ACT II: THE DISTANCE

Light and Dark are still vague in the distance.

Two years earlier...

DECEMBER 15th, 1997

It was time we got off the train. We were welcomed by a fresh warm breeze of the countryside. This is the beginning of something new not just for me, but also, for my family. I sat in a bench and crossed my legs, I've been thinking about what it's like to be here. At first, I couldn't imagine putting myself here, but now it feels right. Mom seemed happy about the new environment. I wished I could have that same positivity.

'Grab your stuff, Joseph. I'm going to show you where are we gonna stay.' Dad who's carrying our luggage asked me to get ready. I stood up and carried my backpack and we started to leave.

It was a 3-hour drive to reach the new town. There I began to fully realize that we are long way from home. Our house stood beside the riverbank, it was an old sturdy cottage. As we got inside, we were surprised by a vast array of wooden furnitures and utensils left by the former owners. I got to my room and it was old and dusty, I sighed thinking I wouldn't cope with the way of living here, but when I glanced through my window, the sound of the water running down the river is relaxing. The neighborhood was couple blocks away, giving us all the time to take our minds off things, like we're just in vacation. 

Even though my father works in a faraway city called Santrock, I get why he picked this place. We never had a breath-taking view, friendly neighbors, and time for ourselves. Back in the city, Life was just too fast and if you don't work as hard as you could, you won't survive. It was something I've known ever since I was a child, that all I can rely on was  myself alone.

I smiled out of the blue. We can't judge by what we think, sometimes we just got to live the moment to understand. 'Wow! You got great smile!' She took me by surprise as she jumped me on my window. It was a cheerful young girl giving me her candid opinion on the matter.

'It seems I haven't properly introduced myself. My name is Katelene Secrets, but Kate is fine! I am fifteen, and I've been living here in Riverside ever since I was a baby. I love this town. Even though it's a lot different than being in the city, I believe what we have here is quiet peace.'

Kate never even stop to think if I was interested about what she's saying, but I gotta admit she got me interested. Her high-spirit and natural kindness caught me. I couldn't shake her off the conversation until she asked my name, "I'm J-Joseph Brown. It's nice to meet you." I introduced, couldn't help but stutter. She chuckled and replied, "I hope we'll become great friends!"

From that point on, my life slowly changes because of her. Kate has always been the most beautiful, kind-hearted, and high-spirited girl I ever met. She treats me like everybody else she talked to and she always sees the good in everything. As time goes by, I haven't noticed I had my eyes on her. My admiration for her is beyond the context of friendship. I've had these feelings for her for quite some time

---

I woke up in a similar darkness with a memory of a name I believe I've heard before. It was so familiar that brings back a nostalgic feeling. I calm myself, realizing how hope finally conquers sorrow that I feel. Right now, I just dreamt of something. This certain person gave me more reason to live, but doing my part is a difficult path and I'm still here trapped in this darkness. The phantom left me weak and broken, I was done for. Wrong turns cannot be changed. I am lost forever, I felt like I'm sinking at the bottom of the ocean. My body cannot go where my mind wants to any further. 'It'll be fine now. I think he's gone now. I can't sense him anymore...' A gentle voice unbeknownst to be echoed in my head, I think I've reached someone deep inside my heart. I do not know how I would feel after what happened to me. I just cried in pain, with nothing to recall, but small details ran into my head.

It was strange.

'It seems you're sad, I saw what happened to you. It was cruel and tragic beyond any measures. What happened? Why are you here in this darkness? I think that I'm drawn by your presence, but it appears that I'm still a bit far from you. If I could do anything to help you, maybe I could cheer you up first.'

I was relieved I have someone to speak to...

"Please come and find me. I've been trapped in this darkness for a long time, I know I'm just another dream to you, but I feel that I could put my trust in you." It took time to deliver my message because I couldn't speak well. I've come to a realization that this is something different from the usual. Even though this is may be dream for her, I was happy to be saved by her voice. It was a moment I held dear in my heart. I've been alone for so long that having someone else around is a little overwhelming. How I react in these types of situations helps me understand how important life is, if I give up now, then there will be no tomorrow for me.

'If this is a dream, why does it feel so real? When I talk to you, it feels we've been connected for a long time. You were so close to my heart to me, I never thought I would miss the town where we grow up- - - what am I talking about?' Her words made me realize who I am talking to.

"You're Kate, aren't you...?"

---

After that, it was silent again...

I cannot remember anything. From what I've noticed, this is no ordinary night. I haven't seen even a bit of light. It was very uncomfortable being stranded at a dark and lone place would derange anyone. My body is in a state of sleep therefore, I believe my conscience is the only one awake.

I'm having hard time breathing. I felt like I've done this before. My heart was bothered, something really feels wrong...

Arrrgh! A sharp intense pain pierces my chest! I'm screeching from the hurt, growling like an animal until my heart seems to unexpectedly stopped beating.

I woke to similar darkness, my heart pounding endlessly in my ears. I feel the same immense pain I felt a while ago. It repeated over and over again, constantly like it was trapped in a loop. I wasn't ready for the hurt. I suffered multiple cardiac arrests and woke up every single time I would die.

"I can't take this anymore..." those were my final words. The last thing that I would remembered were flashes of light within the darkness, a light sheen of mystery covered me.

