A Year Without Snow

-34-

heyy guys! i'm sorry for not uploading in a while, i just returned to college after quarantine, and life in general is just messy right now.
we love a big mess wattpad writer.
anyway enjoy!

Friday, 13th November 2015

From a very early age, I became aware of what the true essence of our lives was. It was people. Who we have around us, our family and friends set the canvas to the paintings that are our lives. No matter where we are, or how much money we have. Our happiness is all due to those who love us and whom we love.

But even at that early age, I discovered that those who make us the happiest are the ones who can cause the biggest pain. But we keep on loving nonetheless, until the people have done enough damage, that we begin to wonder, what benefit it brings to love at all.

***

One week after Bryson's parent's fight, Jim Kanne left their home signing the divorce papers. No one seemed particularly sad about this turn of events. I did not need to execute my duties as his best friend and console him because he was undeniably happy, just like his older sister Bianca. The only exception was Angelina, even though she tried to hide it as best as she could, it was plain the sadness that filled the dark shadow under her eyes, and the missing gleam of light in that kind woman's face.

Part of me couldn't help but wonder what he had done after the divorce, could that strict man keep fooling himself? And, what if he reached out to my father? Not that I cared for either of them, honestly, they were good for each other.

Bryson didn't like to talk much about him, in fact as the years went on he probably mentioned his father two times, always in a disgusted tone.

One week after he left I was standing outside his house waiting for him to go to Jack's birthday party. On normal occasions, I would go in and say hello to Angelina and Bianca but I didn't have the guts to do so, I simply wouldn't know what to say.

Bryson soon walked out with a sweater, the hoodie over his head, and his hands deep in his jeans pockets. He had grown much taller in the last year, even taller than his father.

"Hey." He greeted me and we started making our way down the sidewalk.

"Hi. How are you?" I asked looking up at him.

"I'm fine, Daisy. Don't need to ask me every day."

"Sorry, I just don't know how to help."

He took a deep breath and put his arm around my shoulder, "I'm sorry. And no, I don't need any help. I just want to forget about the whole deal."

"Okay, it's alright." I simply said.

"So... Were we supposed to get him something?" Bryson asked looking at the bag I had in my hand.

"Well, I got him this Korn CD that he was looking at the other day at the music store."

"Why did you do that?"

"What? Why wouldn't I? He bought me a present on my birthday too."

"Because he has a crush on you." He said.

"Or because he's my friend." I was getting tired of this conversation, this subject came up too often. "I've given you a present for your every birthday."

"Because I'm your best friend."

"So I'm bound to give presents only to you?"

"That is not what I said." He said firmly looking at me and rolling his eyes.

"Then I don't understand what's the problem with the gift."

"There's no problem, forget it." And so I did.