A prison with no bars

As he walked to the town the sun was still beating down the air was dry and sticky with the dust from the farms near the surrounding areas.

He could hear the crickets, they were so loud. Some time had passed and he arrived at the small bar named ’Annette’s’.

It was tacky looking from the outside and inside looked and smelled like typical small town bar, you could smell the strong liquor and beer. It was forbidden to smoke inside, the owners made sure that, they wanted a fresh approach. This was of the many positives when sitting there, well that the fact there was very little trouble the other bars had reputations for having many issues. The bar was owned by Annette and her husband Ray. They have owned the bar now for just over six year.

They have kept the locals happy as even during the recession they did not hike the prices up, as they believed that low prices means more sales. Their faith paid off in the end people bought more because it cost less, that and the fact that it was one of only three pubs in the town. This one catered for the mid twenties until the late thirties. Other two were for the younger local teens and elderly

On arrival, he said “hi” to Annette, who in turn welcomed him with a warm “Hello” and a smile. “What will it be she asked the usual?” Antwone responded “Yes”. Paid Annette, she smiled and gave him his change he said “Thank you.” She responded “Your welcome sweetie.” He sat at the bar Took a sip of his cold beer and ate a few bar nuts which are always there for the paying customers.

He checked his phone to see what time it was. He was too warm sitting at the bar; the sun was shining directly on him through the window, it was nice, but made him feel a little woozy.

So he decided to move to the corner where it was cooler, he grabbed his belongings, and his beer he asked Annette if he could take the nuts with him she nodded.

He sat in the corner it was nice and cool there he placed his belonging on the seat beside him and placed his beer on the table along with the nuts, he took his phone out again plugged in his headphones and began to listen to some music until Clive arrived.

Music is the only thing that seems to make everything in life more vivid. Most people often turn to it to give them and energetic boost. When all is lost and people feel low, the first thing they tend to do is find music that will help them through that difficult period in life.

It was now 5pm and Clive arrived at the bar. “Hey Antwone!” He said „Hey Clive! “ Clive approached the table in which Antwone was sitting at. Antwone stood up to greet him, shook Clive's his hand. „What can I get you to drink. “He asked. „Just a beer. “He responded „Ok cool, one second, he approached the bar signaled to Annette „Two more please“He said politely, she nodded in recognition. And brought him two draft beers. He said „Thank you“and paid for the drinks. He turned and walked towards his seat. He put the drinks on the table and sat down „So how was it today? “He asked Clive „Day was long but it was as it usually is, you know the drill Antwone no work talk out of work. “ I smiled and said cheers, the two glasses clanked together I then took a sip of my beer „So tell me. “ Clive said „What happened? Why did you leave the company? “ Antwone began to tell the story of Yesterday as clearly as he could without sounding like he was losing his mind. After talking for about ten minutes explaining every emotion that he felt that day. Clive just sat there in amazement to what he was hearing. Eyes fixed on min like watching the flames of a fire. He was mesmerized and in shock.

On completing his story about yesterday’s events Clive sat there with a blank look on his face and said. „You saw, a spirit yesterday and conversed with he said. “

„Yes. “ Antwone responded, „I hope I do not sound like I am losing my mind. “ He said. „Not at all, I have known you for many years and I trust you. “ „If you say that you saw this then I am not going to question it. But I understand fully why you did not mention it before at the warehouse. “ „So what now?“ He asked.

„I move to Ohio“Antwone responded, „Why there“Clive asked. „I have an urge to go there, I feel that is where it all begins. “He said, „You have family there, yeah? Clive responded „Yeah my mother’s sister lives there, I will stay at her plea for a while until I figure my next step. “ „I see“Clive responded. „So when will you leave? “ „In two days. “ Antwone answered „I do not want to leave any room for doubt to set in. I have to take action. It’s the only way I know I will take this leap. “

The bar was starting to get busy as people were beginning to finish their working day, made their ways to Annette’s Bar so they can unwind, have a catch up before returning home to whoever may be there waiting for them.

We finished our beers and brought the empty glasses to the bar; we wished Annette a good evening and left the bar. It was cooler outside now, yet air was still dusty from the nearby farms. Clive offered to drive me home, Antwone declined this offer, he wanted to walk off the alcohol that he had just drank and walking is always nice at this time in the evening.

He informed Clive that on Friday he would have a leaving night at Annette’s Bar and asked if he would be able to make it. He responded that he will come for a while.

Clive then asked Antwone if he would join him and his family for dinner tomorrow if he was not too busy. Antwone smiled and said of course I will come it will be nice to see you all.

„Have a good evening Clive and send my wishes to the family. “ „Thank you, I will you have a nice evening also okay. “ Thanks for the catch up. I am going to miss these talks my friend.

„Me Too, but I will visit, that much is true.