Tied Together

How many years has it been? 5? 10? How many years has it been since I last saw her smile? My childhood friend was dear to me, Amelia Green, a girl who despite who appearance at first, is actually incredibly kindhearted. Although most people in school find her scary, or intimidating, they don't know the side of Amelia like I do.

But I suppose that's understandable, after all... her smiles died out along with the loss of her parents. I remember those restless nights, I'd often go to her home and check on her, seeing her crying at a photo of her parents. When I'd go and try to cheer her up, her aunt would be dismissive, preventing me from going inside.

Before she lost her parents, such a huge smile was glued to her face, we'd hangout in sleepovers, share stories of future adventures, play in the garden, things were good. We both thought we'd fight together at whatever the world threw at us, that was until we grew up.

My mind often goes back to a certain memory, one where Ame is just sitting on a swing, alone at night. I figured she'd be sad, but then I saw such a huge smile on her face as soon as her parents approached from behind me, entering their home. They must have overlooked me as I'd been hiding in a bush. That smile of hers, I wish I could see it again.

We always used to tell each other stories, ones of fairytales, we figured fantasy was always more fun then reality, however there was one story that Ame loved hearing more then anything else. The story "Tied Together", a fairytale about two romantic partners being forced apart by endless inner demons, until one night, the man tied a rope to his wrist and onto his partner, that day forth, they'd never be separated. Fighting their demons side by side. They overcome the inner darkness and live happily ever after.

I always wondered why Ame liked that story?