Ӭ “Today was a perfect day! We got to play tag, hide & seek, explore around the forest, and look- the sunset is stunning from here! Hey, remember how we met?” Ӭ
“I do.”
Ӭ “Really? Could you tell me how? Pretty, please.” Ӭ
Look at those innocent eyes, how could I say no.
“We both know you can’t forget things, but because I’m in a good mood; I will remind you. You had found me by this very tree we’re under.”
You’re a gorgeous tree, even if you’re smaller than the others.
“It was the first time I didn’t feel alone anymore.”
You’ve kept me company when he wasn’t around.
“And it was the first time I’d stopped crying.”
Thank you tree.
Ӭ “I never get tired of watching the sunset from here. The colors are always warm and cool, all depending where we are on the world.” Ӭ
Like always, he’s in his own little world.
“What’s so special about it?”
Ӭ “Take a deep breath and watch as it sets. What does it make you feel?” Ӭ
I feel it, every time we’re here. It makes me feel at ease but it saddens me. It’s a constant reminder that I must go back home. To my abusive father and useless mother. I don’t want it to end. I don’t want this day to be over.
“No. I don’t feel anything. It’s just a stupid ball of fire setting on the horizon.”
Ӭ “You don’t really mean it. Maybe if you apologize to it, the sun may decide to never set again and we can stay here forever!” Ӭ
I grab the bottom of my dress as I abruptly stand.
“I’m not going to apologize to a stupid lifeless object!”
Ӭ “You’re always giving this strong aura of authority.” Ӭ
“Is that a threat or maybe it’s because I’m older and smarter than you.”
His honest and tender smile always knows how to pierce my heart; I envy him. I want that kind of peace.
Ӭ “I would never say something bad about you! That’s why I love hanging out with you.” Ӭ
“That’s right, respect your elders- I’m an adult!”
Ӭ “Is that… a lie?” Ӭ
I can’t hold myself and snort while laughing; his confused little face is so tender; how innocent can this boy be?
“You’ve caught me, I’m not an adult. I can’t wait to become one. The moment I’m old enough I’m leaving this place!”
Unlike me, he carefully stands while patting off the dust on his shorts.
Ӭ “Do you really mean it? Who would play or give you company?” Ӭ
“You can always come with me.”
Stupid me. That was a stupid answer.
Ӭ “You want me to go down there?”
“Why not?!”
Stop yourself!
Ӭ “We’re not allowed to go down there; terrible things lay below us. We would be marked as Starvers and never allowed to return.” Ӭ
You don’t know what I go through every endless day and night when I’m not with you.
“I don’t want to return here. There’s nothing good here for me.”
Ӭ “What about me?” Ӭ
“You’re the only exception.”
He’s really taking this dumb conversation to heart.
“Hey, don’t think about it to much. You’re going to hurt yourself! Hah hah hah!”
Ӭ “It’s just… what if I never see you again? I cannot disobey my family nor leave my home.” Ӭ
“You can, but… I would never want you to leave your loving and caring family or the safety of your home for me. It’s like you’d said, it’s dangerous down there.”
Ӭ “Exactly! What makes you want to leave the safety of your home or your family?!”
You really know how to stab me without even knowing it.
“In your entire lifetime you will never understand. I know you cannot feel sadness and I wish for you to never feel this pain. I need to find somewhere far- far away from my so called family; somewhere where I can truly call, home. Away from the people whom harm me. I’m not strong. I cannot defend myself against my father.”
He launches onto me as he firmly grasps my shoulders.
Ӭ “Let me speak with your father. I know he would understand. There’s no one in this land or castle that is bad to their children; it’s impossible!” Ӭ
You bring hope to me, but it’s not enough. You’re right, there’s no one in this land that’s cruel to their children but my father is different. He beats me, starves me, drowns me, anything that will harm me purely for his personal amusement. I cannot do anything but bare his punishments.
Suddenly, I’m welcomed by the warmth of a delicate hug. I cannot do anything but hold him back. It makes me feel safe even though, deep down; it’s just a lie.
“I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m sorry for being so selfish!”
Ӭ “You don’t have to apologize, you haven’t done anything wrong.” Ӭ
You’re nothing. You’re worthless. You’re always doing everything wrong. Just find somewhere to die without causing any commotion.
It’s my father’s words, reminding me of my worth.
“I’m useless. I mean nothing to anyone. I’m just an annoyance to everyone!”
I keep holding him and start to squeeze him tighter. If I let go. I may lose him too.
Ӭ “You’re not annoying. You’re someone special… to me.” Ӭ
“Stop trying to make me feel good. Please, stop lying!”
Ӭ “You know better than me; I cannot lie.” Ӭ
“It hurts. It really hurts. Please don’t lie to me. Please don’t let go.”
He keeps holding me, even though I’m worthless.
I’m no one to anyone. Just a burden.
He keeps holding me until I cradle myself on his chest.
Ӭ “You’re my best friend.” Ӭ
Sun, I’m sorry for calling you stupid. Please. Please, don’t set. Don’t let this day ever end.
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