20 Visit (3)

Two people sitting on the couch were laughing and giggling like two little girls. They were having fun while reminiscing and telling stories about Mia.

It was a sight to see when two adults were huddled up just to get a glimpse of photos of a single person. Both of them passed the time just like that, the sun was setting and yet they did not notice it.

Before long a bark was heard, and an excited little dog was happily and energetically running around the house.

"Oh, it seems like it's almost time for Mia to come home," said Mrs. Hill, while looking at the white and fluffy little dog named Happy.

"This is Mia's dog?" William asked while trying to touch the dog.

"Yes, Mia was a bit of a loner. She was already a college student yet she tends to stay at home rather than going out with friends. Her father and I decided to give her a dog as a gift so that she'll have company." Mrs. Hill was smiling while looking at the dog as if reminiscing about something.

"She's very nice and tamed," said, William, while patting the dog's head.

The dog, Happy was enjoying Williams' patting as she was wiggling her tail.

"If I knew she had a dog then I would have brought a present for her too," said William while scratching Happy's neck.

"Oh, that's not necessary at all, Mia likes to buy her toys and treats all the time. She would always visit the store on the weekends to get her dog trimmed. I'm more worried as she keeps buying more and more, her room is becoming a mess," Mrs. Hill said while thinking of the unused dog toys that are in her room.

"Really now, so you're saying she's visiting that shop on a regular basis? The vet there must be really good with dogs." William said that while touching his chin as if thinking of something.

"Yes, Mia said that the vet there is very nice. He is also gentle with his patients and clients." Said, Mrs. Hill, as if she was just sharing a regular story with William.

"So the vet is a he, I see..." William said this in a soft voice, he was pondering about something. He looked serious while thinking.

"Thanks for today, Aunty. I should get going soon," William said.

"You're leaving already? Shouldn't you wait for Mia to return? I bet she's on her way home. That's one of the good things about her company. They don't give their employees overtime so she always returns home on a regular time," Mrs. Hill said.

"I didn't tell Mia I was coming over. I just wanted to see you and drop off some gifts to thank you for always taking good care of me," William said with a kind smile.

"Look at you, since when have you become a smooth talker," teased Mrs. Hill with her usual kind smile.

"Oh before I go, is that shop you were talking about close by?" William asked.

"Yes, it is. It's not too far from here. It's in the local shopping district. Remember how you and Mia would spend lots of time there to play and wander the stores." Mrs. Hill said while remembering the two children walking around the streets together. Eating ice cream or sharing sweets. "Why do you ask?"

"Oh, I just wanted to check the store and see if there's anything I can buy for Mia's dog. I want to prepare something for her when I visit again," said William, while moving to the front door.

Although there was nothing wrong with him visiting Mia's mother, he did have his own ulterior motives for doing so. Therefore he did not want Mia to find out about it.

"And please don't tell Mia that I came by today. I still want to surprise her the next time I visit. Thanks again, Aunty." William left with a smile and a bow before walking to his car.

Mrs. Hill was waving her hand as a goodbye. William did the same as he went pass Mia's house.

William decided to visit their grandparents' house. He went around the porch, backyard, and his old room. It brought about memories of his childhood. Although the time he spent there was short, it was the most memorable to him.

He visited different countries. He has seen lots of different people and he has experienced more in the times they had to move from one place to another, however, his memories in his childhood days with Mia gave him the most impression.

While he was in his old room, he found the robot action figure that he bought in the shopping district. He picked it up and tried to move the joints. He suddenly remembered this was the reason for everything, 'if it wasn't for you then I would not have met Mia. She would not have been my friend. You were the reason why she had to share her food with me.'

It was a mistake that he never once regretted in his life. He was smiling while he remembered those fond memories.

He was sitting on his old bed, holding the robot action figure and reminiscing in the past. He was thankful for this tiny robot that used to be so big in his hands during his childhood still had the same big significance in his life now.

'The only thing I regret was not trying hard enough.'

'If I had tried during those years then we would not have been separated for long. I have always blamed my father for his selfish decisions and yet I did the same. I had grown into an adult since long ago and yet it took me 15 years to appear right in front of her.'

'What was I waiting for?'

'Time lost can never be regained.'

'I wanted to be a different man when I stand before her. I wanted her to see that I have become a better me who can be responsible for her, for both our lives, but it seems my thoughts were mistaken. As I see it in the pictures Mia took without me.'

'It hurts.'

'It hurts as I wanted to be the one beside her.'

William was crying while thinking to himself.

All alone in his old bedroom.

Original novel by Chuchuwachuwa

Editor - Chocolate Cake