CARA'S OBSESSION

The train station was packed with people, and despite feeling something that seemed too exciting deep in my bones, I couldn't wait to get out of the crowds and the noise that came with them. I was finally leaving this cursed town, there was no greater feeling.

I have been here my whole life, at the orphanage with all of my friends that I grew up with…they're all dead now though.

It would've been sad if I cared.

As the thought crossed my head my grip on the handle of the suitcase tightened. Their deaths were quite unexpected. The wind blew, and I felt my eyes sting with unshed tears, not because I missed them but because of how much dust was at the station, they threatened to fall but I kept them at bay, I wouldn't want anyone thinking I was crying because I missed someone or some stupid shit like that.

I stared at the crowd as they all got on the train, some came with their families, huge smiles on their faces and I wouldn't say I'm jealous but…it kind of hurt seeing them...it would've hurt actually if I could feel it.

I'm jealous.

A sigh escaped my lips, I walked into the train not bothering to look back or rather I couldn't because I was sure I wouldn't be able to leave if I did.

When I found my seat I was already angry, I realized just how much I hated weaving through crowds.

The train was packed and not as spacious as I thought it would be. It was a window seat, big, long, and spacious, I huffed and sat on it. At least I got a view, the noise was getting annoying.

It had been so long since I'd been in the midst of people this much, maybe never…maybe that's why I'm so uncomfortable here.

The journey is supposed to be long as hell and I'm already tired, most definitely not a good sign. I stared at the people outside the train, most of them here to say goodbye to the people getting on…no one came to say goodbye to me though….they're all dead I forgot again.

"Hi!"

I turned my head to stare at the man, I've been doing a whole lot of that recently, rudely staring at people. He didn't seem to mind though, his smile was wide and it reached his eyes. Way too cheery for my eyes.

What an eyesore...

I ignored him and continued staring out the window, he was relentless though, he sat opposite me, a bit of distance from us but still too close for my liking and he still has the stupid smile on his face.

"Hi, I'm Co...Timothy but my friends call me Tim," He stuttered, I ignored it. He stretched out his hand, I ignored it.

Tim…what an average name, it suited him to be honest, his brown eyes stared into mine…I looked into them then at his outstretched hand ready for a handshake that I almost didn't notice.

His hair was messy, too messy, he looked excited like he just made a new friend which made me feel extremely sorry for him...maybe I didn't.

I turned my attention back to the window, not bothering to take his hand. I heard him clear his throat awkwardly and then shuffle in his seat, maybe he was trying to make himself comfortable.

The train had begun to move at that time, I enjoyed watching the faces of people who had tears in their eyes, it was probably hard for them to see a loved one go.

Bullshit.

I put in my ear pods and drowned out the noise that was starting to irritate me, I already hated people but now it was worse. I just couldn't wait to be out of this town, this country…

"…ld you like a pp…"

Huh?

I took out the ear pods and looked at the man who smiled too much, his hand was outstretched again but this time he had candy in his palm.

Caramel.

I laughed at the irony and his eyes seemed to light up at the action.

"Did I say something funny?" he asks, I could tell he was amused by my sudden laughter. The smile on my lips dropped and I stared at the candy for a few seconds before taking it.

He was offering it to me like a desperate child who wanted a friend. I decided to humor him just for a while, he would be my travel companion for the next few days anyways…I had to get used to his face and disgustingly flawless skin.

"I was starting to think I was invisible," he laughed, I tried to force one out but it sounded strained so I just gave up on trying. He was wearing casual clothes, he wasn't dressed like someone who was traveling across a country but rather…like he was going to a beach. I couldn't help but feel that he was quite stupid, does he realize how fucking cold the train is?

"…your name?"

I raised my brows in question, and I got lost in thought again, the sisters at the orphanage always told me to get my head out of the clouds every day but I still haven't learned.

"Your name, what should I call you?"

Oh, what a curious little thing.

I slowly unwrapped the candy, loving the sound the wrap created. I handed over the wrapper to him and he stared at me in confusion.

Ugh…people...

I put the candy into my mouth and closed my eyes enjoying as the taste soothed my tongue. I pointed at the candy wrapper in his hand and yet he still looked confused.

"I…I don't get what you're trying to say"

Yeah, I figured.

"Candy? Your name's candy?"

What the…

I fought the urge to glare and shook my head, I grabbed his palm and brought it closer to me, he seemed startled by the action and for a few seconds I was distracted by how large his hands were compared to mine. I pointed at the name and then stared into his eyes and saw them widen in realization.

"Caramel?"

Duh

I nod and quickly let go of his hand, still getting used to human contact, to be honest. I have not touched a single human willingly in years, I'm not sure what compelled me to do so right now.

"Your name is Caramel? That's a beautiful name"

Thanks, Timothy for nothing.

I nod and then resumed my position at the window, he seemed to be sated now that he knew my name, I felt his stare on the side of my face though but I chose to ignore it.

It didn't make me uncomfortable so I didn't bother myself with it.

I thought about my time at the orphanage though, it was hard to believe that all of it had come to an end, it was not in the way I expected but still, I was slightly happy that I was leaving and never returning, ever.