Koi - Yearning

Introduction

As I stood by the tranquil waters, Esha by my side, I watched as the clear liquid splashed around us. My attention was immediately drawn to the vibrant koi fish that gracefully swam beneath the surface. The gentle waves carried the fish back and forth, and I couldn't help but notice the stunning beauty of their scales. However, my gaze soon shifted to Esha. Her eyes were mesmerizingly beautiful as they reflected their colourful hues, and I couldn't help but get lost in them. As our eyes locked, my heart began to flutter with emotions I couldn't quite comprehend. I pushed down these feelings, wondering why I felt this way toward a woman.

As I stood by the edge of the serene forest, the cool water lapped gently at my toes. Suddenly, a splash broke the stillness of the moment and I turned to see Esha emerge from the water, surrounded by playful koi fish. Her dark hair danced weightlessly around her head, framing her radiant smile that seemed to outshine the sun's reflection in the water.

"Come on in, Izu! The water is so warm!" she called out to me, her hand brushing against the scales of a curious koi. She looked utterly at peace as if she belonged in this tranquil setting. But as I watched her, I couldn't help feeling like I wasn't a part of her world, an outsider.

As I stood near the tranquil lake, I felt a sudden drop of water on my face. Blinking my eyes, I realized that it was drizzling, and the drops of rain were falling on me. I carefully removed my glasses and placed them on a nearby stone to avoid getting them wet. As I was about to step back, I suddenly felt a strong tug on my feet, and before I knew it, I was being pulled into the lake. The cool water enveloped me. Esha pulled me out of the water as I playfully pushed her towards the waterfall. As she stood under the cascading water, I felt the coolness of the water and the rush of the waterfall. Esha and I splashed each other, laughing and having until the sun began to set. As much as we wanted to stay together, we knew that we had to return to our own worlds. Reluctantly, we separated back into my world as she returned to hers.

"Where have you been? You're soaking wet and you know we can't afford to leave for long, not now." Aunt Chi exclaimed with a displeased expression. I don't understand why she's so strict and paranoid, constantly rambling about superstitions, conspiracies, and the government. It's clear that she's not fit to raise a child.''

I run to the attic, making sure to lock the trapdoor behind me. I look around the attic, it's much cleaner than what you would imagine for a cottage in the middle of nowhere. Sure there are a few dust bunnies, broken panels, and the occasional rat. But I've seen worse. Especially after raids. I rush to my window peeping my head out. Looking across the forest, I see the church. To my knowledge, Esha should be starting to pray or something now. I scan the crowd looking for her. It's not hard, she's drenched and wearing a massive coat.

Although I'm aware that it's inappropriate, I can't help but gaze at the throngs of people flocking to the church. While doing so, she suddenly glances back at me and her expression turns into one of concern, followed by terror. Her mother then takes hold of her from behind and leads her through the entrance, bowing to the priest holding the door. As much as I shouldn't, I long to be by her side.

It isn't long before the church bells ring...

As I make my way down the attic, Aunt Chi rushes towards me with a hammer and some boards in hand. Without any hesitation, I begin to board up the doors, but unfortunately, my clumsiness leads to me hammering my finger multiple times, causing blood to stain my clothes. I shake my hand and take a deep breath before wiping my fingers on my smock. Aunt Chi comes back with some cans of soup and a candle, and we quickly make our way to the basement, locking the door behind us. However, something seems to be bothering Aunt Chi, as she appears more anxious than usual. Suddenly, we hear knocking, followed by pounding, and then a loud crash, filling us with fear and uncertainty.

I instinctively cover my head and brace myself for impact, feeling the ground tremble above me. The echoes of heavy footsteps reverberate through the ceiling, dislodging clouds of dust that cascade down around us. My body quivers with fear, my heart racing as I contemplate the source of such a violent disturbance. It's difficult to fathom that someone as kind as Esha could have grown up in such a terrible town.