gray and heavy as Greg drove back home. The car radio spoke of a storm and played some blues, ‘Do you remember me                            Like I remember you?                               Do you spend your life                         Going back in your mind to that time?’ It’s been seven years since she left, and I’m still thinking of her. Eva was the most beautiful thing that had ever happened to him. She was honest and messy; vulnerable and funny. She was also unpredictable, her moods like cloudbursts.  Those were rough times. But love was not always about sunshine and rainbows. So, her temper was forgivable. ‘How did we go wrong?                              It was good and now it’s gone’ He saw a leaf clinging to the barren tree despite the furious gale while waiting for the traffic to clear up. You will always be in my life Even if I’m not in your life...’ It was a cold September. Eva walked into the cafe, which was just around the corner of Greg’s apartment. This place was full of bittersweet memories. ‘I hate to turn up out of the blue, uninvited But I couldn't stay away, I couldn't fight it’ Adele’s soulful voice on the radio filled the small room when she sat down with her hot coffee. Why do I do this to myself? I chose to leave him, then why do I linger?  They’re living at a time of inconsistent promises, insatiable lust and dying love. But their love was pure and mature.  Greg was amazingly stable; too organized for an artist. He was a radio lover. He understood her silences, remained unaffected by her mood swings. He loved all the things that she hated about herself.  But his solidity made her feel inadequate. His flawlessness was irksome. His calmness drove her crazy until one day she upped and left. ‘I hate you, I love you I hate that, I love you Don't want to, but I can't put Nobody else above you’ She smiled sardonically at the uncanny playlist. She paid for the coffee and left. It was raining outside and her umbrella flew away in the wind. She stood there in the storm, completely drenched. If only the rain could wash away my painful memories. Just then a car pulled up beside her. Greg couldn’t believe his eyes. Was his mind playing tricks? He rolled down the car window for a better view and there she was. For a minute Eva just stood there looking right into Greg’s dazed eyes. Her own eyes were stinging from the rain or was it her tears? He opened the door and waited for her, his eyes pleading. She walked towards the car on shaky legs. And the voice on the radio sang,  ‘I don't mind spendin' everyday Out on your corner in the pourin' rain Look for the girl with the broken smile Ask her if she wants to stay awhile And she will be loved, and she will be loved.’ _

[ratemypost]