66

~Xander~

As I settle into the taxi, gentle strains of a soothing melody brush against my ears, immediately capturing my attention. The music shifts me through memories of someone special, and with each note, my heart crumbles, painfully reminding me that I am not fortunate enough to celebrate this day of love.

“Will you please lower the volume?” I exhale, hoping to dampen the waves of emotion that threaten to consume me.

The taxi driver gazes at me through the rearview mirror, a flicker of amusement in his eyes. “Come on, man, it’s Valentine’s Day,” he muses as if encouraging me to embrace the atmosphere.

I can no longer contain my frustration. “I don’t do Valentine’s,” I exclaim, my voice filled with a mixture of sadness and defiance.

The taxi driver rolls his eyes, clearly unimpressed by my sentiment. “Then you better start.”

It’s as if he’s challenging me to change my perspective.

Today is Valentine’s Day, and as the taxi carries me towards my destination. I take a moment to observ