HYMN OF THE RAIN

August

The weather that morning isn't exactly the greatest.

It's windy, though the sun is still out to greet us when Mom, Rachel and I pile into the car. My lugagges are already in the trunk and after I've hugged Miles and grandma, we soon are on our way to the train station.

The car ride is mostly filled with Mom's advices on college life. Rachel occasionally pipes in and I hum along. One of my lugagge is packed with Mom's cooking.

"I figure you'd be tired. You just need to heat these up," she put in another mealbox, "You know how to use the microwave, right?"

I nod.

"Careful with it, hon, don't leave your spoon-"

"I've learnt my lesson, Mom."

I'm still pretty sleepy since I got home late last night. Me and the others were at Rosa's house after buying some food. We watched movies, took photos (and even videos) - anything to keep the memory with us since the four of us are going to different cities.

I should've spent the night at Rosa's, but I needed to get back home at 6 to prepare myself for the train ride.

"I can't believe you're finally leaving."

Rosa stood with the others at her porch, looking at me as I have my things with me. They're eyeing me with a glint of sadness and I can't help but remember the first time we met. I couldn't believe they would be such an important fragment of my life.

"Neither can I," I chuckle, "I'll miss you guys."

"Don't forget for videocalls Sunday." Lex pulls me into a hug and soon I can feel Bryan and Rosa join in.

"I won't, I won't!" I laugh, my grip around them tightens considerably. 

I knew leaving would be this hard, but somehow this is much harder than how I imagined it would be.

We all knew this day would come - where we part ways, when adulthood forces us to choose our own paths. In the end no one stays behind in this town - we're all off to conquer other cities.

I hope one day we can meet here again and maybe stay here for awhile.

"I'll miss you all." Bryan squeaks. We all hum in agreement, then finally stand back, pulling ourselves from the much-needed group hug.

"This is it, huh?" I sigh, grabbing hold of my bagpack. They reluctantly nod, though still offer a smile.

"We'll meet again soon," Rosa assures, but she sounds like she's trying to reassure herself, "right?"

"Hopefully," I exhale, "I got to go."

A chorus of ' goodbye' walks me out of Rosa's front porch and I give one last wave before heading to the bus stop. 

Goodbyes hit the hardest when we're parting ways, face to face, with our loved ones. Their sad eyes, forced smiles can probably make you decide to stay.

But I know I need to go either way.

The bus passes the familiar building in the corner of the street where the 'for rent' flyer is still on the door. Throwing my gaze away, I try to ignore the lingering pain I've felt whenever I remember him. I'm certainly still have a long way to go until I can look at that part of our town without batting an eyelash.