The Memory Keeper

Chapter 1 - Remember...

TW: ⚠️⚠️ The following chapter contains a topic (suicide) that may be sensitive or traumatizing to some readers. Please proceed with caution.

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SUJIN’s POV 

It was almost dusk. The sun was setting with only a few swallows left in the sky. The dipping sun was ember-red and it glittered over the sea like a dragon’s tongue.  Down below, the seagulls were still screeching and scrabbling over scraps of food, their raucous cries loud enough in the faltering light. 

As the sun casted it’s few lances of light across the sky, I felt a drop in temperature, the warmth from the air started to be replaced by a chill, and it made me shiver. Only then did I realized I have on a flimsy white flowery dress, the length barely reaching my knees.

Wrapping my arms around me in an attempt to fight off the cold, I let the waves play on my feet as I wandered aimlessly, the beach sand flowing and tickling my toes. I felt at peace here but terribly lonely for what and for who, I don’t know. 

As time passed, the sky turned black, seeming to look like a void, while the stars slowly became brighter. The waves were also much larger now and the wind picking up strength. They seemed to be yelling at me, angry that I am disturbing their cavorting, that I had to step back lest I go flying around wherever the ocean pleases to take me.

Stumbling back into the safety of the shore, that’s when I saw a lone figure, walking. From where I stand, I can see that he is a man with shoulders stooped and head bent low, it almost looked he had no neck in between.

There was something about his despondent stance that caught me in a trance. I watched as he walked unsteadily into the sea. Watched as he stumbled and fall into the water. One moment his head was bobbing above the water, next moment it’s gone.

Where is he??!!???!! Why is he not coming out of the water?!?!?!!

Something in my head clicked! My eyes searched frantically, looking for someone who could save him. 

Help!!!! Someone, anyone, help me!!!!

My voice turned hoarse from shouting for help while running into the direction I saw the man last. There was no one else around but him and me. 

I didn’t know if I can swim. Heck, I don’t even know my name. But I dived in just the same. I don’t know how I know, but something inside is telling me that if I don’t get a grip on myself, the man will surely be dead, if he isn’t already.

My lungs burning, my chest ready to explode, my breaths were agonizingly painful and short and I still haven’t found him. I was panicking. I saw him! He can’t die.

I offered a desperate plea for help to whoever is in charge in the heavens. That’s when I saw him. His seemingly lifeless body, lying in the water, a few meters away from me. With the last ounce of strength left in my bone-tired body, I swam to where he was and dragged both of us out of there. 

Open your eyes, Mister!! Don’t die on me!!! Please!!! C’mon, breath!!!!!

Instinct told me to press on his chest. One.. Two.. Three… still he was not moving. Not breathing. Around me, the wind blew harder, provoking the furious waves on, my body almost freezing from the biting cold as I sit astride the unconscious man, trying my hardest to bring him back to life.