A Letter

Page 2

The beginning started long before you were born. We were a happy family of three. Living in a tiny house at the edge of a town. Unlike you who were lucky to have your own room in that two stories house. I was only given a small corner in the only bedroom. Keeping off the cold with a single thin blanket. Listening to the sound of their breathing every night. But! Despite the lack of space, everyday of our lives were filled with joy. As an only child, I was spoiled. Food was not something I'm lacking, they always make sure I have enough if not more. I was their most precious treasure, they have always told me.

The town we lived in was a small one. Where everyone knows everybody. Well, except me. I was 'banned' (without my knowledge) from playing with other kids for as long as I can remember. I did go to school, yet no one will interact with me. Teachers will only look at me passingly on attendance and drop whatever homework they give me on my desk as if it was empty. It's not as if my parents didn't let me to play outside, but other parents will pulled their kids away whenever they saw me around.

Weirdly enough, my parents had lots of friends. Well, they did come from another town. (Nobody in our own neighborhood acknowledge our existence.) Sometimes when they visit us, they will bring along new friends and squeezing together in the tight space of our house. They always ended up sleeping in, trying to fit themselves in every possible corner. It was funny. All those long limbs and round bellies, squeezed into the tiniest corner. I made it a game to walk around the house at night trying not to step on those bodies. Holding in my giggles as to not wake them up. When I did, they usually woke up in a foul mood, especially if they were snuffing around those white powder. I got hit once by one of dad's friend, but he immediately apologize the day after and telling me not to step on him the next time. From that day he always brought chocolates and candies whenever he stopped by.

We were living in a bliss until that day. Not long after we lost everything. It was around a month before my birthday. There's this new person visiting us. He was dressed unlike the other, always in a meticulously pressed white shirt and a pair of dark trousers. He was the first and only adult that actually tried to communicate with me. Asking about friends, hobbies, etc, etc. Discussing about his in turn. He was different not only in appearance. He even walks differently, with his back straight and confidence in his steps. He only visits at daytime and for a short while. Once or twice he talked to my parents. They always crowded in the small kitchen.

One day, I happened to walk pass the kitchen when I've heard him said that it's time. Someone has been waiting for a long time for a payment. Well, to say it was an accident was ablatant lie, I've been eavesdropping whenever they crowded in the kitchen. 'P-Payment...?' I could hear the confusion and fear in my mother's voice.

'Yes,' he answered. 'She has been waiting. You have not fulfilled your duty, so she wants her gift back.' The way he pronounce she was with utmost devotion. Like a prayer. 'You should be thankful she didn't take your life instead. If anything, you should be grateful for her grace. She is giving you a second chance.' Silence followed his words. I could feel the tension even as I stand in another room.

'I believe you can find your way out.' There's a slight tremble to my father's voice. I know he was holding his anger in. I peek in to see my dad looking down while grasping at the edge of the dining table, knuckles white. My mom, whose face was as pale as a paper, holding on to his elbow either trying to calm my dad or herself. Her eyes not seeing the man but staring right through him.

The man sighed and pushed himself up. 'You need to pay what you've owed.' After that day he never came to our house again.

Seeing me peeking around, mom pushed me into the bedroom and told me to stay there. I can see she was as angry as my dad was. Though, whatever the cause of it, I never know. At least not at that time. And so, there I wait until I fell asleep. The next day I was awake snuggled in-between them.