The next day, I called Emily, but there was no answer. I didn't see her for several days. It was as if she vanished. One day, I was on a train and saw Emily.
I tapped her on the back, "Hey."
She turned around and replied sadly, "Hi."
I looked at her strangely, "What's wrong? I haven't seen you for several days. Are you okay?"
"My father passed away due to liver poisoning. The day before yesterday, he didn't come home at all. The bar called me to tell me my father collapsed and didn't move anymore," she said with tears in her eyes.
I looked at her understandingly.
"I'm really sorry about what happened to your father," I stated sincerely.
"Even though he always gambles and comes home drunk, he was still my father. After my mom ran off, he was the closest family member I had. Now he's gone," she cried.
When I saw her cry, it hurt so badly. I gently brushed her tears away.
"Emily, your father may be gone, but I'll stay by your side," I said gently.
She kissed me on the cheek and smiled, "Thank you."
I blushed and looked away, "I really hope you feel better. I'll stay with you during these hard times."
"I love you."
I nearly choked and my heart missed several beats. I spluttered, "Y-you l-love me?"
She smiled sweetly, "Yeah. I love you as a friend."
Suddenly, my heart sank. Friend? She loved me as her... friend?
I grinned, "Well, that's what friends are for."
She smiled.
Deep inside, my heart shattered into millions of pieces. To her, I was only her friend, yet to me, she was more than just a friend.
Emily tapped me on the shoulder.
"Want to come with me to a place?"
"Huh? Oh, sure. What kind of place?"
She grinned, "Come." She held my hand and we got off the train.
We walked on for a while. I looked at her. Why is she holding my hand if I'm only her friend? Did she like me? Even a little?
Emily looked at me strangely, "Why are you looking at me? Something wrong?"
I didn't realize I was staring at her for too long.
"It's nothing."
She led me to the airport runway.
"Why did you take me here?" I asked, curiously.
As the airplane flew over us, she cupped her hands and yelled, "AHHHHHHH!"
I stared at her blankly.
She smiled, "It's a great way to alleviate sadness for me. I did the same thing when my mom ran away. After I scream, I feel a lot better."
I smiled.
She winked, "Try it."
As the next airplane flew over us, I did the same thing and yelled. She yelled with me.
She laughed, "Haha, Whooo."
I laughed, "That does feel good."
She looked at me gratefully, "Thank you for being with me. I don't know what to do if you weren't beside me."
She hugged me tightly. My heartbeat increased dramatically. If only I could stop time, for this was the best moment of my life.
