3 Down Memory Lane

As if she was stepping back into her old school uniform, Mei brushed off the snowflakes that had landed on her coat. She listened closely to the soft howl of the wind, and saw how the snowflakes danced slowly as if it were in a waltz. Mei let out a soft sigh, confused at what her life had come to.

Movie films of memories flooded her brain as it twisted back and forth, letting the next one to occupy her mind at an alarming rate. Either it was pure joy or a stab to the heart, Mei allowed herself to feel whatever each memory brought. She allowed herself to take one last glance at each picture, knowing that these memories are what used to be her diamonds, but now just pieces of rubble. Mei took a deep breath, allowing herself time to slowly step down this lane of bitter-sweetness. She was doing this for her aching heart, and for her brain that had nagged at her for months about what the right decision was. Just one last look, and she would allow herself the peace of a new life. This suffocating life was finally coming to an end.

Mei's flashback: 10 years earlier

That day, the sun was baring it's fire on to everyone. it wasn't until the sun had began to set, that it had begin to bring it's heat along with it. It was a Monday, which meant that many students were staying after school for their activities. Mei was the lead of her art club, and there were six other members.

She had been sitting on a stool facing the easel that had a 8x11 small unfinished painting on it. Mei looked out the window. She was on the second floor which gave her a nice over look of the court yard and soccer field where most of the sports had taken place at. She loved staring outside, it gave her a peace of mind and allowed her to escape reality even if it was just for a minute. The sun was just in it's beginning phase of setting and she had just realized how long she was here. All of the members had already left, leaving Mei behind with the key to look up. She looked down at her watch to see that it was 5:30. Oh right, Mei thought, she was waiting for So-

And in bursts through a panting Sora. Mei could start to feel the butterflies bursting through her stomach again as he came into her line of sight.

"Sorry! My coach forced me to stay behind to practice more because I skipped the last two sessions." Sora claps both of his hands in front of his face and bows a little, offering a taken aback Mei, an apology. She knew he had been skipping because of her, even though Mei was the one telling him to go to practice, but Sora always insisted he was fine.

Mei laughed a little at his frantic state and gave him a curtsy nod. "Apology accepted. But you did make me wait a long time for you" Mei said as she began to shove the small painting into her backpack. "Because of that, shall we decide on a punishment then?" She gave a side glance at Sora.

He had only smirked, knowing what Mei had wanted. "Fine, I'll walk you home today. Come on Mei-chan, let's go" And Sora stuck his hand out that Mei undoubtedly took.

The both of them began to walk, passing through peaceful neighborhoods and grand trees that would lend their shade to the kids who were playing outside. Mei looked up at the sky that looked like orange sherbet. It wasn't as hot as it was earlier when the sun was high in the sky. Suddenly, Sora asked a question,"Mei, what was on that painting you had out earlier?" Mei quickly blushes, she was not about to embarrass herself telling him now. It was a gift for him, and it was supposed to be a secret. "N-nothing important." Dang it, Mei knew that she was always bad at lying.

Instead of pushing for more information, Sora just gave her a small smile and leaned down to give her a small peak on the forehead. Damn it, he totally knew what was up. Mei mentally face palmed herself.

After that, the two had walked in silence. It wasn't anything awkward, in fact, it helped bring their feelings even closer to the surface. The two walked slowly together, enjoying and savoring the company each other brought to one another. Mei loved the warmth Sora's hand brought as it engulfed her own. Every now and then, Sora gave her hand a light squeeze, and that would make her heart race a thousand miles.

Sora began to hum his favorite song from the group he listened to. He didn't know this, but Mei loved it when he hummed. It was so low yet confident, and only Mei was the one to hear it. They got further away from the kids, and soon the only noise being heard was the wind blowing softly and Sora's hum as they walked home together. Hand in hand, and each in each other's mind. They were almost one complete person.

Almost.