Missing The Sun

Final Chapter: Home

Even the simple question she posed herself sent tremors coursing through her entire being, unsettling her to her core. Ongsa inhaled deeply, a deliberate attempt to reclaim some semblance of balance, of harmony, and steer everything back to its rightful place, to Sun, who represented the center of the universe and all that was important to her.

In the midst of it, a familiar voice suddenly broke through the silence—Moon's voice, resonant and clear, emerging from a conversation that had been ongoing earlier that day. The sound cut through the chaos, a reminder of the connections that existed even in moments of uncertainty.

.

.

.

"How could you leave her after fate brought you back together? You're a certified idiot, Ongsa," Moon snapped, feeling a mix of annoyance and regret, believing she had a role in it. "I made a mistake keeping you from Sun, but how was I to know?"

"Stop blaming yourself."

"It's clearly my fault."

"Don't say that."

"It's the truth."

Ongsa laid down, and Moon joined her. They both stared at the sky, where the clouds seemed to  smile.

"I realized I truly fell in love with you for your presence, the little things you do, and your kindness. I started to open up again." Ongsa reflected on the past. "I was shocked when you cut me out of your life. I felt disappointed and wondered what I did wrong. Eventually, I thought maybe being an adult is tough, and accepted that you didn't love me. I thought, can't we just be friends again?"

They exchanged meaningful smiles.

"I came home and played basketball, and that's when I understood the difference." Ongsa hesitated before continuing, feeling Moon deserved the truth.

"You realize the pain of losing a best friend versus losing someone you love, like Sun." Moon delivered the harsh truth. "You know I'm important to you only as a friend. Deep down, you're relieved I rejected you, right?"

"I thought opportunistically for a moment."

"Seriously? This kid is wild."

"Just kidding." Ongsa chuckled. "But yes, I felt angry for being sidelined as your best friend. I couldn't move on from Sun, even after years. Sun didn't even know I was Earth."

Moon pinched Ongsa's cheek, and she let it happen; she had the right.

"Have you ever considered how hurt Sun must have been to be left like that? Catfishing is really cruel. It should be banned and you should be put in jail for that!"

"How could I have known it would go that far? I didn't think the most beautiful and popular girl in school could love me. I thought she was just joking."

"But now you know." Moon patted Ongsa's forehead. "Sun's friends told me she was heartbroken when you vanished. She was stressed, like a madman, and worst of all, she didn't even know who she fell for. She just knew she was hurt because a loser named Earth left her."

Tears fell from Ongsa's eyes. The burden felt too heavy to bear alone. Moon noticed and pulled Ongsa close, embracing her warmly.