Memories That Won't Fade

Chapter 1

Shu-ji

"What's that? kadiri naman tingnan!"

I glared at the girl in front of me. We are having our recess, and she just popped up out of nowhere. I guess she's my classmate.

"Even if you don't like the food, you should've not said that. Food is food, there's a lot of people starving and you just insulted the most important thing they don't have."

"Ang sungit naman nito! Saksakin kita ng lapis eh!" 

And she have the guts to scare me like that! how brutal! what I am saying is true, she should've not said that.

"Uy Akijja bad 'yan! Teacher oh si Akijja mananaksakan ng lapis kay classmate" one of our classmate shouted and our teacher immediately went to us.

That is one of my memories when I was just 5 years old, and studying as a kindergarten in Philippines. I am a Korean-American, but my dad is half American and half  Filipino. My family stayed in Philippines until I was 6 years old, then move out to America. 

"Shu-ji anak, parating na rin ang doctor" Tita Akira, Ijja's mom held my hand.

We are waiting in the doctor's office to discuss the results of the tests they did to Ijja. Minutes later, the doctor came in. We greeted each other and settled ourselves in the couch. Beside me is Tita Akira and the doctor is in front of us.

"These are the results of the tests Mrs. Lemuel and Mr. Dong. Physically, her body is slowly recovering. We suggest therapies if she already can handle it. Other results are on the positive side, but there's one major result that negatively affect the patient"

The doctor sighed, I can't open my mouth to speak so I just let him finish.  Tita Akira is already crying.

"Ms. Lemuel is suffering from retograde amnesia, it explains her memory lost."

The doctor filled us up every detail of Ijja's condition. How long it may be, how can she recover, and everything that we needed to do to help her.

"Remember, don't push her too much. She might lost those memories we're trying to bring back forever if her brain can't handle  it."

I said I'll be strong for Ijja, but I can't help to feel down. I was like walking in the air when I came to Ijja's room. Isha is there, peeling some oranges for her. Tita Akira immediately hugged Ijja and cried. I wish I could do that too. 

"May sasabihin si Doc anak, kalma ka lang ha? andito kami" Tita Akira gently said

The doctor told Ijja her condition. Her reaction are mixed from confusion to sadness. 

"Po?" she said, in the verge of crying.

"Naaksidente ka, 2022 na ngayon Ijja. Andito tayo sa Seoul kasi dito ka nakatira" Isha is crying while explaining things to Ijja.

"Paano po..? Anong.. Anong gagawin natin? Ma, natatakot ako!" 

I want to hug her, and tell her that it's going to be alright. Tell her that she can fight. We will help her fight and gain her memories back. But I can't even hold her hand.

She is distant and awkward to me now. Of course, she can't remember me. I am glad that she doesn't question my existence in her room. Maybe Tita Akira or Isha told her something.

"We will bring your memories back Bap, we will.." I whispered, trying to contain my tears.

I don't know if she heard me, but she took a glance at me. My heart skipped a little, hoping for her recognition. I was fighting myself not to run to her and hold her.

"You can do this Ijja, we can do this, okay? we are here" Isha said while crying and hugging Ijja.

That's it Bap, we will fight. I won't give up until I hear you call me Bap too. My Gimbap will comeback, and I will wait, even if it took forever.

penseven