The wind on Our backs

32- Return

It had been two years since Rachel moved back to Singapore, two years filled with growth, healing, and the bittersweet memories of Adrien. Her room reflected her journey—a sanctuary adorned with anime figurines lining the shelves, their vibrant colors contrasting with the trophies she had earned over the years. Above her desk, framed and cherished, was the picture board Adrien had gifted her, a testament to their time together.

Rachel stood amidst her belongings, packing her bags for a solo trip back to America. A sense of anticipation fluttered in her chest as she zipped up her suitcase, her heart set on honoring Adrien's memory in her own way. This trip wasn't just a return; it was a pilgrimage to the moments they had shared, a way to keep his spirit alive in her heart.

Upon arriving in America, Rachel checked into a cozy hotel, the familiar scents and sounds igniting a wave of nostalgia. After unpacking her belongings, she glanced at the itinerary she had crafted. On the third day of her visit, she planned to see Adrien's parents, and on the fourth, she would visit his grave—a sacred space where she could connect with his memory.

The third day dawned bright and clear, and Rachel made her way to Adrien's family home, her heart racing with a mix of excitement and apprehension. As she knocked on the door, it swung open to reveal Adrien's mother, her face lighting up with recognition.

"Rachel! It's so wonderful to see you again!" she exclaimed, enveloping Rachel in a warm embrace.

Adrien's father joined them, his smile equally bright. "Welcome back, Rachel. We've missed you."

The familiar warmth of their home enveloped her as they settled into the living room, sharing stories and laughter. Adrien's parents looked older, their hair streaked with silver, but their kindness remained unchanged. They reminisced about Adrien, their voices tinged with a mix of joy and sorrow.

On the fourth day, Rachel felt a knot of anticipation in her stomach as she made her way to the cemetery. She walked through the rows of gravestones until she found Adrien's. The sight of it brought a rush of emotion, and she knelt before it, placing her hand gently on the cool stone.

"Hey, Adrien," she began, her voice soft. "I visited your parents yesterday. They look really cute old, just like you always said they would. They kept your room exactly the same." She paused, recalling the small details that brought a smile to her face. "I saw the snow globe I gave you on your desk and the bracelet I made for you. It's still there, you know?"

Tears glistened in her eyes as she continued, "It's such a shame you died just four days before your birthday. I really wanted to plan something big for you this year—tease you for being old." A small laugh escaped her lips, mixing with her tears.

She spent a quiet moment with him, feeling the warmth of their shared memories envelop her like a soft embrace. Afterward, she left the cemetery and headed to the park they used to visit together. The path was familiar, a place where laughter and joy once filled the air.

As she approached the bench where they often sat, Rachel felt the weight of her sorrow, the longing for what had been. She took a deep breath, preparing for the flood of emotion that always threatened to break through. Just then, the laughter of children echoed through the park, cutting through her melancholy.

Looking up, she saw three kids—a pair of boys, clearly brothers, chasing a younger girl, their laughter infectious. One of the boys shouted, "Tag, you're it!" The scene was so reminiscent of the joy she once shared with Adrien that a smile crept onto her face, warming her heart.

Rachel watched them play, a sense of peace settling over her. In that moment, she realized that while Adrien was gone, the love and laughter they shared would always be a part of her. She would carry his memory with her, a light guiding her through the darkness, just as he had always done.

And so, she sat on that familiar bench, the sound of laughter ringing in her ears, ready to embrace the future while cherishing the past, with the wind on her back.