Yesterday was a hard day at work. On the scale of things, it wasn't the worse, but it was still bad. Fridays are almost always busy, and I was alone in taking care of 20 odd patients that day. Even my consultant said, "Sorry Ayne, for the awful day." I smiled, and shrugged because honestly no one is at fault. It just happens. Was meant to go out with A to Central London after work to have duck at our favourite Chinese restaurant, but after clocking off more than 1 hour later than I should have, I arrived home physically exhausted. "Its ok, we don't have to go out," A said. But after arriving at the station just missing the train home and having to wait 25 minutes for the next one, I was not in the mood to take another train into Central London. "Maybe we can go somewhere nearer to home?" I suggested instead.
I cleaned up and rested on the bed for a bit. And since this will be A's last Friday night before he is off home again for work, I somehow hoisted myself off from the comforts of warm duvets, put on some red lipstick and went out to a local burger place. A place that we have long wanted to try but haven't had the chance to so far. On the Uber ride there, I just let my thoughts wander as I looked out the window, observing what little nightlife there is in suburban North London.
It was a really nice little restaurant. Friendly staff who greeted us with "Assalamualaikum!" as we walked in. We sat next to a wall lined with old cassettes. On closer inspection, they were real cassettes - some from Gloria Estefan, Lion King and even Alvin and the Chipmunks! We ordered buffalo wings and burgers and chatted whilst waiting for our food. The customers at his particular restaurant hosted were mainly made up of couples and families, many with little babies - some with two or three under their arms. Not having such responsibility yet, A and I enjoyed our little company of two.
Our food arrived and it was delicious. I ordered the blue cheese burger and it was definitely a treat. A tender beef patty between two crisp brioche buns, accompanied by tangy slices of gherkins and the strength of flavour from the blue cheese. Really really delicious. We took our time eating our meal. As time was slowly approaching 11pm, we headed home by bus. Sitting on the upper deck, it was like a roller coaster ride as our driver swerved in and out of tight roads like a pro.
It has been said that one only remembers the beginning and end of something, be it a lecture or movie or play. That is why it is always advised to begin and finish strong. This was definitely true yesterday as the date with A erased the craziness of the middle hours.
When walking home, my hand in his on a wintery cold night, I thought, "Today has been a good day."
No comments