Redmption 92


    I went to a bar and stayed there from 3:00 pm till 9:00 pm, drinking the entire time. I didn’t drink


    much, but I drank for a long time, until my mind was nk. and my body felt empty.


    I knew the owner, so even though I was alone, I didn’t have to worry even if I got drunk.


    “When are you leaving? Do you have a ride?” the owner asked. Hisst name was Webb. I didn’t


    know his first name, since everyone only addressed him as


    Mr. Webb.


    He looked to be in his fifties. If my dad were still around, they’d be about the


    same age.


    “Now, I guess.” I didn’t really want to leave, but I still had work tomorrow and


    needed to rest earlier.


    Tonight’s drinking was my way of saying a final goodbye to my feelings for


    Chris.


    I stood up, leaning on the chair for support, but Mr. Webb stopped me. “I can’t let you leave like this.


    I’ll have someone take you home.”


    Mr. Webb was a thoughtful man. Despite his bar being tucked away in an alley, it had thrived for


    many years since most of his patrons were regrs and old


    friends.


    I starteding here back in school. I remember the first time I came here was because I saw


    Chris dancing with a girl who had a crush on him. Jealous and upset, I came here to drink.


    I drank too much then and almost slept through the night. By the time I woke up, I was the only one


    left. I was anxious and scared, but Mr. Webb made me something to eat.


    N?velDrama.Org ? 2024.


    He told me toe here if I ever wanted to drink and not go anywhere else because I could end up


    in danger if I met bad people.


    From then on, I came here whenever I felt down. He never stopped me from drinking, letting me do


    as I pleased. But no matter how much I drank, he


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    ensured I was safe.


    I knew he once had a daughter. When she was around 16 or 17, she drank because she was


    heartbroken and was assaulted.


    Her mental health deteriorated after that and in the end, shemitted suicide by jumping off a


    building.


    Mr. Webb had opened this bar to protect those heartbroken girls and provide them with a safe


    space to drink.


    “Alright.” I epted because I didn’t want him to worry.


    “Then wait here. Don’t go anywhere on your own,” Mr. Webb said before turning


    around.


    “Mr. Webb.” Right then, I heard a familiar voice.


    I looked in the direction of the voice and saw Conrad walking toward me. I _chuckled. “Mr. Webb, it


    seems like you won’t need to have someone send me


    home anymore.”


    Conrad knew about this ce too since he’d been here before. I’ve also run into him here many


    times. It appeared like today was no exception.


    I didn’t believe in coincidences since I knew very well that most so–called coincidences were


    premeditated.


    “The bill, please.” I tugged at Mr. Webb.


    “It’s fine. Maybe next time.” Mr. Webb dismissed me.


    I didn’t insist. If I didn’t pay this time, I would just pay double the next time. However, Conrad took


    out his phone and scanned the QR code. Without asking for the total, he transferred two thousand


    dors.


    Mr. Webb wanted to say something but Conrad spoke first. “Keep the extral amount for her next


    visit.”


    The next visit? Did he think I was an alcoholic? Well, it would be better if he thought that.


    Conrad came over and helped me outside. A cool night breeze hit us as we left the bar, clearing my


    muddled mind a bit.


    “Do you want to take a car or ride on a bicycle?” Conrad asked.


    Chapt92


    I was surprised at the question and memories started flooding back.


    When Conrad left, I still hadn’t gotten my driver’s license, so I rode a bicycle all the time. Every time


    I drank here, Conrad would pick me up on a bicycle.