Thank You, Ayesha

I laid on the bed.

My head was aching.

My entire body was paining.

I could feel my body losing consciousness, slowly and steadily.

'Where are you? Ayesha?'

I closed my eyes. As my mind took me back in time.

Ten-year-old me stood in front of a girl with twinkling violet eyes.

'Hello! My name is Ayesha! What is your name?!'

I simply stared. Nobody had ever looked at me, let alone talk to me.

'Are you alright?' Ayesha asked, concerned.

'Why do you want to know my name?'

'Why can't I know your name?'

'I- ... ugh. Alright. I am Oliver.'

'Oh! I see! Just like your olive eyes!!'

'I guess so.' This girl was weird.

She extended her hand for a handshake.

'Huh?' I said and after a moment of hesitation-

We shook hands.

My first friend.

'Oliver?'

My mind suddenly came to the present. My mom stood there with teary eyes.

I couldn't speak much. It hurt a lot to even open my mouth. So all I managed to say was-

'Mom. Ayesha?'

'They are searching for her. Don't worry, we will find her. They have gone to the orphanage you mentioned. Maybe she went back?'

I simply turned. I did not want to talk. It hurt a lot.

Did I do something wrong? Wasn't I a good friend?

I tried to recall the last day we were together. Just three days ago.

It had started pretty normal. Like any other day.

'Mom! I am going to school.'

'Alright Oliver!' Mom had said as she came in front of the door. 'Be careful, don't get into fights.'

'I won't. Don't worry.'

'You always say that Oliver, but always come back with bruises. It is a good thing that no official complaint has come from the school or by any parent. Just.. be careful.'

I nodded.

'Are you going with Ayesha?'

'Yeah.'

'You should invite her to our house one day. You have been friends for so long, not once she has come here.'

'You know she is shy! She does not like meeting new people.'

'Hmm.. well just ask her once more today.'

'Ugh.. alright! Now I am going- or I will be late.' I opened the door and walked out, waving to my mother.

After walking five metres, I finally come to our meeting point.

Ayesha stood there, hands behind her. Waiting for me.

'Finally! I have been waiting forever!'

'Stop lying.' I said, as I poked her with my finger on her forehead.

'Ow! That hurt!'

'Thats what you get for lying.'

'Hmph.' She said crossing her arms and turning the other side. Here she goes again.