I pull my hood over my head, rushing past the city goers. This is completely humiliating, how could I be so stupid. I can’t get that image out of my head and I can’t tell if this water sliding down my cheeks is from the rain or my tears. I make my way to my favourite coffee shop, the only place in New York City so far that has felt like home to me. It’s always warm and comforting and the waitress sometimes gives me free cake. I sit down in a hidden stall at the back hiding my face. The waitress takes my usual order and all I can do is nod and I can already see it in her eyes. What I didn’t want, that sympathetic stare and my eyes glaze over again.

This was supposed to be my fresh start, in the city with my fiancé, settling into our apartment and embarking on a new adventure. He was my everything, the entire reason I came here and for the sole purpose of his new job. I mean I didn’t mind, I always wanted to support him in anything and I know wherever he was I could be happy too, it was just an adjustment. To think of everything I sacrificed though and he just gave it up for some secretary tramp!

That’s it, I will throw the ring in his face when I get back and then I will decide what it is that I want. “Is this seat taken?” I look up at the face that matches that deep voice, from his dark black hair to his chiseled jaw. His eyes are kind but yet commanding, he is well built and if I do say so myself it seems as though the gods created him. “Sorry, everywhere else is full but if you aren’t comfortable, that’s alright.” He smiles and I forget that I have been staring at him for what seems like forever, he probably thinks there is something wrong with me. “Of course, I don’t mind, go ahead.”

He strikes up a conversation with me and for some time I forget why it is I first came to this city. In my cosy cafe, sitting across from this handsome stranger, maybe the city isn’t as bad as I thought and maybe there is some place for me in it.