Unforgotten

Ryo

When I was 5 years old, my dad left us to work in another country. He said he will work for about 5 to 6 years. We already had financial problems back then, even though I am an only child. My mom didn't finish her studies, and because of that she always tells me to study hard for my future and to help our family.

Every month, my dad would send us money, but it was never enough. After 3 years had passed, my dad returned. We didn't know why, but he seemed frustrated and annoyed. He sat down on a chair and told us why he came back early. He told us that he had been fired for stealing money from his boss, who wasn't paying him fairly.

My dad was very mad and started yelling at me.

"It's all your fault!" he shouted at me as if I wasn't his son.

"Because of you, I can't find a job! Because of you, we're drowning in debt! I wish you were never born; you've brought nothing but curses!"

My mother, who was just listening, couldn't bear to hear those words and interrupted my dad.

"Stop this nonsense! It's not his fault; it's our fault. How could you say such things to your own son? He didn't even ask to be born; it is all our fault. We should be giving him the good life he deserves, and not something like this."

My tears began falling from my eyes as I wondered why it was all my fault. Despite the hardships, my mom and I didn't lose hope. I continued my studies, and here I am now, at least in high school. It may still be a long way from my dreams, but I know I've come a long way.

However, the burden of our financial problems weighs heavily on me. Maybe in just a month, I'll have to give up on my education. But I still hold onto the hope of pursuing my dreams, even if it means putting them on hold to help my parents.

[Present Scene]

After class, Ethan tried to find Ryo but couldn't spot him anywhere. "Maybe he's already gone home," he thought to himself.

While walking back home, he couldn't shake off Ryo's words from his mind.

Lost in his thoughts, he found himself daydreaming about Ryo being hurt by his dad.

[Daydreaming]

In his imagination, Ryo's dad wanted him to quit his education immediately.

"Just stop already! You're only adding to our debt!" Ryo's dad shouted.

[Present]

Ethan shook his head vigorously. "Why am I thinking these things? Can't I imagine him having a good life instead?"

He vented his frustration by kicking the ground, unintentionally hitting a large, hard rock.

"Ouch! What the hell? Ugh!" Ethan winced in pain.

Returning to his apartment, he followed his usual routine—taking a bath, watching TV, and preparing his bed for sleep.

Even in his dreams, the thoughts of Ryo suffering at the hands of his father continued to haunt Ethan.

[Morning]

It was a Saturday morning, and Ethan woke up feeling troubled by his dream. "I can't stop thinking about that. It was so unsettling," he pondered while getting ready to visit Ryo's place.

Arriving at Ryo's house, Ethan was shocked to see that their belongings were being taken away. He approached Ryo's mother and rushed to her side.

"Hello, ma'am. Why are your things being taken away? What happened?" Ethan inquired.

Ryo's mom responded, "You must be Ryo's friend. Don't worry; we're just preparing to move to our new house since we've sold this one. I hope this means success. I don't want Ryo to stop studying." A glimmer of hope appeared on Ryo's mom's face.

"I really hope so, ma'am," Ethan replied with a smile, also sharing in the hope for Ryo's success.

After talking with Ryo's mother, Ethan walks away and tries to find his friend. Suddenly, Ethan stops and rushes back to Ryo's mom. "May I know where Ryo is?" Ethan asks Ryo's mom, slightly laughing as he realizes he forgot to ask earlier.

"He must still be inside the house," Ryo's mother says, also chuckling.

"Thank you, and sorry for interrupting again haha!" Ethan replies, a hint of embarrassment on his face.

Ryo's mom looks at Ethan and says, "Thank you also for caring for my son." She continues to gaze at Ethan as he leaves.

Ethan went inside the house and saw Ryo preparing to leave. Ryo saw Ethan and called his name. Ethan then walks over to Ryo. Ryo asks Ethan what he is doing at his place.

Ethan started explaining through a story. "Well last night, I dreamed about you and your dad. I saw your dad shouting and hurting you".

Ryo laughs at Ethan's explanation, " You are just so concerned about me and thank you for that." He smiled while saying "you were such a good friend" to Ethan.