“Where were you guys? You’ve been gone for almost half an hour!” Aurora exclaimed as soon as we got back.

I shrugged and decided to explain.

“Well we found some lost kid and decided to help him find his parents.”

“Cool! How old was he? Was he a cute kid? What was he wearing?” Nishimoya interrogated eagerly.

“Uh, um, well, I don’t…” 

I tried to answer her questions but before I could, Aurora cut me off.

“Never mind that. Why didn’t you text us where you went? I know Soriel doesn’t have our numbers but you do.” 

I scratched my head in embarrassment and gave her a shy smile.

“I may have…forgotten to?” I said sheepishly.

Aurora sighed and shook her head in disappointment.

Soriel tried to hide her amusement, but I could see her desperately suppressing her laughter.

“Guys, now that those two are back, let’s get going already.”

Tristan’s words put an end to Nishimoya and Aurora’s questions and they got up from their seats.

As we walked, Nishimoya’s expression changed. Almost as if a lightbulb turned on in her head.

“We should give all our numbers to Soriel!” She blurted out.

Naturally, we all agreed and exchanged our contact information with Soriel.

After that, we exited the park and began to say our goodbyes.

“My parents will get mad if I stay out too long so I have to go now. I’ll see you guys later!” Nishimoya said before running back the direction she came from at frightening speed.

Staring at the spot Nishimoya previously stood, I let out a silent sigh.

‘I hope she doesn’t get in trouble.’

“Well, I have to go now too. I have plans for a sleepover later today. Adios,” Aurora said before crossing the street in front of us and walking home.

My eyebrow twitched.

‘A sleepover? Isn’t she tired at all?’

“I’m going home too. I know my parents will get pissed if I don’t walk Soriel home so we’ll get going now,” Tristan said, extending his hand out to me.

I extended my hand out as well and we performed our signature handshake.

“It was great seeing you again and I had a lot of fun. I’ll see you at school!” Soriel exclaimed before walking away with Tristan.

Then, there was only me.

I felt a faint, gloomy sensation begin to cover me.

And as it did, the joy and energy I had felt before began to disappear.

‘I guess I should get going now too.’

With that thought, I began my journey back home.

I usually would’ve taken a bus since I’d be pretty drained and would want to get home as soon as possible, but this time I didn’t.

I just walked.

And as I walked, I reflected back on the events that happened that day.

I got to spend time with my dearest friends, got to eat good food, and got closer to Soriel.

On top of all that, I also helped that kid.

Thinking of that moment, a look of realization appeared on my face

‘Ah, I get it now. I know why I look mad. It’s because I’m mad at myself. I’m mad at myself for being me.’

That was the truth.

I wasn’t sure if anyone else noticed my anger, and I really hoped they didn’t.

But if they did and they asked who or what I was angry at, that was the only right answer.

I sighed but still smiled afterwards.

‘Today was fun.’

I took a look around at my surroundings as I walked and tried to take notes of everything I saw.

Buildings, trees, pavement, cars, people, and the beautiful sun.

The way the sun gleamed on everything around me made the world magical.

I could smell the sweet scent of pastries and hear the footsteps of the people passing by.

I could even feel the soft yet powerful winds slightly swaying my hair.

‘The world is a really…beautiful place.  I guess that’s why I feel like I don’t belong in it.’