Under the Tree

Chapter 4 - "His Final Note"

(Luke's final message)

"Dear Alia,"

"How's everything? I hope your doing well. I'm sorry if I haven't been replying to your letters... you see I'm very busy at school nowadays. But guess what? I have good news! Remember the time I told you I want to be an astronaut? I think I just accomplished my first step to achieving it! The reason I stopped replying was because of this entrance exam I was preparing for. Actually, my mom's original plan was to send me to a public school still in the country side. But I told her I didn't want to attend there. Instead, I studied real hard for this super cool university that's full of research students and science... basically I can study more about astronomy there! I'm telling you, I passed the entrance exam! Isn't that great news?? Even mom was jumping in happiness.."

"Anyway, I just want to tell you that if you come back and visit.. I might not be here anymore. The school I applied for is located in England. So... I want to write a proper goodbye message. You know Alia... I'm happy but at the same time sad. I still want to wait for you until you return; but my dream won't wait for me. I need this opportunity to study for myself and for my mom. Though I'll always have a piece of you in my heart. To keep me going.. you're also my inspiration in life. And I've been holding this feeling for some time now. But the thought of not seeing you again makes me want to convey it. I mean it's now or never.. you know?"

"I have a crush on you. I'm being serious. I know if you're reading this.. you might think it's weird because I'm younger than you. Isn't it? Well... ever since we were playing by that blossom tree. Sharing our interests with each other, that's when I liked you. I loved the way you still listened to me talk about astronomy gibberish even though you weren't that interested. You're a good listener and a good friend. Maybe that's why I'm smitten to you. Ever since the day you left to live in the city side, I missed you. The times we would play and tease each other... I loved every minute of it. If you reject me now, it's okay. That's why I'll study hard. So when we meet again, I'll be a man worthy of you. See you next time, Ali. I love you very much."

                            "You're Friend,"
                                   "Luke"

(Alia's tears dropping on the paper)

All this time, I didn't know he felt this way about me. I thought I was the only one who liked him. But it seems he felt the same way too. And it's frustrating because I couldn't tell him. In my eyes, Luke is a boy of great determination. So these were the things he wanted to tell me.. huh? "slight smile" He's still so young and a head full of dreams. I didn't think this would be his last letter. I still can't seem to accept his death. If he were alive, I'm sure we would've laughed under the blossom tree by now.

If he were alive, I would've loved to see his smiling face like we used to when we were younger. Those happy and sad days when it was just the two of us. It was supposed to be just a summer thing. But it turned to be one of the best memories I've ever had. Luke... I know you can't stay beside me anymore. But if perhaps, you're listening to me right now... I want to tell you that I'm thankful. (cries silently)

I'm grateful for the friendship you've given me. The love that you were able to fill in my heart. And the sincere messages you sent me. All of these guided me through life. When I felt depressed about not fitting in, I'd read your letters over and over again. If you were here right now, I'd support you. I'll stand by you and cheer you on. I'm happy that I met you. And maybe in another life, we'd meet again. Not now.. but you never know what's going to happen in the future right? I'll continue to wait for you. So I can tell you that...

I love you.