Lilly's Window

Chen thought he had the best job, the best home, and the best view into the windows of a brothel he passed on his daily walk to work. His life grew even better when he became friends with Lilly, the woman behind the last window. Despite the deepening of their friendship, Chen was not prepared when an encounter with Lilly turned his world upside-down.

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When he entered the park, he reached into his pocket to feel the comfort of his knife while scanning the area for danger. But Chen didn’t spot danger; instead, he spotted something so surprising his adrenaline surged. A woman wearing a black puffer jacket was sitting on a park bench, her vivid blue hair illuminated by the light pole above the bench. It was Lilly. Chen was sure it was her. Someone was sitting next to her on the bench – no, not someone, something. Chen focused his vision and identified that the object sitting next to Lilly was a large hiking backpack. A sleeping bag was strapped to a metal frame above the pack.

A rapid set of questions raced through his mind. What is she doing here? Where is she going? Is she in trouble? He shook his head to clear his mind, but it didn’t work – his thinking shifted to his own concerns. Why doesn’t she ever smile or wave at him like the other women? Had he offended her somehow? Then the most agonizing thought of all dawned on him. Should I approach her?

Chen didn’t know what to do. His thoughts and emotions were all over the place. His breathing was ragged, and his heart was beating so rapidly he worried he was having a heart attack. He wasn’t sure if his condition was aftermath from the confrontation at the arcade or if it was caused by the sight of Lilly on the bench. He considered ignoring her and continuing his walk home, but then he realized he’d be missing an opportunity – an opportunity he might never get again. He did his best to slow down his breathing as he approached her.

“Hi. You’re Lilly, right?”

She looked up at him. Chen thought she looked tired.

Pretty, but tired.

“Yes, I am. Now, please leave me alone.”

“I mean no offense,” Chen replied, “I just want to ask you a question.”

“Look, I don’t do off-the-clock work. Come back tomorrow to see me.”