Fresh from intimate dreams of art, Emily wondered which was better. The Metropolitan Museum of Art or The Museum of Modern Art? Too many artworks competed for space in her thoughts. Images rose and fell, each more exquisite than the other. She had not been long in New York but already appreciated a few tourist and architectural wonders. While the Liberty Statue dominated her emotions, she felt deeply for the victims of the terrorist acts of 2001. That was long ago, anyway, and had little to do with the present. Yet, two wars raged at present in Europe and Asia, both dragging on endlessly.
Emily could not help but remember life in Texas along the Mexico border not so long ago. Didn’t it seem like a different world? Texas was once upon a time a separate country, a republic of its own. No wonder it felt so weird out there in this mighty expanse called America! Yet, let it be, she thought again, now that she was determined to make New York her new battleground. If her architectural dreams were to see the light of day, it must be here and now…
Here and now? Yer, she was here to attend a meeting. The business meeting should start in a few minutes but there seemed enough time for a snack and coffee. The cafe across the street looked enticing. She wondered how to get there across the sea of traffic that raced past insanely in both directions. No, she settled for the self-help kiosk nearby. A bird in the hand is safer, she thought. GRAVITAS said the elegant signboard. Why so serious, anyway? She could see several couples on cloud nine.
Can you imagine Daniel, a CEO, hopping across that mighty traffic like a lame pigeon? Excessive late-night partying had ebbed all this strength and spirit. He made it across the first few rows of cars and now stood high and dry on the divider, feeling good about reaching so far. Yet, half the road remained to be conquered.
As Emily proceeded to GRAVITAS, this stately figure in a smart gray suit struck her eye. As she watched, he seemed to be losing balance, teetering high above the traffic that knew nothing except speed. Daniel could feel a whirring in the head as he looked here and there. Was he also aiming for the same venue that she was targeting? Why was he in this condition in the midst of nowhere?
Daniel had much on his mind. Ambitious, he wanted to make it big too, like Emily. Getting into the boots of a CEO meant a great responsibility. In his deep thoughts, he felt worried and afraid. Could he cope in the long run? What happens if the business partners let him down or conspire against him? How he wished he had a partner who was also a spouse?
As Emily watched this lonely figure in the hot midday sun against a backdrop of exquisite skyscrapers, her heart missed a beat… Why did he appear so wretched and weak, lost and miserable? Within moments, it was clear that he was on the verge of collapse. He appeared in a daze, only half aware. Falling in such a situation can only mean big trouble, like jumping in front of a train, or worse. With no people in sight except the vehicles and the buildings, maybe she could help him.
Being dedicated to society and social work right since her school days, Emily made a decision. She quickly found gaps in the traffic and raced to his side.
‘Can I help you? What is the problem?
‘Sorry. I am getting late for the meeting. Stuck in traffic.’ He smiled.
Emily realized now that they were both fated to attend the same meeting down the street. ‘I am ready for the meeting too.’
The shared moment of ecstasy spoke volumes. She held out a hand. Finding support on what felt like a safe island amidst a thousand dangers, he set food on the street. One car at that speed would have killed him in an instant. Never did he come so close to danger.
It was a cheerful moment a few minutes of walking later. The WELCOME sign appeared out of nowhere. The hall packed with delegates whispered among themselves. Much was at stake in this annual meeting. Representatives from Europe mingled with their American and Australian counterparts.
Seated together in the third row, Emily and Daniel were all eyes and ears. The agenda commenced with a welcome speech that highlighted the events of the next few hours. Each of the delegates would speak for a maximum of five minutes.
Emily could not make it to GRAVITAS. Ample snacks and beverages stood on the table in the foyer. Both needed a pepping up. It was cakes and coffee that revived them within moments.
‘Good to meet you.’ Emily felt so much elated in his company. She had hardly looked at him but felt his presence loom large by her side. She could not help but remember him stuck amidst the traffic.
‘Thank you for helping me. My car broke down and I did not want to miss the meeting.’
Fate brings people together in mysterious ways!
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