Closest road to heaven

First and last.

The sun was scorching hot, my clothing merely providing me shield from the heat. At least the rain isn't pouring today, I thought. At this point, I've already given up and decided on setting the impression of the places I've been to based on two factors; how the weather was like on that particular day and whether if the people that I've encountered were assholes or not.

Friendly reminder assholes, be nice.

Sincerely, karma.

As I trudged down this new and foreign street with heavy steps, I started pondering on how I would survive in yet another different environment, even the air smelled different. This time it's pollution and a hint of coffee and bagels. Though this isn't really the first time I had to come to such situations. I had my fair share of hardships when searching every corner and street of the city for possible ways to earn money, only to be chased away by angry adults. You know those who carry a scratching stick in one hand and a half-eaten sandwich in the other, chicken and mayonnaise usually. However, there were no more enraged elders with canes and sandwiches. In their place stood the new generation of youth in expensive, tailored clothing rushing from here to there, carrying branded leather bags. Such professionalism.

Passing by various stores which lined up this incredibly long street, something sparkling, reflecting the light from the scorching rays of sunlight caught my eye. An extravagant-looking necklace, with it's shine that could light up the pitch dark night when stars were nowhere to be found, and its scarlet red color was strikingly overwhelming as it took all the attention from the other necklaces surrounding it. Typical. The image of it flashes through my mind as if I had seen this piece of jewelry before although I couldn't really recall the memory of it at that moment. Curiosity took over me as I stepped inside the luxurious store wearing my worn-out and torn shoes. The realization of I stepping over boundaries vanished when a kind-looking young woman sat at the counter. Although some of the filthy rich customers shot judgmental glances at me, I disregarded them and headed straight for she who could relief my curiosity.

"Excuse me, if you don't mind me asking but do you perhaps know who the owner, well- previous owner, of that red necklace is?" I asked, high hopes and expectations overbearing me.

She lifted her head up from her book, finally noticing my presence after being so immersed in reading and her eyes glistened. "My apologies, though I'm not quite sure. I'm just looking after the store temporarily," she said, and followed with an apologetic smile.

I thanked her with a hint of disappointment in my voice that was unable to be hidden. I walked out of the store and approached the glass display again, admiring the necklace's beauty.

It suddenly struck me; it was an exact replica of my mother's necklace. One she would wear proudly to special occasions. Also the necklace my sister and I would attempt to wear back when we were children which resulted in our petite figures being dragged down to the floor due to its heaviness. But that was back when we were still living under soundproof roofs and surrounded by iron gates. Back when we were oblivious of our family going through difficulties and back when our parents were still alive and living. My late mother had passed on that seemingly overpriced necklace to me before she had left the world, before she had left us. I was also left with the responsibility of taking after my sister and because of the one mistake I had committed, my life had been nothing but full of sorrow and regrets. I abandoned her because of my cowardly self. I was scared and burdened that I didn't have the ability to support the both of us, so I chose to leave her along with the necklace mother gave us.

Three Days Later

I went back to the store again after much contemplation that it might be my sister who had sold the necklace to the store. I walked into the store and saw a different person at the counter; she was a much older woman compared to the previous girl. Taking a big breath, I made my way towards her.

"Hi there, dear! Nice to see you again," she greeted me with much enthusiasm just as I was about to open my mouth to speak. The last statement left me utterly confused and blank as the woman who stood in front of me waited patiently for a response. What had she meant by again, it was my first time seeing her though, I thought.

My brain was flushed with a train of thoughts as they piled up one by one. If I made a conclusion that my sister had stopped by at the shop before and the lady had mistaken me for her, I doubt that anyone would believe it. I didn't have a twin sister. She looked similar to me, but we had differences which obviously stood out, meaning that anyone could've told us apart.

As I walked further down until I reached an alley, a dark shadow swooshed past to the corner of my eye. I followed it, as if I were moving without knowing. A dark figure stood, leaning against the wall. Its silhouette was slim with curved proportions. I reached my hand out to tug on of her sleeves carefully. She shifted in her position and took off her hoodie which once covered her face. What I saw made my face as white as snow as I made a step back. I realized soon after that my actions could be misunderstood for something other than being surprised so I put on a smile and hugged her tight, her warmth radiating from her. As much as the amount of regret I felt for leaving her that day, I made sure not to lose her again. I didn't realize how much I'd missed her until she was here, right in front of me.

We walked, hand in hand, back to the jewelry store because I thought that it was only right to retrieve our last bit of precious memory left by our mother and she agreed with me. The lady at the counter gave me a familiar smile as I smiled back, once we arrived at the store, the door opening with a bell. Ring.

"I hope you aren't bothered by us, as I've been here several times already. But we would like that piece of jewelry back, as it carries much value to us. This is the girl who sold it to you, am I right?" I asked, laughing while exchanging glances with my sister.

The elderly woman stood there with a puzzled look. "Dear, why are you speaking in plural. There's only one of you, and who is this girl you speak of?" she frankly stated.

"My sister, she's right here," I said.

"I'm afraid I don't see anyone beside you, dear," she replied.

"Oh my poor child, do you really not recall anything at all? You've been coming to this store repeatedly for the past 5 years already. Each time with the same story told, same situation played. At first I didn't wish to point it out but I'm afraid I would have to eventually tell you the truth. That necklace, you sold it to me 5 years ago, but I was never able to sell it when I finally realized how much it had meant to you. I knew you couldn't afford to buy it back so I kept it safe and untouched, in hopes that you would someday come back to take it back," the old woman added on, trying to explain of what seemed like total nonsense to me.

I was flabbergasted, my mouth opened but unable to mutter out anything. I couldn't comprehend with her words, I sold it to her? How come none of this was in my memory?

"No... what? I do have a sister, and she's all I have left in this world. What do you mean...you don't see her?" I spoke, my voice shaking and legs trembling as I looked over to where my sister was. Empty, she was gone.

I ran out of the store and the cold breeze hit me hard. I looked around frantically, my heart beating recklessly and my tears were threatening to fall. No.. I can't lose her a second time, not ever again. I saw her standing in the middle of the street absentmindedly. Her face was expressionless, she seemed so calm, so peaceful. A car was driving at top speed towards her but her feet were glued to the ground. I heard the woman from the store call out to me but I was too blinded by saving my sister, disregarding my own safety and life as I raced towards where she stood. Suddenly I felt an enormous bang that left me lying lifelessly on the ground, as I felt my soul slowly seeping out through me.I was alone here, but I didn't feel lonely. I looked up to the sky, it was beautiful, so blue and calming. Three faces came in sight and I could easily make out who they were. They were smiling so brightly, and looked down at me whispering, Welcome home, sweetheart, before I let myself fall into deep sleep.