Under the Tree

Chapter 2 - "Leave a Message"

It was time to move towns so I had to say goodbye to Luke. We never know when we'd see each other again so I felt a bit sad. "We'll play again sometime, I promise you that" I said to him. He replied — "let's play in my house when you come back to visit." After that conversation, I kissed my granny and went on my way. While riding in the car, I stared at the sky and couldn't blink one bit. I almost forgot the feeling of missing someone. I didn't want to leave so soon.. but summer is almost over, so I had no choice. The next day — I received a note from our mailbox. A letter... for me? Oh, it's from Luke! I hurried into my room and opened the seal tighted envelope to read Luke's message.

(Luke's message)

"Dear Alia,"
"How have you been? Did you have trouble switching places? Adjusting to a new environment is hard but if it's you, I'm sure you'll get used to it in no time. I sent you those dandelions you loved so much. Do you like'em? It was difficult to get because you know I'm no good at outdoor activities.. Did you make new friends? I heard your new school is quite famous. Must be exciting to live in the city side. Not like a country boy like me. Well stay safe there and always eat plenty. My mom says children with full stomachs get smarter everyday! Hope to get a reply from you soon. I miss you."

"Your Friend,"
"Luke"

I felt so happy to recieve a letter from Luke. I thought he'd just forget me now that I live further than him. Since then, we'd exchange letters every year to catch up on each other. Learn new interests and know what's going on with my life and his life. Though it's a bit hard not seeing him face to face, we loved writing. This continued for 5 years. I now entered freshman year and he's almost graduating elementary school.

Everytime we'd receive each others letters, we always read it under a blossom tree. One in the country side, and another in the city. I just adored how fresh nature can be. The wind just flows through my hair leaving a trace of fallen leaves touching my feet. As I write my thoughts in this thin sheet of paper, tears kept falling down my cheek. I just want to see him again, just once. Still I remind him to leave a message.