August 13. 2016
August, 13. 2016
7:35 am
"Hajime, What do you want to be when you grow up?"
This question echoes in my dreams from time to time, I can't seem to remember when or who asked such question
"Always remember, No matter what you choose or who you become in the future....I'm always there for you"
Such comforting words exists in my dream, Though I have vague recollection of who owns that gentle voice. Did I forget or is my mind just hazy for now? Whatever the reason is I try not to think about it because such gentle words only live on my memories now.
I could hear the sound of birds flying above me, Chirping while energetically flapping their wings towards their destination, Along with the birds a plane passed by. The loud sound of the train passing by above the riverside where I lay flat. The cold concrete is felt in my back "How did I end up here again?" I ask myself.
I open my eyes and see the vast blue sky, It was serene but bright, Beautiful yet painful to look at.
"My body hurts" I mumbled as I reached for the phone inside my pocket. I slowly flipped it open and took a long look at the date and time.
"Thursday, 7:35 am" It said, I sighed realizing that today was another school day and it'll be once again a pain in the ass. With my body hurting all over I mustered all my remaining strength to will my body and rise up.
"Let's ditch school again, shall we?" I thought to myself. I started to walk in an awkward fashion as I dragged my feet while holding onto my left elbow.
Once again I welcomed another day in a place I don't know with my body hurting like hell.
"Good morning world"
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Every morning I pass by strangers rushing towards different directions with the looks of anticipation, Some are office workers in their mid twenties and thirties wearing brand new and old suits alike while clasping a briefcase or envelopes in their hands, Some are high school students walking in groups and more often alone. Each and every one of them has different looks of anticipation on their faces. Others look excited and some scared of what's to come, Isn't that amazing, Each one of them shares the same kind of emotions but it's caused by different things.
Personally I envy them, I'm also a student but I never really feel excited or scared to go to school. I also don't feel scared or excited towards life. I've been like this for 4 years now, I can't seem to understand why they would enjoy gathering in a place where they do nothing but study and make pointless noise. I also don't get the point in being happy and excited in life anymore. Did I use to be like them? If yes then why? Why did I enjoy being with them back then? How does it feel to be happy and excited first thing in the morning?
It's a feeling I have long forgotten.
What a crappy life I could say, Only sixteen years of age and I already think and feel like this. During times like this I remember a certain classmate and his words from back then "c'est la vie" It means, Such is life or That's life. He loved talking about how people experience and feel different things because of life, No people live the same life so whenever you feel something like this it's probably because of the way I live my life and it's just going along with it, Or so he says.
If I can't feel excited or scared towards something, Am I actually living? Isn't love and fear one of the most basic and common emotion everyone shares whenever they live. So what about me? I have long forgotten how it affects me or how it feels to me. Does that mean I have died long ago?
I can only wonder.
Two hours have passed by already, While I was walking around town. Tired and hurt I decided to rest somewhere first.
When I ditch school I always drop by a family restaurant near the station, It's a simple establishment run by an old couple. They are nice towards me, But I think it's just because I'm a regular there.
I slowly push the door open using my right shoulder as I'm still grabbing my left elbow, Covered in bruises and wounds I entered and said,
"Hey gramps, It's me"
"Hm?, You again? This is the third time this week, Shouldn't you be at school?"
"Uh, Yeah, Well I should be"
The old man sighs.
"My shop has seen better days than you" He said in a sarcastic manner
I let out a short laugh,
"Hm, Yeah I got pretty messed up last night"
"You know, You should really take the advice of your friend seriously, What's her name again?"
"Chika"
"Ah, Yes. You're only sixteen, You have a life ahead of you. Take care of yourself better if you don't want to die easily"
I nod my head,
"Thanks for reminding me gramps"
"What brings you here today?"
"Hm, Oh just you know, Dropping by"
Lies, I came here just to feel like I actually belong somewhere. It's hard to fit in a society where you can never understand how everyone feels specially if they all share common emotions. Here at least it's a place where people of different types gather, You might find someone who's depressed, Someone who used to be a criminal, An addict, Someone with violent personality, An optimist, And many more. It's a place where no one will judge you for who you are internally and externally, They will only accept you and serve you.
"I see" The old man replied as he wiped newly washed cups and set them behind the counter where I currently sit.
Moments later he offered me a cup of coffee, "Just the way you like it" He said.
I was startled, "Uh, No, It's fine actually. You see my money actually got stolen last night so you know, I can't pay" I replied in panic.
