Reminisce: Memories

         "Memories will always be a part of our lives. Every day… For the rest of our lives, it will keep living on… Even after we’ve departed, it will remain in this world… Memories… They may come in fragments, or a whole… It will live on. It will fade if the world fades. It will not exist if the world never existed. Our memories are the world’s memories… They hold regrets, sadness, contemplations, complications, attachments… and happiness… They all carry the same weight… We will never forget that we have memories. It will never be a burden… but a blessing..."

Chapter 1: Path

            He was always alone. He just sat there at the farthest side of the room, looking out of the window. He didn’t have any friends and preferred to be alone all the time. He was good at any sports & in academics and he usually goes to the library after school. Yet, he was a loner and didn’t mind anyone at all. That was who he was, Koh Shitzuki…

            I was always curious. I wanted to know why he is like this. I wanted to know more about what makes him different from everybody else. I wanted to interview him but I never had the courage to. But, I didn’t give up. I gathered up courage to ask him day by day. I told myself that he might change someday if I do something for him.

            One day, after school, everyone was busy. Some went to their respective clubs to report in. Some are preparing to go home. It was raining that day. Yet, everyone was running back and forth. I was also in a rush. I had to report to my club about the news I got. But, Koh hasn’t move at his seat. He was looking out of the window like always, watching the rain. I didn’t have time to observe him, so I rushed out of the room.

            As I finish my daily club duties, I went back to the classroom. Koh isn’t there anymore. As I prepare my things, I saw an extra umbrella. I didn’t know who owned it, so I left it. As I rush out of school, I felt like the rain would go on till tomorrow. As I walk pass the riverbank, I saw a figure near the river. I was going to ignore it until I came closer. I was surprised to see that it was Koh. He is standing there looking down silently. I run toward him and shared my umbrella.

            “What are you doing?! You’re getting yourself wet!” I exclaim. He is soaking wet. He isn’t responding to me at all.

            I ask again. This time, he murmures something. “Why...”

            “Huh?” I said in confusion.

            “Why are you doing this?” He said clearly. The rain continues to pour. It felt like it was getting stronger.

            “Why? It’s because you’re my classmate. I can’t just leave you like this…” I said as I look at him. He didn’t respond after that. So, we left the riverbank and went back to the road.

            “Why didn’t you bring an umbrella today? It’s been raining ever since this morning.” I asked him as we walk.

            “It’s in school…” He said in a small voice. The rain began to subside.

            “Oh… I see…” The umbrella I saw back at school was probably his. That explains it. But how can he forget such a thing when it was raining after class ended? I couldn’t tell him that since we’re talking casually. I finally get to talk to him directly.

            I started to ask him questions after that. Though he didn’t answer most of them, I was quite satisfied of what he answered. It didn’t seem like a lie. I took down notes in my head soon after. After reaching our destination, we parted ways. I never thought that I could talk to him. I guess it was my luckiest day after all.

As I came back home, I quickly opened my computer and started typing the things Koh shared. I was really happy. But, I wasn’t contented to tell the truth. I wanted to know more. Now, I wished the rain wouldn’t stop. But, I got my hopes up.

            The next day, it was sunny, much to my dismay. I was hoping that it would rain today. I guess it is impossible now. I just have to think of other strategies to talk to him today. I was excited nonetheless.

            As I came to school, I saw Koh already there at his seat, looking out of the window as always. I approached him.

            “Good morning, Shitzuki-kun. How are you today? You didn’t catch a cold today? It was raining yesterday and you were soaking wet.” I said as I greeted him. He didn’t respond. He was still looking out of the window. I said it again. Still, he didn’t answer back. I came back to my seat after I tried several times. Then, someone appeared before me. It was Noe, my best friend.

            “Why are you looking gloomy today? Did something happen?” Noe said as she seats in front of me.

            “Good Morning, Noe. It’s nothing. I thought he would talk to me today.” I said in disappointment.

            “I see. Don’t overdo it though. You might just get hurt.” She said as she went away.

            “Huh? Noe…?” I said in confusion.

            I thought that maybe what happened yesterday was a dream, but it wasn’t. I have his number even though I didn’t have it until only yesterday.

            “I guess I expected too much…” I said to myself in disappointment. I thought I finally got through him. I guess I couldn’t reach out that much to him. I got my hopes up again…

-End Of Chapter 1-