Basic

Chapter 10

As graduation day loomed on the horizon, Ace found himself grappling with a newfound sense of clarity. The uncertainties that once clouded his mind began to dissipate, replaced by a renewed sense of purpose and determination. Every step he took towards his future felt more deliberate, more decisive. It was as if a fog had lifted, revealing a path that he was now eager to tread.

Ace's routine trip to school took on a different hue that day. As he walked through the familiar halls, his eyes caught sight of Lili, a classmate who had always been there, yet somehow seemed more significant now. Approaching her, he thanked her for taking care of him yesterday when he was sick. Lili's cheeks flushed with a hint of embarrassment, recalling the events of the previous day when Ace had almost confessed something to her before falling asleep, leaving her with unanswered questions and a heart aflutter.

Their conversation unfolded with a mix of awkwardness and familiarity. Kate, another classmate, seemed particularly nervous, her gaze darting between Ace and Lili as if trying to decipher the unspoken dynamics at play. Jared, a friend who happened upon the scene, couldn't help but notice Kate's flustered state and Ace's obliviousness to it.

Jared, always the joker, prodded Ace for details about his mysterious illness and the events of the previous day. Ace could only shrug, admitting his lack of recollection beyond Lili's care. Jared's laughter echoed in the hallway as he teased Ace mercilessly, enjoying every moment of his friend's confusion.

As the bell rang, signaling the end of their impromptu gathering, Ace couldn't shake the nagging feeling of curiosity. What had transpired yesterday that left him with such a gap in his memory? It was a question that lingered in the back of his mind as he made his way through the rest of the school day.

Later, at the cafeteria, Ace found himself drawn to Lili once again, this time extending an invitation to share a meal together. Their conversation flowed easily, yet there was an undercurrent of tension as Kate's nervous energy seemed to infect the atmosphere.

Ace couldn't help but notice the shift in dynamics, prompting him to ask Lili about Kate's unusual behavior. Lili, ever the master of deflection, skillfully redirected the conversation to more neutral topics, like the upcoming volleyball practice. It was a tactic that left Ace both frustrated and intrigued, his curiosity only deepening.

As the final bell of the day rang out, signaling the end of classes, Ace found himself no closer to unraveling the mystery of his missing memories. With a sense of resignation, he trudged homeward, his thoughts consumed by questions that seemed to have no easy answers. Yet, amidst the uncertainty, there was a glimmer of determination in his heart. Whatever had happened yesterday, he was determined to uncover the truth and face it head-on. For Ace, graduation day was not just an end, but a beginning—an opportunity to embrace the unknown with courage and conviction.