I looked down at the metal scale as I have realized how much I have gained.
"Damn. 78. You really need to stop eating, Lyza." said Heather, my roommate.
I ignored her. Just like how I do with everyone who tells me that I am fat. I know I am fat, I have accepted that fact since day one.
I walked outside the apartment to get coffee. It's Sunday morning and it's my relaxation day. I passed by the building Uncle Henry works, which then I was led to a big life-alteration.
I don’t understand how my body suddenly froze. I think I just heard the most beautiful music in the world.
"I love everything
Fire spreading all around my room
My world's so bright
It's hard to breathe but that's all right"
Someone was singing my favorite song, which I thought I only knew. What a coincidence, I feel ecstatic!
I turned around and saw a man sitting on a bench near the plaza, with a hoodie covering his head, casting a shadow on his face. I know his eyes are looking at nowhere behind the frames of those sunglasses. By the looks of him,
He’s blind.
I walked towards him and was mesmerized by the way he played his electric guitar. I looked at him with amazement and tears in my eyes.
How could people, missing some of their parts, make you feel so whole?
My ears are addicted. His music was enough to project my soul in the astral realm. I was floating.
The music stopped. I sat beside him. I know he couldn't see me but at least he could hear.
“You deserve my eyes more,” I said while forcing a genuine smile on my face. “You deserve to see the crowd of people watching you as you perform, someday."
He stayed silent. I dropped some coins inside the cup beside his chair.
"Here you are, begging for money. While I'm here. Begging for beauty. Begging for appreciation. Love. Attention."
"Begging for things money can't afford."
I really find comfort talking to strangers. Especially people like him.
“I have this guy which I really like in school. But I guess it’s impossible for Ash to like me back,” I mumbled again, this time, in a weary tone. “I’m not beautiful, not like the others. I am fat, 78 kg." I awkwardly laughed.
"I'm a sunflower. ”
“You are,” he spoke, still staring straight at nothingness, "beautiful."
"Sunflowers are beautiful." he continued.
“You could only say that because you can’t see me,” I insisted with a soft voice as I ran a hand on my face full of acne and scars, and a double chin.
“You don’t always need eyes to describe someone as beautiful. The way you talked, beautiful. Your music taste? Beautiful. Haha. And your kindness? Beautiful.” his words echoed in my ears as he turned his head to me, "besides, who told you I’m blind?”
I was shocked when he took the sunglasses and the hood that covered his eyes and face.
I can’t believe what I just did. My jaw was already wide open when I saw that bright, familiar smile.
It was Ash. Oh my freaking Ash! (pun intended)
“I was just relaxing here and rehearsing for a performance when you came and put some coins on my coffee.”
“but it’s okay,”
I am dumbfounded. Speechless.
“I’m glad to know you like me too.”
Too? What is this? Come on Lyza! Respond.
“Coffee date?” the only words that came out of my mouth.
But the next thing I knew, he carried me.
"A-ash! Let me down! I'm heavy!" I insisted.
He then let me down after 5 seconds of embarrassment.
"Why did you do that?" I asked, with still a hint of blush.
"I just wondered if the world is really just 78 kg."
He stepped closer and closer after saying such sweet words.
"You are beautiful, Lyza. Inside and out. And you don't have to beg for appreciation, love and attention. I'm willing to give you all of it freely, as long as you say you're willing to date me."
