Game of Memories

3

"B-bright."

"What is it, dad?" Pipe looked up to his father.

"I said the sun is so bright today. Let's hurry before we get scorched," Win said and let out a forced laugh.

He turned his back against the man who just called him "Nuisance" and started walking away.

"You can do this, Win. You have to do this." He kept whispering to himself.

This is his decision. Even though he already remembered his past, he will continue keeping his distance from Bright.

Bright is fine without him. Bright's life will be better if he doesn't barge in into his life again – like nothing happened, like he did not forget him. Bright suffered years remembering their memories by himself. While he is living his life like it was reset, Bright lived a repetitive hell.

"Win!" Bright shouted. "I know you remember me. Please, let's talk!"

Pipe looked back. "Dad, he just called you. Do you know him?"

Win staggered. He wanted to say yes. He wanted to say he knows him by all his heart. But–

"N-no, I don't. Walk faster, kiddo, we still have things to do," Win anxiously told his child and urged him to walk faster. Their car is parked a few meters away from the park's entrance so they still have some distance to travel.

He can hear Bright calling his name multiple times. He can hear him walking so fast to catch up with them. Win tried to walk faster, but Pipe's steps were just too little.

Then suddenly, a cold hand gripped his wrist.

All colors left Win's face, his blood felt cold, too, and he almost collapsed because of this person's grip. The sensation was painfully familiar. Bright's hand against his skin stirred up the emotions he is trying so hard to suppress.

"Win, my Betadine." Bright's voice is coarse. Win knew that this person is trying not to cry.

"Please, let go of my hand, mister." It took all of Win's willpower to keep his voice from trembling. "I don't know you."

"Cut the bullcrap, Win. Please, face me and let's talk."

"I don't have anything to talk about with a stranger. Now let go of me or I will call the cops."

"Go ahead. Call the cops and let's get arrested together."

Win faced Bright in an instant.

"What are you talking about? Why would I get arrested?"

"You parked on the wrong place. It's illegal to park your car on that side of the road."

"I did not know that."

"Well, now you do, Nuisance."

"Stop calling me that."

"It's your name."

"Please, just stop."

Pipe kept turning his head like he's watching an intense tennis match. He does not understand what these grownups are talking about but he has an idea that they're quarrelling.

"Don't fight with my dad!" The little kid acted to punch Bright's leg.

"I'm not fighting with your dad, Pipe. I'm just trying to make him admit that he remembers me." Bright made his voice as sweet as possible.

"Don't talk to my child," Win said. He emphasized the last word, in hope that it makes Bright stop.

And it seemed effective. Bright was stunned by the stress on the word "child". He let go of Win's hand, looked at his feet, and clenched his fist. Win suddenly felt guilty, but there is no turning back now. This has to be done.