Mj ran along the narrow path that leads to the Willow Brooke, he was immersed in deep thoughts about the events of the past month, his marriage to his ex-wife Shirley Davidson was a hasty decision, he knew that now, the cool wind blew across his face as he ran along the path he could hear the rustling the green leaves, he heard a quick rustle in the bushes and stopped to check what it was; he leaned closer and just then a white fluffy bunny ran out of the bush and it startled him greatly " damn it" he yelled, but a smile cut across his lips as the sudden entrance of the bunny drew his thoughts away from the sad events between him and Shirley. As he continued his run he was immersed in the beautiful scenery before him, Little Borough was indeed a peaceful calm paradise, cool springs flowing, the fields dressed in colorful flowers, Lilies, Roses and Daffodils filling the air with sweet scents and warmth. Mj particularly loved the mountains that surrounds Little Borough making the little town look like something out of an epic movie. As he ran, he cast his mind back to the time when he was just a little boy and visited Little Borough with his parents, they would camp at the mountain side picking flowers and roasting Marshmallows while they listened to the rushing stream; those were the good old days and he always hoped to share the same experience with his unborn children, now that dream looked bleak, gone with the with the wind and Shirley betrayal, he could still not believe she could betray his love for her, she threw his love to the dogs, what he would give to turn the hands of time, he felt the pain so raw all over again as the image of that night replayed in his mind, he could feel tears forming so he stopped in his track breathing heavily, physically exhausted and emotionally drained. Given the circumstance Mj thought, he might need to see a therapist as soon as possible, he must be losing his mind, what he felt in the place of love now was only hurt and hatred towards Shirley, towards women and he swore in his heart there and then to never love again, he would only immerse himself in his solitude embalmed with the hurt of love's betrayal; but wait, does he still feel something for her? could it be he still loved Shirley? never, the thin line between love and hate has been broken and every fiber of his being feels nothing but hate and loathing for her. Mj was so immersed in his thought he did not notice he had gotten to Willow Brooke, the magical rushing sound of the stream brought him back to reality, he stood silently admiring natures creation, he inhaled deeply taking in the fresh breeze from the trees and flowers and though how different the air here is from that of the city polluted with toxic flaring and exhaust smoke from cars; '' this is beautiful'' he thought out loud. Mj felt a sense of peace and warmth in this place and decided to sit on the bench by the stream to take in more of this beautiful scenery, he had left his multibillion empire behind to get away from his failed marriage and he knew now that it was worth it. Mj was not bothered he knew his companies were in safe hands in the charge of his trusted assistant Raymond. Raymond had left him several messages and emails notifying him of every happening in his companies, he trusted Raymond: they had built a relationship based on trust and understanding over the years, and Mj always admired Raymond's enthusiasm to learn and work his hardest. Mj snapped out of these thoughts when he heard the rustling of feet, he knew then he was not alone. Just then as he stood up to begin his long walk back home, he came face to face with a large brown eyes and long shiny black hair, her facial features were immaculate, Mj felt a lump in his throat as he gazed upon the most beautiful woman he had ever come across. She blinked at him, smiled and backed away to make room between them but Mj did not want that, he wanted to continue gazing at those beautiful brown eyes until he drowns in them. ''I am sorry sir, i did not expect to see anyone here, you see i come here often myself and never find anyone here, Mj heard the most angelic voice and for a minute everything stood still for her. He moved his lips but could not form any words to say, remembering his pledge to himself to never love again or allow himself slip away on the wings of cupid taking flight to love, he hurriedly brushed past her and ran, as he ran his heart raced and he felt like he was running away from himself and slipping into a deeper void of anger and hate, but he was ok with that, ''Never again'' he swore under his breath and never looked back to see the strangers face as she gazed upon his retreating figure.
Laura starred at the rude stranger as he ran away from her, she stood dumbfounded at the stranger's attitude, she had never seen him before; at least not in town, he maybe a tourist or one of those city writers who usually visit Little Borough to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life and overcome writers' block, but why did he run off like that, she shrugged and walked towards the bench by the stream, she sat down and brought out the novel she had been reading for the past one week. As Laura sat on the bench, she noticed the stranger had forgotten his keys, "he would have to run back to get these" she said and just as she said it there, he was, standing Infront of her he reached out to take the keys from her without uttering a word and left. "How rude, she shouted after the retreating figure, what is his problem acting so grumpy Laura thought but it was not in her character to think the worst about anyone, so she wondered perhaps the stranger was having a bad day. she sat back on the bench by the stream and leaned back to exhale the fresh air into her lungs, sitting by the stream is one of her favorite things to do, she smiled to herself as she turned the page of the book in her hands immersing herself into the ficticious world of the writer.