『fragments of memories』

➼|The swing|〤

I'll never forget that day.

The day when loud heartbeats echoed my ears.

The day when I was hurting, my heart aches so much while clutching my chest, trying to retrieve the pain.

The day when I look so miserable.

Why did it hurt so much?

-

“Rhea! Let's go to the playground!” Sy pouted and waved the others to come with them.

Rhea nodded while Luke and Erika came with them, looking excited.

It was morning Recess—a little break from class. We headed to another building and headed to the Kindergartens playground. A small park where kids could play when they want to.

Being 1st Grade wasn't that bad at all.

When they've arrived, they rushed to the swing side. Rhea frowned for being the last one. She also wanted to ride on the swing too. However, Sy attained first.

There's nothing she could do but to push the swing and help her.

“Rhea, pwush me!”  the energy side of her wouldn't fail her to do what she wants. Sy clutched her tiny hands on both rope.

“Okay, here weh gwo!” Rhea gave her a cheeky grin and pushed the swing with her might.

Sy squealed when the swing began to move. The swing wasn't fast nor slow. When it gets higher, this time, Rhea pushed her a little more gently now while she was worried when it goes higher.

“Higherr!” Sy yelled, making Rhea winced at her response.

Unexpectedly. . .

Boogsh.

The swing pushes back to Rhea with a strong force. It's too late for her to dodge it. She didn't expect she was leaning so close to the swing. That made her fall down.

Everyone went silent.

Erika gaped her mouth and covered it with her hands.

Rhea smiled at them, telling them everything was fine, receiving their nods in return.

Her sweat tickled on her forehead. Rhea can't understand why her chest hurts instead of her bum. Did she fall too hard to obtain an injury on her insides?

Rhea decided to stop pushing Sy after her pathetic fall.

Everyone laughed as if it was a common thing. Rhea laughed softly even though her insides were aching.

Luke was being gentlemen this time. He was helping her. Rhea knew what he was thinking. He really thought she wants to ride a swing. Rhea shook her head. That was earlier, but right now, she lose the interest.

Tears prickled on her eyes. Rhea tried to hold them from coming out. She didn't want her friends to know how weak she is.

Everytime, she took a breath. Her chest paining so badly as if thousands of needles pricking her ribs. Something had gone wrong. Her heart was throbbing a lot.

This isn't good.

“Rhea, you can sit here..” She smiled bitterly at him and shook her head she doesn't want it. She felt bad for letting him do it though he won't insist. But in the end, he won. She couldn't stop him.

The rest of the time, Rhea is utterly quiet while riding the swing as she moves it too slowly. Luke may have noticed it but he didn't ask further cause he knows she didn't want to talk about it.

Suddenly, a familiar bell rang from the other building.

Everyone started to stand and leave the place while Rhea trying to catch up.

Without anyone's gaze, Rhea clutch her chest once again, checking which part that hurts more. Her hitched her breath while she touches her breast area near the heart, fretting with pain.

Well, this is going to be hurt a while. Rhea thought.