The Magic of Unknowing

Chapter Six

"Hey everyone! Welcome to the Festival of Farewells!" a fellow student cheers into the mic as they start the school festival. It's at the end of the school year, celebrating the seniors graduating. I usually come in for fun, even though I'm no where near graduating.

My wood sandals click as gravel turns to pavement and I walk into the brightly lit area of flowers and joy. I pass by stands selling masks and party poppers, glancing at each item once or twice. Many students flood the walk-ways and various happy chattering is spread out into a dull rumble. It's usually never this busy. Maybe the graduating class is bigger this year?

Passing a stand with paper fans I back up and approach it, peering over the table. Looking through the many gorgeous and colorful designs, I pick an orange one. Tyler loves orange. I pay for the fan and neatly fold it in my bag. I go over by one of the poles to a tall light and wait. Leaning against it, I wonder where Tyler is. I'm pretty early, but I can't stop myself from worrying. This is the spot we always meet at.

--

Snapping into reality I see a girl in a dark blue kimono pass by, her brown hair sparkling in the light. Scratching my cheek, I lean over and peer down after her, but she escapes my sight. Rubbing my eyes, I yawn, stretching my arms to the dark sky. Endless chatter continues on and on, without end. I stand alone. I flatten my dress out, dissolving the ripples in the flowing fabric. Where is Tyler? She should be here by now...

I decide to look for her. Taking a brave step into the mass, I squeeze between people. Talk about no personal space. I bump into a guy wearing a fancy dragon kimono and spill his tea onto it. In a panic, I try in a feeble attempt to save both him as his drink.

"Gah! What is wrong with you!" The fellow class men shouts aloud at me and I choke back emotions.

"I'm so so very sorry... I'm sorry, sir, I'm just looking for someone..." I cough out of what you call an airway of my throat.

There's an eerie silence that rests upon the people around us. Eyes. Eyes everywhere. Penetrating through me, into my skin. Boiling stares.

The tall upper class men stands up, picking up the surprisingly unbroken cup, with a silent movement. I stare up at the intimidating man. His eyes pierce through me. I tremble, trying to squeeze an apology out.

Suddenly, there's this weird sting on the left part of my face. My jaw feels like its unhinged and I can't open my eye. Everything is blurry, and I feel a numbness overwhelming me. All I can see is the sideways gravel pressed up against me and people staring. I slowly close my eyes. Where is Tyler... I try holding onto that thought as I feel myself pull away.