He simply smiled at me and stated
"It's on the house boy"
I bowed my head, Not out of thanks but out of complex. Whenever someone smiles at me like that I feel sorry for myself and it hurts me for some reason. Someone like me doesn't deserve a smile like that, So please stop it.
"He's probably like them, Someone who has a reason to look forward towards the future. Someone who's excited for what's to come" I said to myself as I drank the coffee he gave me.
It was delicious.
I stayed there for two more hours, The old man would serve the customers and he looked happy while doing so. Whenever he wasn't doing anything he would come to me and tell me a story, It was really interesting so I sat and listened in detail, My mind completely focused on him not slipping away even once.
After a while I decided to leave as it looked like it was about to get busy as lunch time started to draw near.
I thanked the old man for the coffee and snacks he gave me, He gently nodded and as I opened the door to leave he whispered "Come again"
"Hm, Sure" I replied as I exit the establishment.
I started walking around town again, As I was about to cross the road a taxi suddenly stopped in front of me, It was a taxi that came from the direction of the airport. Startled I stood there for a good second then bowed my head and crossed the road.
That was a close one.
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During this peaceful and chilly Thursday morning this city once again welcomed a new face from another country, To meet her
Let's turn the clock back a bit shall we?
August, 13. 2016
7:40 am
The airport is busy today too, As it keeps welcoming new people. Today among the horde of people who landed in Japan, There are two people who will certainly catch your attention.
"Let's be considerate and let the pregnant and disabled people off first" Said the flight attendant as she escorted passengers off the plane.
A certain set of passengers caught the attention of everyone almost immediately, Two beautiful women, Long silver hair, Foreign looks, And other beautiful features.
"So this is Japan, It sure looks busy"
"Of course, This is the airport sweetie"
"I know mom, Just saying"
"Jeez, Iris you sound cranky, Is it because of the flight?"
Iris was silent
"Well I'm sorry you had to transfer here with me, Things were so hectic in the main house it stressed me out"
"So moving to another country was the next good choice?"
"Don't be like that Iris, I'm sure you'll love it here"
Iris once again silent for a while, Then she nonchalantly replied "I hope so".
The pair then decided to get some breakfast first and rest for a while, They didn't notice it but they stayed for two hours at the restaurant. After realizing it they proceeded to wait for a taxi to pick them up. The waiting lasted for an hour because it was busy, The driver was apologizing so much when he arrived.
"Now now it's no problem we are glad that you're here now" The older woman said
They boarded the taxi now, And proceeded to their destination.
"It doesn't seem that bad here just like mom said" Iris said to herself
My mom kept talking to the driver throughout the whole trip, So I was a little embarrassed because of it, But the driver didn't seem to be bothered by it.
We originally lived in the capital of France, Paris, I am the daughter of a successful architect and a famous baker in our town, So we lived a good life. But as time passed by my dad received more and more projects and later there was always visitors in our house for their meetings, Mom got stressed with the never ending flow of people in our house as it was getting more hectic as days passed by. My dad concerned about us and wanted us to be stress free and calm decided to move us for a while, So we won't get affected by the workplace environment our house has transformed into. And that's how I got into Japan.
My mom has always been social, So many people liked her but when it comes to professional people she gets stressed out with dealing with them. As I said many liked my mother including me, I tried to be like her back then, Friendly and social and I was successful, It went on for a while until the summer of 2012.
As the cab drove at a normal pace, I suddenly felt sleepy.
Some time passed by
"Iris?, Hey Iris, Wake up"
I could hear a faint voice calling out to me and I mumbled
"Hmm?"
"We're here Iris, Wake up now" My mother said
"HUH?!" I replied in a surprised manner as I woke up
The taxi is parked in front of a fancy looking condominium, I didn't realize I fell asleep during the trip.
Our stuff has already been carried to our unit, My mom was reaching to me outside the taxi,
"Let's go now Iris"
"Huh?, Uh I can do this myself mom"
"Hm, Really?"
"Tch, OF COURSE!!" I shouted
My mom, Frozen and startled looked at me
"Ah!, Sorry mom" I apologized after the outburst
My mom just shakes her head
I was guilty as I took my mother's hand and she assisted me
"I'll move now okay?"
I silently nodded
"Here we go" My mom said as she pushed
"I hate this wheelchair" I thought to myself
My mom proceeded to take us to the elevator up to our unit, It was at the 4th floor of the condominium.
