Under the Tree

Chapter 3 - "The Visit"

     A year passed and I kept writing letters. I told him what happened at school, lessons we learned and even more about astronomy; since I knew he liked anything with that topic. But for some reason he stopped responding. Each and everyday I waited for him to write back but he didn't. Sometimes I thought "maybe he's busy or I'm overthinking." It's just not like himself to forget to reply to my messages. Despite this uncomfortable feeling, I decided to ignore it. One day, my parents received terrible news. My grandmother living in the country side is suffering a critical disease. Since nobody else can take care of her, my parents decided to take a visit and send grandma to a hospital for monitoring. When I heard the news, I felt worried for grandma. At the same time I'm also glad to go back to my hometown. I hope Luke still lives there... I'm excited to see him!

(many hours passed)

After a long tiring travel, we arrived. My dad together with mom, immediately sent grandma to the hospital. Leaving my older sister and I to keep an eye on the house. We were so restless after travelling all the way from the city side. So my sis and I slept until our parents came back the morning after. Birds started to chirp and the flowers are beautifully blooming. I stepped out of the house without eating breakfast and went straight to Luke's house. Everything looks different but it felt so nostalgic. The playground that was full of kids suddenly became colorless and empty... Luke and I used to take turns in the swing set but now... I'd rather see him.

(knocks on the door to Luke's house)

"Who's there?" A woman spoke.

"Oh my, Mrs. Wilson! How happy am I to see you!"

(looks at Alia confusingly)

"And...who might you be?" She asked.

"It's me, Alia! You know... your son's best friend. Also the girl who kept picking on him hahaha"

"Goodness me! Alia??! Sorry.. my memory isn't doing me a favor. (chuckles) You certainly don't look like a girl anymore.. what a fine lady you've become" Mrs. Wilson happily said in reply.

"I'm so glad you're in healthy shape! You haven't aged one bit." (Alia said jonkingly)

"Is Luke home? We've been exchanging letters but he hasn't written back for a year so I'm wondering if he's busy and all.."

(Mrs. Wilson paused and spaced out for a second)

"I guess you didn't know.." she said in a sad tone.

(I looked at her with a worried expression)

"Is there something I should know about?"

"You see.. my son Luke, has already passed away for a year now."

(I looked at her with a shocked expression on my face)

"You're joking right? Is this some kind of prank? I know... Luke told you to say that to surprise me is that correct? It's funny really!" (laughs loudly)

"Tell him I figured it out so he can stop hiding now"

"No.. it's true" (tears fell down Mrs. Wilson's face)

"He died in an accident. That day, he told me he was heading out to deliver the letter he was supposed to send you. While riding his bike, a car suddenly hit him.. People who saw the accident sent him to the hospital, but it was too late. He was announced dead on arrival."

"My poor boy.. (cries her heart out) Sometimes I wondered.. maybe it was my fault he died. I never should've let him go by himself. He was just twelve. I already lost my husband, now I lost him. I- I'm sorry if you had to hear this. But... he can't come home anymore."

(Alia paused in tears)

"By the way... now that you're here, this is the letter my son wrote for you. This was the only thing that was left undamaged at the accident. I figured... Luke would've wanted you to receive it."

(closes the door)

After that conversation, my whole world shattered. I couldn't look at anyone's face without thinking of him. All my thoughts resulted in mixed emotions I can't even begin to explain. All I know is that I was crying. Crying so much my voice began to soar. My eyes all puffy and red. I couldn't breathe properly. Everything reminded me of Luke. I didn't know that all this time, he already rested. Now that I realize it more, you really can't predict anything that happens in life. I was crying in grief that before I could even see my best friend again, he died. I couldn't even share my new stories with him. Neither hug him and tell him that I truly cared. I opened the letter he was supposed to give me. As I was reading it, the words of his message pierced through my heart like a thousand arrows. I didn't expect my visit would be like this.