unOrdinary Short Stories

I'm Sorry

A beautiful day it was.

Yet, why do I feel so empty?

Children were playing and having fun with their friends.

But, why do I feel so alone?

Only one thought was swirling in my head.

Sera would have loved this.

Deep down, I know she would've. I know that if she were here, she wouldn't waste her time sulking like I was. I know that she would've already slapped some sense into me and scolded me for letting such a beautiful day pass by without doing anything to enjoy it.

I can see it now so clearly. Her beautiful smile. Her contagious laugh. Her insistence that she was always right. Her presence that always seemed to calm me and make me feel as though I'm floating on cloud nine.

I let a small smile slip on my face- something that was almost foreign to be seen on me nowadays, it seems.

Memories I shared with my best friend suddenly resurfaced, making me feel happy yet sad all the same.

I let myself be engulfed by my past. At the way things were being in the present, I don't even want to face it.

It was always easier to run away. To go back to the time when things were so easy and problems could be taken with a light heart, but I know that things will never be the same.

Standing up from the bench that I was sitting on, I made my way to the shop that I always seemed to go to on a daily basis. After buying the usual and letting the man keep the change, I made my way outside and breathed in the fresh morning air.

It was definitely a beautiful day.

Too bad I can't bring myself to enjoy it.

I walked towards the usual path, stopping by every once in a while to wave at shop owners who were cleaning their front porch. I smiled at a particular white-bearded man and walked towards him.

He was, as usual, fixing the sign of his shop that always seemed to fall off for some reason.

Seemingly noticing my presence, he stopped his task for a while and sent a soft smile my way.

"Hi John." he said in a fatherly tone.

His eyes fell on what I was carrying and his smile turned sad.

"Going there so early in the morning? Did you even have breakfast, my boy?" 

I laughed, though even to my ears it sounded hollow and empty. I gently shook my head and he frowned in disapproval. Seeing his facial expression, I smiled and waved him off.

"I'm fine, Mr. Elias. I'll just stop by the nearest diner after my visit. Besides, I'm not even hungry."

His frown didn't lessen though, but he released a long and deep sigh, his eyes never leaving mine.

"Alright, John. Just please, stay safe." He said, sounding exhausted from the many times he's reprimanded me about how I should take care of myself.

I forced a smile and was about to leave before he spoke again.

"John, stop blaming yourself. Please." He pleaded in a soft caring voice.

I quickly turned around and walked briskly. I felt tears stinging at my eyes but ignored it and carried on. I took a deep breath and felt the moistness from my eyes disappear.

Checking the time on my phone, I cursed. It was already 10:36. I'd usually already be there by quarter before 10.

Speeding up my pace, I felt eyes on my figure but I paid no attention to them. I could already feel the pity they were feeling for me.