Final Riff

Chapter 9

“In misery, it is a great comfort to have a company.”

-JOHN LYLY, Eupheus

It was a warm feeling, something Mami couldn’t explain, that enveloped her whole body like someone had just welcomed her into its embrace. The wind picked up, brushing the soft tendrils of her hair, whistling past her ears softly. It was refreshing, as Mami thought, her eyes were still close feeling the gentle caressed of the wind. She eased her back to lie down in the summer grass and lifted her eyes parallel to the sky. The vast blue sky stretched out from her gaze, clouds drifting ever so slowly in front of her as birds fly high up in the sky. The world smelled like flowers and everything was so perfect for Mami.

 God, that is so beautiful, Mami muttered as she stayed motionless on her spot. Time seemed to stop on her world as the sun stayed perched high up behind the clouds. Mami couldn’t imagine much more of a beautiful scene than this and all she wanted to do was to stay there…leaving every problem that she has into the unknown.

 It was all she could feel…contentment and peace. There’s nothing more she could ever had wished for.

 A smile played on her lips and ever so slowly, she closed her eyes again.

 Mami…

 Someone called out her name softly. Mami frowned knowing that she was alone in that place. Thinking that it was conjured only by her mind, she dismissed it and kept her eyes close.

 Mami…

 The voice this time seemed louder like the one who had whispered it was just beside her ear. She abruptly opened her eyes only to be greeted with the blue sky. Mami sat up from her position and looked around her but there’s no one in sight.

 “Weird…” She whispered and thought that she must be losing her mind but there it was again. The voice called out her name once more, but this time around, it sounded sad…Longing, in fact.

 Wake up, please…

 It said. Mami looked up, feeling more confused than ever. “But I’m awake!” She shouted to the sky. It was an impulse that she couldn’t explain. She waited for a response but she was only answered with silence. A strong gush of wind then blew past her making her cover her face with her hands.

 Don’t run away! You need to come back!

 The voice sounded angry. Mami should have felt fear to whoever said that but all she felt was a sudden pity on the person. It sounded hurt about something.

 “I can’t…” Mami suddenly said which surprise her. Her hands still in front of her face, her eyes were shut as the wind blew even stronger.

 Why?

 The voice asked and this time, Mami felt hot tears spilled on her flawless cheeks.