Pamuya - Where Are You?

I know it’s best to do revisions when the whole novel is complete but I couldn’t help myself and decided to redo Ayden’s introduction chapter. Here’s a teaser of what I revised. Enjoy.

It had been a long time since I’d thought about Pamuya and I’s first encounter. I smiled at the memory but then a wave of sadness washed over me. This would be yet another life I’ve lived with no Pamuya. I didn’t know if I could take much more of these memories when what I really wanted was to hold my beloved. 

Sighing, I rose from my bed and opened a window. I loved the smell of dew in the morning. It made the earth smell new, as if it had been cleansed for a new day. 

Perching my elbows on the windowsill, I took in the early morning view of the campus. I had moved back into the dorms a week ago, wanting to get a feel of the campus before all the other students arrived. The grounds had been freshly mowed recently, making everything look neat and tidy with a few splotches of clippings raked off to the side. I saw the cobblestoned pathways slick with moisture, only a few stray footprints littered throughout. For the most part, the campus was empty and I loved every minute of it. 

I inhaled deeply, soaking in that misty, morning air when a familiar scent wafted through my nostrils. It reminded me of the ocean but less briny and more sweet, something floral. I sniffed again, trying to place the smell when it hit me, this was my Pamuya. 

Had she returned? Was I still dreaming? How close was she? 

Questions peppered through my brain as I tried to make sense of it all. Forgoing reason, I leapt up on the windowsill before jumping out the window, landing softly on the ground.

I double checked to make sure no one had seen me, something I probably should have done before jumping but I could help myself, she was here, my Pamuya. So close I could practically feel her touch on my skin. 

I surveyed my surroundings but couldn’t see anyone or anything that remotely resembled her. I sucked in again through my nostrils but the scent was gone now. Most likely a trick of the mind. 

Feeling disappointed, I slumped my way back to my dorm, dragging my feet, dreading the day ahead of me. As if the heavens could feel my sadness, rain drops trickled down my face, softly at first before picking up into a heavy downpour. 

Where are you Pamuya? 

After a good, hot shower, I decided to forego my cloth white sneakers for my weatherproof boots with dark jeans and a thick, argyle sweater. Slipping into my raincoat, I trekked my way through the campus, out into the city. I had no set location in mind, I just let my feet wander for a bit. 

Suddenly, my stomach growled and I decided to get some breakfast. I stopped by a local dinner and was seated in a window booth. I ordered coffee and french toast and thanked the waitress. I looked out the window, watching the people go by when it hit me again, the smell of the ocean and flowers. 

Immediately my world went black and I was transported back in time.