Tearing Paper

Emptiness

Namiri Island went commercial that day. When it was still five o'clock, many helicopters had hovered above it, with reporters from many local television channels broadcasting the extensive event enthusiastically. Several other reporters also managed to get on the island by boat and interviewed some very ecstatic islanders. They were used to this one-night fame every year, and they did not mind answering some questions from the reporters with their stuttered English.

"This is crazy," Devon whistled as he looked at the crowd from the rooftop. "You're ready, Dianne?"

"Yeah!" Dianne tried her best to sound cheerful. That evening, she wore a simple light blue dress that matched the color of her kite. She braided her blonde hair on one side of her shoulder. Devon smiled at her. "You really are home."

"I've heard that dressing up a little bit always lifts a sad heart," Dianne said.

"So town-like," Devon mocked her, and Dianne slapped his back as they left the hut.

-

"Ladies and gentleman, the greatest event of the season!"

Nate squinted from the bright lights that colored the seashore that night. Namiri Island looked so much different-he could not even spot Dianne's hut with all the crowd, but he kept walking, apologizing every time he recklessly bumped into the people.

"Kites? Join the fun!"

Nate turned to the familiar voice and he recognized the little girl who sold basic commodities in the village he went to during his visit to Namiri. "Hey!"

"Ah-Mom! Mom! It's the kind Mister from town!" the little girl called her mother excitedly and Nate hoped he would not make a scene.

"You're back? Have a kite," the kind villager greeted him. "You're alone? I thought you-"

"Yeah. I just arrived today. I... I want to meet Dianne."

He must have sounded like a total fool.

"Ah, the pretty girl you stayed with the last time," the villager nodded. "Are you alright? You look troubled."

"Meeting her would make everything alright," Nate simply said, choosing a simple blue kite and paid with some extra.

"You're always so nice," the little girl commented, and Nate tapped her head before excusing himself to join the festival.

With the help of another villager, Nate managed to fly his kite, and soon enough, his kite was joining many others. They looked like they were one, like they were a part of the sky, tethered so neatly in perfect art. A smile flushed over Nate's face as he stared at the panorama above him in amazement-but as soon as he realized how empty the night would be without Dianne, all he felt was emptiness.