Chapter 1-Dream

"Cough"

I don't like the winter season; it ruins the view in the park.

Without the nice sight, life feels a lot drearier.

The dullness of everyday life comes back to me, it feels like watching grey paint dry on a wall.

There was nothing but dead trees here, I stared at my hand, a letter.

Through the silence, I heard a voice.

"What are you doing here kid?"

"I'm watching the view sir," I coughed

"doesn't school end in about an hour?"

Turning my head to him, I see a heavyset man with greying hair and a little stubble.

"Today is a weather make-up day, sir."

"You're telling the truth right, formal boy?"

I chuckled, "yes sir."

"Why ya here at this little park right now?"

I frowned a little, "I usually come here every day, after school."

He looks around for a bit then speaks, "I can see why you would come here for most of the year, but not right now ya heard?"

Remembering the winter season, my face darkens.

"Your right…It's not a pleasing sight, right now," I say as I slide my arm across the aged armrest, feeling the words written into the metal, 'Kevin and Noemi forever'

He chuckles, "Ain't that right kid…why don't cha do something more productive? Wish I did when I was young, would've…uh anyhow. Like Get a job or hobby ya know?"

I stop to think momentarily before answering, "I don't really have any interest."

He peers at me, "Really? You like being here, right…how about craftsmanship?"

"Craftsmanship?"

He nods, "Yeah, you like sitting on a bench, right? How about you make ya own?"

I freeze, as I repeated the words he told me over and over in my head. This idea brought me excitement and worry in equal measure.

I could be something I might possibly like but be shunned over it.

Or I can go back to staying quiet and not achieve anything of value.

SHE was no longer here, but I was still afraid. Even now the fear of doing something new and out of line was there.

HER last words to me were I couldn't do it, that I couldn't ever do anything, never be enough.

Maybe she was right at the time, but after contemplating about the park, bench, and scenery.

I came to a conclusion; I'll make a nice bench that will have the most beautiful outlook.

That was my dream now, to pursuit my happiness.

"Bleep"

The man shuffles backwards before speaking, "Oh see ya later formal boy, gotta get back to work but remember what I told you about doing something, ya heard!"

"Thank you sir," I whispered

I looked at my hands, I had clenched my hands when I was thinking, the letter had plenty creases now.

I got up and started walking toward the exit

Looking over my letter again, I breathed in and out then threw the letter into the lake.

"Splash"

"I have to research some designs now," I coughed.

-chapter 1 Fin