We finally got there and opened the door, Both of us looked shocked
"Dad really got us a fancy looking home"
"Yeah, I'm a little surprised myself"
My mom paused and continued shortly after
"Why don't we look around the unit Iris"
As the two of us looked around the house, I found myself inside my room in front of the veranda, I slowly opened the curtain and the wind blew right at me. As I opened my eyes the view of the city welcomed me.
"It's beautiful" I whispered
My mom slowly moved towards me, Put one hand on my shoulder and said "This is our new home now"
I nodded in response and both of us enjoyed the view.
As Iris was welcomed to the new place she'll call home a new beautiful memory has already been implanted in her memory
It was something Iris would never forget.
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August, 13. 2016
5:00 pm
The day was starting to end for everyone, And in one particular public high school, The bell rang signaling the end of the day at school
The sound of students passing by was heard throughout the building, As students was rushing towards their clubs and the others going straight home, Some exchanging gossips and small talks with their friends. One particular girl was not happy, Chika, That was her name
"Tch, What is that guy doing? Skipping school again" I said in an annoyed manner
"Relax Chika, I'm sure he's just roaming around you know" A friend of mine replied
"But last time he was lucky he only got away with a warning" I pouted
"Well, I'm sure he'll be back soon you know"
I let out a short sigh and replied
"He better"
While walking my friend suddenly remembered something and said
"Ah, Chika I gotta go now, Bye" Out of the blue
Startled I could only reply with "Hm, Yeah sure, Bye" While waving her goodbye
I let out another sigh,
"What are you doing Hajime?" I thought to myself
Hajime and I have been friends for 6 years now, We live next to each other. Our house is a 20 minute walking distance from school. I'm worried about him, He hasn't been to school for three days now. So I decided to try and look for him today.
There's a family restaurant that we used to go to often, Today I visited the place in hopes of finding him there.
"Hey gramps, It's been a while!"
"Hm, Chika, Rare for you to come here on your own"
"Well you know the other half is somewhere" I replied while giggling
"Have a seat, I'll get you something"
"Of course, Give me something good please" I once again replied while still giggling
The seat I took was near the window, The seat was warm so I thought someone was here before me. The shop was playing some songs from the radio it was songs from the 90's, The one that is currently being played, I want it that way by The Backstreet Boys. The restaurant has been around for a while now but it still attracts many customers. During these times particularly students hang out here with their friends and there are also families out for dinner, And when the night comes some office workers and adults stop by to eat.
The old man returned to me and gave me the cake I always order,
"Uh, Gramps?"
"Hm?"
"Was he here earlier?"
He nodded
"How was he?"
The old man didn't answer and just told me to enjoy my meal.
After finishing my meal I stayed for another hour and a half hoping Hajime would drop by again. But he didn't, So I just paid for the meal and bid the old man goodbye. He told me to keep safe and come back again.
I arrived at my home at exactly 7:00, I jumped straight to bed, Opened my phone and said "What should I do funny yellow dog? My friend is missing from school and home" As if the yellow dog wallpaper would answer. I buried my face in my pillow.
"I wanna share some memes, to calm me down" I mumbled. I had lots of things to do and someone to look for but I decided to share memes and surf the web, Good choice I think. And before I knew it, It was already midnight.
"Eh????!!!, It's already 12?? I did nothing but share memes and watch videos for a whole six hours straight?!, Nice, I mean not nice. Jeez, Funny yellow dog why didn't you tell me?"
My stomach was grumbling, I didn't get to eat dinner. I went down to the kitchen slowly as everyone was already asleep so I had to be quiet, I decided to grab a bite before going to sleep. While waiting for my instant noodles to cook, I looked around the living room and noticed a picture near the television.
It was an old picture, from 2012, A picture of Hajime and me from summer camp.
"You used to smile so gently Hajime, Do you still smile like this?" I whispered as I held the picture close to me
As I closed my eyes and held the picture, The alarm I set went off.
"KYAH!!!" I screamed, Startled I approached my phone and turned it off. I then proceeded to eat
While eating I reminisced the peaceful days of that summer, Where everything was fun and simple, Where Hajime was still happy and smiled. I once again lost track of time while thinking about those lost days
After eating I checked my phone,
"It's already 1:30 huh" I cleaned up after my meal and took the picture back with me to my room, I laid flat in my bed, As I slowly closed my eyes I thought about Hajime. Where he was right now and what he was doing at the moment. I let out a short sigh before sleeping
I whispered,
"Goodnight Hajime".
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For a really long time I've always wanted to write a story and finally I had the determination to do so. I really hope you would like this story and I hope you'll be interested in what's to come.
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-Ecclair