Next Stop, Us

Dreams Require Courage

8.30.a.m I'm in the front seat of Albert's car. We're on our way to a park for my planned picnic with Adam and the rest. I'm not quite sure why Albert is following so I decided to ask.

"Why are you following us on the trip all of a sudden?" I questioned. I'm sitting still, trying not to move so much. Sitting in someone's car for the first few times always makes me feel tense.

"Am I not allowed to follow?" Albert questioned back. "I'm just asking. I didn't expect to see you today," I answered without looking over to Albert. "Adam invited me to come along," Albert said as he makes a stop in front of the traffic lights.

"You know Adam? Like you're friends with him?" I asked as I turned over to look at Albert, not noticing that he turned around as well.

There was a moment of silence as we're looking at each other. We didn't say anything at all. We were just looking at each other silently. For the first time in a while, I feel my heart beating fast. I don't know what I should be doing.

"I've been friends with Adam for a long time. We're even in the same course," Albert answered while looking at me. Before I could give a reply, the traffic lights turned green and there was a loud honk from the car behind us. "So, what course are you studying again?" Albert asked as his eyes focus on the road.

"I'm studying English Studies," I answered. "Is it hard? There has to be more theory-based learning than practical right?" Albert asked.

I ended up talking to Albert about our studies, the hardship in our courses, and what we like about them. "No way! If that was my course, I'd drop out immediately!" Albert said after hearing how heavy my field of study was and before we know it, we'd arrived at our picnic destination.

"Will you help me carry this?" Albert asked as he holds out a folded picnic blanket. After passing me the picnic blanket, he carries his guitar.

We met up with the rest and started setting up the place. By 9.30.a.m, all of us are gathered around the picnic basket and ready to dig into the food.

"Albert!" Adam shouted. "Why don't you play us a song?"

"Sure," Albert looked over to me. "Could you pass me my guitar?" He asked while pointing to his guitar which is placed behind me. I grabbed Albert's guitar and passed it to him.

I watch as Albert once again captures the hearts of the people around him with his song and singing. I'm staring at Albert, lost in thoughts.

"Owen! Why are you staring at Albert like that?" One of my friends asked. I snapped out of my daze and quickly answered. "Just curious how he can play so confidently,"

"People like Albert...they're natural performers,", "With enough practice, they can do anything,"

My friends were all giving me answers to my question while laughing around and making noise.

"Do you want to know the answer?" Albert asked as he leans closer to me.

Once again, Albert's face is merely a few inches away from me. He is smiling.

I quickly distance myself a little. "What is the answer then?" I asked while trying to look stern. "Dream," Albert answered.

Dream? What did he mean by dream? Did he mean that he dreamt that he would be a singer?

"Dream? What do you mean by that?" I asked. Albert quickly turned around, facing me now. "It's my dream to be a singer, a performer. I want to make people happy with my music," Albert explained happily.

I don't know what to say to him. I've never really listened to someone talk about their dreams. "And if you have a dream you want to achieve, you must have the courage to chase it," Albert continued.

"If you have the courage to chase your dreams, then you won't be afraid of what comes your way," Albert finished off so happily.

I'm taken aback by Albert's words.

I've never had the courage to chase my dreams from the start. I recall that I like writing since I was a young boy. It was an escape from reality, to live in a world where I'm free to do what I want to do. I lack the courage.

I'm constantly held back by fear. The fear that my society will not like what I've written. My written works do not follow the rules laid down. I'm afraid to be judged, to be criticized, fall down and fail. What if I try again and it makes no difference?

Albert's words hit me in a way. It's telling me to do something but I can't put my finger on it.

"Owen! Are you listening to me?" Albert asked while waving his hand in front of my face. "Yeah! I was thinking about something. I'm sorry," I said, snapping out of my thoughts after listening to Albert.

"Are you not afraid of failure?" I question Albert. "If you're focused on your failures, you'll never reach your dreams,"

"Come on! They're going to take a picture over there at the fountain!" Albert said as he grabbed my hand and ran for the fountain to join the rest.

"Wait for us!" Albert shouted. Today has been eventful and it is all thanks to Albert. I can't help but feel my heart pound faster when I'm around him.

What is this that I'm feeling when I'm around Albert? Why him? I feel happy seeing him or even being around him.

My friends and I gather around for some pictures. Like I said before, one of the best ways to make memories is through photographs.

"Owen! Come! Let's take one together!" Albert called out, posing with his guitar. I join Albert in the picture with a wide smile, his arm over my shoulder.

"Wow! Both of you look so good in this picture!" Adam said as he reviews the picture. "Let me see!" Albert ran over to Adam.

I stand alone in the field, looking up to the blazing sun with my hand barely covering the sun's rays.

Perhaps I need to start finding the courage to chase my dreams soon.