“Ah, the holidays are coming!” Iris said in a dreamy voice while she and Shyn were walking
“Heh? I almost forgot about it.” Shyn said then he grinned.
“Geez, you’re not really paying attention…” she remarked.
Then they both laughed at each other.
“Oh yeah, I almost forgot!” Shyn said as he open his bag.
“What’s that?” she asked, confused while looking at the paper that Shyn was holding.
“It’s a ticket for a Christmas concert,” he smiled. “I thought you’d wanna come with me.”
“Count me in!” she said her eyes shining brightly. “I’d really love to watch the Busters this Christmas… Thanks, for inviting me!” she said excitedly.
She then looked at Shyn seriously, then, she added sneakily, “Make sure you won’t be late.”
“Yeah, I’ll be earlier than you so you better not be surprised if you saw me before you!” he said accepting the challenge.
The two of them arrived at the school and they headed for their room just as the bell rang.
That Saturday night, Shyn arrived an hour earlier than the expected time wanting to beat Iris from being the earliest ever.
As he looked around he smiled seeing no signs of Iris yet.
“Hahaha! This time I’m earlier…” he laughed. But then not knowing what to do, he wandered around.
It’s still more than half an hour before their meeting time. Then he saw a gift shop and entered. He then decided to buy a gift for Iris. He then saw a big pink plush teddy bear.
Shyn was about to grab it when he spotted a red scarf. He remembered Iris looking at it, her eyes beaming. So, he bought the scarf instead.
His phone rang.
“Hello?” he asked on the other end of the line, he heard a heavy breathing that almost choked. “Iris?” he said quietly.
“Sh-Shyn? I’m sorry but I think I’ll be late,” she took a deep breath and said, “You can go on ahead without me…” her voice soft but deep.
“Iris? Where are you? I’ll look for you…” he said anxiously.
“No, don’t!” the reply came too quickly. “I’m fine, go ahead without me…” her voice trailed off.
Then the line was cut off.
Shyn tried to call again feeling sudden cold and sick as Iris’ image flash on his mind.
‘What’s this feeling?’ he thought. Just then, a group of ambulance followed by a police car passed.
Shyn was about to call a taxi when the beating of drums stopped him. The concert is starting but still no sign of iris.
Shyn waited outside looking for any sign of Iris coming but she didn’t come even until the concert ended.
He waited for one more hour but she didn’t come. Finally, Shyn gave up and called for a taxi.
On the other side at the same time many voices were heard. The sirens came and someone shouted “There’s another one here.”
She tried to open her eyes but only for a bit. Her vision’s blurred but she was certain she saw a light and that someone was carrying her.
