Jigsaw Falling Into Place
“You eye each other as you pass. She looks back, and you look back
Not just once, and not just twice
Alone, you walk through the intimate atmosphere of a concert you’ve planned to go to for months on what felt like the coolest day of the week, May 29th. Those who stand alone, like yourself, hope the music will bring the connection you’ve longed for. You watch huge crowds of people start piling behind you as the clock passes 10 pm. You are the person who looks out of place in the crowd of people who appear to be regulars. The set of facial piercings allow you to fit in but your height and stature stand above the rest. The sweet melody of your favorite band Panchiko, hugs your heart and soothes you. The person who no longer feels alone enjoys the moment but yearns for something more, something within reach. Lost in the melancholic sound and distorted instruments, you are the person who is desperately trying to stay afloat among the endless people jumping in the crowd. The warmth that was once comforting, brings an uncomfortable feeling of nausea that passes through you as each lyric is sung. You ground your legs and stabilize your core so you don’t knock anyone down. You notice your knees buckle as the music takes control, and you bump into the person who is brighter than any light in the venue. The person who you’ve never met before shares a smile like a friend, and you, who can’t tell left from right, shares one back. You lock eyes with the person with the matching eyebrow piercing and microbangs more as the night continues. You look into each other’s eyes, sharing words never spoken as you keep bumping into them. The mesmerizing woman who dances like it’s their last night ever disappears into the crowd as the concert ends. You want to reach out to the person who made your heart match the fast pace of the music. The fear of losing the one whose name you’ve never been told causes an ache that can’t be explained. Alone, just like your arrival, you sit outside on a cold railing in the dark spring night, hoping the night doesn’t end. The person with the hazel eyes that shine in the moonlight walks up to you and says “hi”. You share words with the person whose name rolls off your tongue like water trickling down a stream. The woman who appears to be much shorter than you realized talks about it being their second time seeing Panchiko. You walk away wishing you said more to the person with the nice smile. You want to glance back, hoping to catch their eye one last time, but instead the person whose name you’ve never forgotten leaves a smile on your face as you look forward.
It is your second time seeing the band that gives you joy beyond belief. This time, the concert is on a cool night on May 29th, rather than the scorching heat that was last year’s concert. You hope to meet new people and connect with the music that touches your soul. The person whose heart beats for music moves forward into the crowd, hoping to get a better view. You have given up on trying to stand on your own as you are pushed amongst the waves of people. Your short height does not work to your advantage and you are tossed around like a rock in a field of children in a playground, you merge with the sea of people. The man whose head rises above everyone else’s bumps into you. They look down to see what they just hit, and apologize with a smile. You share a laugh with the mysterious person and let the music take control once again. You notice the similarities in style with the man who seems to tower over the crowd. You dance more than ever before as your favorite songs are played, and you notice the man you’ve exchanged glances with singing alongside you. You realize you and the man are much more alike than you thought. Your heart grows cold as Panchiko finishes their last song, and you are swept off your feet by the crowd of people who rush to the exit. You reach the exit and the cool breeze of the spring night sweeps through your body. The familiar stranger sits on a silver railing on the side of the street, and you walk over to him, wanting to talk more. The conversation flows like friends who’ve done this before, and laughter is shared, talking about bumping into each other. The man tells you it is his first time seeing Panchiko and you joke about it being your second. You say goodnight to the person with the matching piercings and long hair, and walk away carrying a smile on your face that glimmers in the moonlight.
georgewriting 