I go down to the cafeteria and see my friends in the same table I had my entire high school lunch. I should be rejoicing of what happened. After those sleepless nights and nostalgic days thinking if he likes me, he does. He even said he loves me and we kissed. For a brief moment, we have our own world in that small room. However, I still need to do so many things in less than twenty hours.
I wonder how many things we missed everyday just because of different choices we make.
I eat lunch normally. We talk about random things like we use to. I even mention the fact that Wade and I kissed. They think I am just making it up; well, there is no point of showing it off if I will die later.
I bring something up, “I will not be here tomorrow. We will have a family trip.” I have nothing else to cover my goodbye. The difference is that they are expecting me to come back.
“For how long?” My friend Justine asks.
I shrug, “not sure, but it will be long, a week or so.”
They frown, “we will miss you!”
Grace stands and hugs me. My friends in the table stand or lean to hug me too. I am quite aware that other people in this cafeteria are staring at us, but we don't care. We never cared.
“It’s not even sure, but remember that this life will lose its sense without every single one of you. Thank you and I will miss you all.”
"So melodramatic, Aira?" My friend asks and we laugh again.
I spend the rest of the day as ordinary as possible. I want to clear my mind about it. Why is that my life gets better when I know I will lose it?
Wade asks me what I mean earlier, I just told him what I told my friends. I never want to lie, but it’s the only thing I know.
We talk about things, how he started to like me. I tell him about the times I go hyperventilating when he comes near and speaks to me. He says he never notice it. If he did, he will be the first one to be happy.
I snap into what I am here for. I say my final goodbyes to him and to my friends.
I want more time,
more moments,
more memories,
but I am still glad I have them until the end. I am contented to that.
YOU ARE READING
When The Clock Strikes
Short StoryWhat would you do if you realize things only when it is too late? If some dreams are meant to come true? If you were given another chance to live your last day, is twenty-four hours enough to say goodbyes?
