The Memory Keeper

Chapter 4 - Nakit-an

TW: The following chapter contains some language that may be sensitive to some readers. Reader discretion is highly encouraged.

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SUJIN's POV

After uttering a soft "Goodbye, Mister. Please be happy.", I turned my back on the house and the man that served as my refuge for the night.

I was greeted by the first beam of sunlight flashing across the sky. It gave millions of light shots promising a clear and sunny day. A stark contrast to what I was feeling.

The fresh air tasted like mint as I inhaled deeply and filled my lungs. 

The morning breeze made me shiver as I walked aimlessly, no  definite destination in mind. Anywhere other than impose on the stranger who made it obvious he didn't want me there.

Meanwhile, the sky quickly turned light orange, I can feel it warming my skin like a blanket. 

I continued strolling along the tree-lined street, trying to find solace in my aimless wandering. 

Next thing I know,  I was already inside a park. It was about to wake up from its tranquil and peaceful sleep as the chirping noises of the hidden birds come from amongst the trees. 

The leaves in the park have their first autumnal blush, varying colors from green to dusk.

As I sat on one of the park's benches to watch the world go by, I looked up just in time to see a leaf trying with all its might to hang on to the tree but failing when the wind gently blew.

I took the oval-shaped leaf into my palm and whispered. 

Am I like you? 

No matter how hard I struggle, can I really not escape the inevitable loss of every memory just as you cannot stay on the tree with the changing of the season?

A few minutes later, I noticed that I am no longer alone.  I intently observed the passersby and joggers around me - their mannerisms, how they laughed, how they walked, how they moved in this side of the world. 

They punished me in turn with sidelong glances and rolled eyes, probably thinking I am mad to be talking to a dead leaf. 

I noticed myself becoming less comfortable and more worried about my surroundings and myself as the park became noisier and more crowded.

Looking at the sight one last time, I took a mental snapshot of this tiny piece of heaven on earth. But I did not save the file to my head; I saved it to my heart.

I walked and walked, the street and my feet seemingly coming to an understanding that the concrete pavement will support my soles, the same way a friend comforts a grieving friend.

Finding myself now walking along a restaurant-filled street, I stopped on my tracks when my nose caught a sniff of something nice.

Oh!! What is that smell? It smells really yummy!

I felt a rumbling in my stomach, reminding me that I haven't eaten anything for God knows when. 

I am famished! But I don't have money! What will I do?

Realizing that I have nothing but my clothes on, I began to hum in order to drown out the growling noise coming from my insides.

Funny how it was that I forgot all my troubles from a while ago when my belly issue took over my head. I wanted food!