bloom

Midnight MemorieS

//This chapter is a weeeee bit boring but im getting to the juicy part soon. ty for 250 reads ♡//

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The peace of the evening was disrupted by the sound of knuckles gently tapping against a hardwood door.

The door to Shinko’s house creaks open sending a gush of evening breeze in. The depressing  room is lit dim by a lamp flickering in the corner as the pots and pans from this morning’s breakfast sit unwashed in the sink, all while a soft trembling sob resounds through the static room.

Shinko lay face down on the bed still in his uniform, his eyes like a submerged emerald leaks tears crystal clear as they’re sopped by his sheets.

Miss Rafaela closes the door behind her and sits beside Shinko on the bed rubbing her soft, wrinkled hands through his dusk dark hair.

“Did you tell them?” She asks under the crack of her voice.

Shinko sat up only to plunge into Miss Rafaela’s lap. He shields his eyes as the tears continue to well up and pour down his cheeks which were bruised by constantly rubbing them dry.

“I didn’t.” He whimpers. “I didn’t tell them. They’re happy, excited and probably have their own problems too. Plus, I cant – I cant tell them.” He pauses to expunge the tears .“ Its been over 3 years and – I cant even bring myself to talk about it. I’m pathetic.”

He felt a pinch at his ears.

“You are not pathetic.” Miss Rafaela  asserts.

“Who has lived alone for 3 years while working and maintaining being a student? Who has made wonderful friends and continuously brings smiles to their faces? Who helps an elderly woman with her chores every morning?” She continues, removing her glasses to wipe her own tears.

She pulls Shinko in for a hug.

“You are a strong boy Shinki. You handle so much without asking for help, all while carrying the guilt of your mother’s death, but it wasn’t your fault and she loved you Shinki. She wouldn’t want you to cry. I don’t want you to cry.”

The two embraced, allowing each other a moment to collect themselves.

“Now Shinki. I’m not saying you have to do it now, but you must tell them. Those girls deserve to know what their friend goes through. I can only imagine how devastating it would be for them to find out any other way.” She wipes the remaining tears from Shinko’s cheeks and embraces him once more.

“now go change these clothes, I’ll do the dishes and you’ll have dinner at my house.”  She insisted, forcing a genuine smile onto her face.

Shinko returns a pleasant smile. He felt warm and protected. He felt love.

Sure Miss Rafaela always loved him, and he always knew she did, but it seemed as if only now he felt the depth of her love and care.

He laughed as sad tears became happy ones before he wiped them away as well. He sniffed and smiled.    

“I wont be having dinner tonight.” He said, stripping on the spot and slipping into casual clothes.

“Work?” Miss Rafaela questioned.

“Yea.” He grins.

“Well dear, be safe then.” She smiles lovingly before kissing him on the forehead as he leaves.

The cold air of the night greets Shinko as he steps out the house. He drops to a seat the concrete steps. The moonlight caresses his skin while the darkness brings enough comfort for stubborn tears to escape his eyes despite his efforts to contain them. The wind whispers into his ears as it passes, whisking his hair to its pleasure.