---

DECEMBER 15th, 19XX

Riverside town, 6:00 pm

I woke up in a hilltop where Sakura trees blooms. It was late afternoon and I don't feel like I'm getting any better. I can't remember anything, where I was the last time, every time I tried to think of it, I only get headaches. I guess I should focus on this place first. I felt like I've been here before.

I saw a town not far from here, so I decided to check it out. As I walk, I passed through crowns of acacia shading the road to my destination.  "Riverside..." I blurted out of the blue. It just came into my mind, my heart trembles and do not know what to do. I couldn't take a step further, and then there she was...

A stranger passed me by. It looks like she's in a hurry. I caught a glimpse of her eyes, and it was blue as spring rain, so deep and irresistible. Her hair is tied up in a bun, and she wore a beautiful smile. My heart skipped a beat, I knew who she was, I was dazzled by her radiance, and I couldn't believe it. Even though my memory isn't clear, deep down inside, I know she is a dear friend of mine. I thought of approaching her, but what of it? I cannot assure that she remembers me as well as I am now. She didn't even notice me. I just sat in the middle of the road and watch her fade in the distance. I cannot blame anyone but myself, it is I who chose not to pursue her. If there is another way to reach her, I wouldn't even hesitate as I am now.

"You may be a strange face to me, but my heart tells me a different story. It races fast, chasing you for a reason I cannot understand. Until we meet again..." 

I whispered and sigh in relief, but then she suddenly stopped running. She turns around and looks right back at me, she smiled and waved at me and shouted:

'HEY! If you feel like your heart races, it doesn't mean you should feel tired and just sit in the middle of the road. It means you need to keep moving forward no matter what happens! Life is such a drag but why stop now, right?'

I was astonished by her. It's her aura which conjures warmth and dependability that kept me even more interested.

---

A small agricultural town located miles and miles away from the city lights. The sun seems to be still up, it seems days are longer here, and the cold breeze in the country side is calming. Riverside has a lot of good qualities, but of course, almost everything here is out of date, mainly because the way of their living is dusting crops and flower shops. Its peaceful here, I get why she has such a great smile, but Where could she be?  That question lingers in my head since I've met her.

As I traverse the town, and came across this place called "The Old Krueger's" Its Irish bricked walls and Georgian windows lives up to its unusual label. The café was booming with satisfied customers going in and out, I decided to check it out, and as soon as I opened the door I saw her, she worked as a waitress here. By her looks, she might be too young to work full time. I just froze as I watched her, and then suddenly, people start looking at me, I should probably find myself a seat. This is embarrassing. I found a spot near the window, and as I glance outside, I was overwhelmed by the beautiful scenery. The townsfolk were lighting up lanterns in the market square, I really appreciate every moment of my life right now. For so long, my heart felt hostile from everything, it was depressing.

'Isn't it just breath-taking? The lantern festival is being held today!' She giggled because of my clumsy reaction.

'Heh-heh Sorry for startling you, but geez, you seemed carried away.'

"No its okay, I overreacted." I gave somewhat a cold answer even though I'm really trying my best to get to her. It didn't even bother her, but instead she took the empty seat and talked to me.

"I know we haven't properly introduced, so it's no question I make you feel a little uncomfortable. My name's Kate, I work here in this place. How about you? What's your name?"

Well isnt this what you call luck... I found her...

"Do you remember me?"

'Should I? I mean maybe I should... Heh heh... We're in a small town right?'

It wasn't surprising she doesn't remember me. I only remember her name and no further details about why. Deep inside I thought        that maybe I should try to continue putting myself hidden for the sake of avoiding misunderstanding between us. I should not try to embarrass her.

---

"Aren't you supposed to be working or something?"

"I should worry about that, not you. So I was thinking, Joseph, You know everybody in town is participating in the annual celebration at the square. I think you should go too... with me."

She offered me to join her in the evening, I felt nothing but joy. We looked at each others eyes, thinking about the connection we share.

"I'd be rude if I decline... just kidding, I would love to." Kate laughed hard and replied, "Whoa! There we go! Man and their egos..." and we both laughed about it

The Lantern festival has begun. Kate and I were having a really great time together. She told me a lot of things about the town. Her eyes lights up like the deepest of oceans accompanied with the sweetest smile I have ever encountered. Then I wondered how nice if I could remember where I came from and what I do. I wanted to tell her a cool story too  

'As the tradition would say, the townsfolk celebrate this day by bearing their harvested crops and lit bright lanterns. Because most of us here do farming for a living, we grew rice for this special occasion to bless our lives with abundant grace. The lanterns symbolizes one's hopes and dreams, it's a reminder to us that we should never give up and keep moving forward in our daily lives. I've lived here ever since I was a baby, and now that I'm fifteen, I just live my life to the fullest and not feel any regrets.' 

I took everything she said to me. Kate dig even deeper in my heart, there is no doubt that I feel different around her. Meanwhile, the people started to gather to light the giant bonfire. As the night grew younger, a slow flow of music starts to begin.

I took up the courage to ask her to dance. Once it started we took a step forward and bowed. We circled each other, our gaze remained locked. Together, we danced to the music, our feet in perfect sync to the beating of my heart. 

'So you can move your feet well, huh?' she raised her eyebrow at me, "Well, I have a bag full of surprises." I replied as I held her even closer to me.

As the song progressed I felt relaxed and Kate allowed a small smile to form on her lips. She was perfect. Her eyes reflects the skies above, she was so beautiful like the first time I saw her. One thing is for sure...

If this was a dream, don't ever wake me up...