TWENTY AND FOREVER

COURAGEOUS ACT

While Mike was still curious about his Aunt Emily, I finished my coffee and decided it was time to end the conversation for now.

"Enough for today's questions, Mike. We'll leave that for another time," I said gently.

"So, Mike, how's life?" I asked, shifting the focus.

"It's fine, Uncle. My daughter is in high school now, and my youngest son is in grade 4," he replied.

"Life is so fast. We don't even notice it passing by," I mused.

"Uncle, I have to get going. I almost forgot I'm nearly late for work," Mike said, glancing at his watch.

"Okay, take care, Mike," I said, standing up.

"Thanks, Uncle Beny. You take care too," he replied with a smile before heading out.

As he left, I couldn't help but feel a mix of nostalgia and warmth. The past and present seemed to blend together, reminding me of the passage of time and the enduring power of love and memory.

As Mike left the house, I took a deep breath, embracing the peaceful scenery. Time went by, and I began getting ready for my daily walk. As I stepped out of the gate, my friend and neighbor Jerry greeted me.

"Good morning, Beny. Getting ready for your daily walk?" Jerry said with a cheerful smile.

"Morning, Jerry. Yeah, trying to get back in shape," I replied with a chuckle.

"Clever as always," Jerry said, shaking his head with a grin.

We shared a laugh before I continued on my walk, feeling grateful for the simple pleasures and the companionship of good friends.

As I walked towards Plaza Independencia, the familiar sights and sounds filled me with a sense of nostalgia. The beautiful garden, in full bloom, looked just as it did all those years ago. I found an empty bench and sat down, letting my thoughts drift back to the past.

I remembered the times Emily and I used to hang out here. We would stroll through the garden, hand in hand, talking about everything and nothing. The plaza was our sanctuary, a place where we could escape the world and simply be together.

One memory stood out more than the others. It was a warm, sunny afternoon, much like today. Emily had insisted we have a picnic, so we spread out a blanket under a large tree. We laughed, shared stories, and dreamed about the future. I could still hear her laughter, see her smile, and feel the warmth of her presence beside me.

As I sat on the bench, those memories brought a bittersweet smile to my face. The plaza had changed a bit over the years, but its essence remained the same. It was a place of love, memories, and timeless beauty. I closed my eyes, letting the memories wash over me, feeling a connection to the past and a sense of peace in the present.

FLASHBACK

I was on my way to my first class when someone tapped me on the shoulder.

"Oh, Emily... I was just heading to class," I said, pleasantly surprised.

"I'm also on my way to class. I just saw you walking in the hall, so I thought I'd approach you," Emily said with a smile.

"Oh! How about we hang out after class?" I suggested, my heart pounding.

"That's a great idea... So, coffee?" Emily suggested, her eyes twinkling.

"Hmmm, sure. And let's go to the plaza?" I added, feeling a rush of excitement.

"That would be great," Emily agreed with enthusiasm.

As we parted ways to go to our respective classes, I couldn't help but smile with flattery and anticipation. This is it, I thought to myself. I will ask for her number. The prospect of spending more time with Emily filled me with a sense of joy and nervous excitement.