DAWN

Lying on the couch, he appeared helpless, as if the world was about to crumble.

He murmured inaudibly, "Time seems to move slowly. It was taking its time, gradually.”

Luis was sitting right next to him. He was on his phone, searching the internet. He asked inquisitively, "What makes you want time to go by so quickly?"

Dex was perplexed to hear Luis ask him that. "You must have excellent ears because I could not believe you heard that. I am just anxiously waiting for dawn.”

Luis stood up and went to the windows to look out because it was dark in the room. He looked at his wristwatch and, as if not convinced by what the time showed, asked Dex to check the time on his phone. It was ten a.m., he reluctantly told him.

He turned to face Dex and repeated the question, claiming he was unsure of his meaning when he expressed his anticipation for dawn.

Lazy, Dex pulled himself to the window and pulled up the curtain.

"Wow, it is bright. Isn’t it nice? The breeze feels as though it can be touched and even embraced.”

"What is up with you?" Luis inquired with concern.

"You are not as sane as I am," Dex said immediately. "I am looking forward to dawn because, as I mentioned earlier, the night seems to drag on. Nothing more. You get it?”

Luis was growing progressively more confused. Dex gave him an abrupt tap on the shoulder before returning to his couch-lying position.

Luis immediately dialled Nick’s number. “Your guy seems to be having all kinds of problems, so I guess you should come over right away” [What could be the issue?]

“He acts oddly.” [Just tell me what he said.] “He said he is eagerly awaiting dawn even though the time says 10 a.m.” [He is doing perfectly well.]

“How would you put that?” Nick responded that he was just using metaphors. He was not referring to the real dawn. You are waiting for something to happen; it could be the night that drags on. It will be the realisation of what he has been anticipating when dawn comes.

"You are called his twin brother, which makes sense. [Get more details from him about what it could be.]

"I appreciate it."

Quietly, Luis passed Dex as he hung up and made his way to the room.

"Will you not inquire as to what dawn I am anticipating?" Dex asked restlessly.

"This morning, I am not prepared for an emotional conversation, and asking you will not yield much. I need as much energy as I can get to get through today."

A little agitated, Dex straightened his posture. "We are talking about my life (Luis taking a halt to hear him out), and you do not care what I hope to get out of it? What kind of friend are you? I like to discuss things with Nick because he listens and asks questions.”

"But he hardly answers," (Answered Luis, feeling irritated.) "Now listen to me..." 

(Dex interrupts him.) "Are you getting angry?"

"Well, I am not. I am not saying that you should not wait, but I am saying that you should not look hopeless.”

"Did you just indirectly say I look miserable?"

"Oh, God! This conversation is not helping (Looking at Dex in frustration while putting his hands around his neck). Why are you trying to put words into my mouth this morning?

It is okay to wait, but everything has its time. Work during the day and let the process be completed at night so that you can fully and enthusiastically enjoy what you have been anticipating at sunrise. Would your impatient waiting lead to the early arrival of dawn? Concerning what you are waiting for, what else have you done? For argument's sake, you should not seem depressed and impatient with the entire process, even if you have taken all the required actions.”

As Luis turned to leave, Dex called him back and walked up to him with a cup of lemon juice that had been there the entire time when he stopped. "So you know (looking sternly), there are sharp edges to your words. As a final piece of advice, please refrain from offering advice to anyone grieving, as it will only exacerbate their circumstances. At least you woke me up, so that is a plus.”

As Dex strode off in a stately fashion, he sipped the juice straight into Luis’ face.

Luis shook his head and laughed as if Dex were a hopeless dream. "Thanks for the advice; I might keep it for you since you can handle the outcome."

"Just make sure you sieve it next time, or you might end up cooking and cleaning alone for a whole week because sometimes your words, the way you place them, are enough to drain one of his energy instead of energising him," Dex shot back as he steadily walked to the kitchen.

From a distance, Luis yelled, "But it did energise you after all."

(Dex answering from the kitchen) "Just now, you were lucky; the next time, you might not be. Understand when to use the blunt side and the sharp edge. Please consider the advice.

What is for breakfast, by the way? (Emptying his cup of juice with multiple gulps).

Luis suggested, "Maybe you should prepare something better and work out more because it seems like you need something that will get you moving today to loosen up."

"I concur. (Dex answered right away.) Here comes Mr. Chef of the Year! (Luis exploded into laughter, loud enough to scare a cat away.)

Are you trying to subtly offend me again? (Luis is having a hard time not laughing, so he can answer him. He gestured with his hand to say no.) In this case, you are responsible for paying for breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the nearest restaurant. This is on you because you hysterically laughed at my culinary skills."

Dex left Luis there to have his fill of laughter, since his claim to be a chef had brightened his day.

"What a great way to start the day," Luis remarked between chuckles.

As the evening wore on, the eagerly anticipated dawn also came.

"At last!" Dex screamed. The smile that swept across his face and the joy that filled his heart came like a rush.