Charis

-nagi-

nagi (nah-gi): (n.) saved

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November 21, 2028

Rural Nagi

"How old are you?"

"Twelve. You?"

"Thirty-four."

"What's your favorite colour?"

"I think it's blue. What's yours?"

"Mine's blue too!"

The two walk through the green pasture, chattering about every trivial thing about themselves. It's silly, but the grown man Raphael doesn't seem to mind. In fact, he wears a serene smile on his face.

The sun radiates a soft glow from its position beyond the horizon, painting a violet-pink gradient on the sky. The slight breeze tousles the two heads of hair, though it doesn't seem to faze them. The little girl is holding on to the hand of her friend, leading him forward.

"Are we almost there?" Raphael asks.

Aura looks across the horizon, squinting her eyes. "Yup, we are! Take a look!" She points towards the east.

Raphael's silver eyes focus on where she is pointing. Indeed, they are almost there. A village composed of cottages and grazing herds of sheep are just up ahead, giving off the welcoming aura Raphael had expected. He beams. "Well, come on, then! I'll race you!" He lets go of Aura's hand and starts jogging towards the village.

"H-hey that's not fair!" The child starts running herself.

Aura sprints past the man who laughs at her fierce determination. He catches up, and they both reach the village simultaneously. The sun has risen above the horizon now.

The two catch their breaths. "I," Raphael huffs, "haven't run like that in a long time."

Aura giggles. "Never forget to have fun every once in a while!"

Raphael looks up, and the village is there before them. Brick cottages decorate the streets and lamp posts chase away the remaining shadows of the dawn. Raphael could hear the birds' faint chirping, and then he decided that this place very much suited Aura. But did it suit him?

"Hey," Aura starts seriously, her eyes focused on the dawn. "Before you meet my friend, I just want to remind you that I'll always be with you. Right in here." She tip toes and pokes the man's chest.

Raphael's eyes widen in distress. "W-where are you going?"

"I'm not going anywhere. Like I said, I'll be here, with you, in your heart."

"I-I don't understand."

"Please kneel."

For once, Raphael doesn't hesitate.

One final time, Aura taps his forehead with her finger, and Raphael closes his eyes. A blue glow is emitted, brighter than how it used to glow. Before the man opens his eyes, Aura kisses his forehead.

With eyes shining with gladness, she says, "I love you, papa."

Golden orbs blink open, and a smile is shown. I'm home, Raphael thinks. It's time to see father.

As he walks towards a cottage on his left, Raphael can't help but feel as if there is a missing presence by his side. As if there is a lingering presence that tugs a very familiar feeling to Raphael's heart. He tries, but he can't identify it.