Tracing Memories

31: C u r l . U p

One chilly night I decided to pick up my favourite book and curl up inside a blanket to read it. I call this book my favourite not because of its story or the writing style, I hadn't even finished it to judge it on those aspects, it was my favourite because you gave it to me. Now whenever I tried to read it, instead of focusing on the book I ended up thinking about you which is why even after having it since Senior High, I still hadn't had the chance to flip its pages end to end.

This time I made an active effort to focus on reading instead of thinking about you. Besides, lately thoughts of you only made me miss you more.

My efforts worked somehow and in about half an hour I had successfully finished five or six pages. It was shaping up to be a productive night and I was happy thinking I might finish that book finally.

I turned the next page in anticipation and a small note fell out of it. It looked like a piece that was ripped out of a notebook page rather than a receipt or bookmark. Intrigued, I adjusted it against the page of the book to view what was written on it. I immediately recognised it to be your handwriting. The note read,

“Enjoy your book but don't read so hard that you forget to talk to me.” and a laughing face was doodled next to it.

I was taken aback as I remained staring at it for a couple of seconds. All this time I never knew it was there. I fondly stared at your handwriting as I recalled the day you gave me the book.

...

I had recently found out about this book and after hearing so many good things about it I was dying to read it. So one day after school, taking you with me, I marched towards the bookstore. The entire way there, I went on and on about how great this book sounded and how excited I was to read it and you listened to it all calmly, occasionally smiling in that subtle way you always do.

My hopes were shattered when I reached the marketplace as the only bookstore in that area was closed for the day. This left me utterly frustrated.

“Why?Why does this happen to me?!” I exclaimed as I stomped my feet on the ground a couple of times and then rested my forehead against your arm with a groan. You patted my head in an effort to calm me down.

“Let's just go. “ I lamented and we returned as we came.

When I came back home, I immediately played a movie on my laptop to distract myself and feel better. I lost track of time and when the movie was finished I realised it was already dusk. Just then I heard the doorbell ring.

“Who could it be at this time?” I thought as we weren't expecting any visitors. I went to open the door and was surprised to find you there. You smiled a meaningful smile as soon as you saw me.

“Shuuya?What are you doing here at this time?” I asked in wonder.

In response you said nothing but held up a book resting on both your palms. It was the same book I wanted.

I almost squealed and jumped in happiness as I held it and looked at its beautiful cover.

“How did you…?” I asked barely able to control my happiness.

“I have my ways.” You smirked.

The next moment I tackled you in a hug as I said, “You're the best.”

...

Tears brimmed my eyes as I recalled the memory, your note still in my hand. A wave of sadness had suddenly washed over me. I carefully kept the note back into the book and keeping the book away safely, I lay down to sleep as I tried to console myself. It wasn’t going to be long until you would be back to me and everything would turn back to the way it was: perfect.

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