wreaked havoc

clock said it's past 5pm, almost 6. time for you to go.
got up and fixed your things. like a usual, after office routine.
head out to the door. talking nonsense to an officemate.
talked about bags, usual girly stuff.

then you saw a familiar face. your eyes met.
heaved a heavy sigh. it was all in your head.
fortunate coincidence? was it one?
tried to act nonchalant.
held your umbrella. as if preparing for battle.
soft drizzles were out.

crossed the street. to take the jeep.
was standing on the curb ahead of you.
oblivion. traveling alone.
awkward silence. two-person distance.
(his) obvious effort to make conversation.
(your) abrupt replies. long moments of silence.

where have all the jeepneys gone?
insanely long hours of waiting for one.
atmosphere tense. acted as if estranged.
heard something. someone. calling you out.
looked around. looked ahead. onlookers.

"nosy people". watching your every move.
entertaining? made-up stories. plot thickens. in their heads.
don't stress. let things be. why are you acting antsy?
thank God a jeep arrived. head out for the front seat.
was it a wrong move? twas a better one, a safer option.

veered from plausible intrigues. though harmless ones.
it's been days since the encounter. moments (still) recanted on hours end.
entertaining? at first it was. bothering? a little more on this end.
must resist analyzing. must resist guilt-tripping. must resist.
it was a coincidence after all. no biggie right there.

over thinking. you're curved to do that.
chill. breathe. shake thoughts out. clear your head.
go with the "flow"? let them be.
do checkpoints. know where you stand.

wreaking havoc? recipe for disaster? don't go there.
don't you ever learn? just stay where you are.
stay. there.