No Longer Spring - Writings of tomorrow

XIII

A pond. A big, round window. Lotus growing from the ground, alarmingly trying to reach the sky so just maybe, one of the gods would dare tell them of their upcoming faith. Seeds of the lotus that fell from the heavens, down onto the earth, and dared show everyone the lives of the people from the Lotus city.

"They bloom in despair, ready to set an alarm. Every spring, every time the petals grow and the nature wakes up once again is nothing but a desperate reminder that you can try. That you should do it. That, even though it feels like forever while you live, you'll have nothing but ninety springs at your disposal," you laughed, as if you hadn't just tried to awaken the kids from your fathers lecture just moments ago.

"Yeah, we know. Its just that we're not as old as you. You guys should worry about losing your springs first!"

You sighed, a laugh escaping your lips, "I guess you're right. We're getting old, Mei Lin."

"You'll remember these words sooner or later," I smiled, "Next time you'll be saying it, we might as well be even older."

"The teacher is coming," said one of the scholar kids as she sat down, a stern expression on her face.

It was such a game of luck to guess what every one of these kids was going to become, of what world they were going to live in and what life they'd end up with.
I could see myself in them, but I no longer wished to have another chance at life, just like them. I only had one regret, and that was my family.
Going back would have been pointless.
Seeing that the teacher had come, we got up from where we were sat in the wooden, sunny room and left the kids go on with their daily lecture.

What a life it must have been.

"You think too much sometimes," you said as you caught my hand and guided me towards the Jiang lake, wanting to be alone. You liked to go there a lot. One spot, hidden from the rest, right under the bridge.

"We both do."

"Yes, but you do it more," you smiled.

I put my hand around you as we sat down, looking at the shadows falling upon your body. You were shining even in the dark.

"How would you know?" I raised a brow, jokingly, "Many say we're like brothers."

"I just do. I know you well enough by now," then, you leaned in to kiss me just like we used to do.

I caught your face with both of my hands. Your skin was so soft, I still remember it as if it was yesterday. There was depth in your eyes as I looked into them.

"Why did you stop?" I asked, visibly displeased.

"You can just do it yourself if you want more."

I started you down, pretending to be mad with you.

"I could, but you shouldn't stop just like that."

"Just kiss me already, " you laughed again, not willing to give in first.

For such a serious, nonchalant person, you were a totally different man when you were with me. And I loved it.
I loved seeing a special side of you, just for me. A smile so beautiful just to myself.
It must have been my greed, but I couldn't have cared less.

"You know, I feel like this life we have is too good to be true. It feels like it can't stay like this for too long," I begun, breathing you in.

"Where you ever truly happy, then? Every time you thought you were onto something, there must have been some sort of fall after. I know."

I nodded, trying to push my memories as far away inside my mind as I could.

"It's fine," you continued, "We'll prove that it's possible."