Every hour, feels like a second

Shadowing the truth, only gets the lie.

Everything difficulties my family is experiencing right now adds to the unhappiness of all of our emotions. The Pandora box that we brought home sacrificed one of our family members. I'm afraid my mother will come to regret her decision regarding my older sister.

Here is the story: My older sister shares with my mother that she wishes to work up at the Tea High hill. Because it pays better. My mother does not want her to go, but given our financial situation, money may solve anything. However, as we all know, money cannot purchase everything.

The more risk we take, the greater the sacrifice.

It's been two months since I last heard from my older sister. I send a message to my older sister, and she responds, but all I know is that she is safe and sound, but she does not tell me where she has been staying for the past few months. I up-to-date my mother about it, but she didn't say anything. I suppose my mother doesn't have any feelings to hide.

Too much heartbreak to think about it.

I've sigh a thousand times today. I need some fresh air.

"Mother, I think I need to get out for an hour...maybe. The same book café. Can I? " I informed my mother.

"Sure. Please do not return late. Okay." My mother responded by gently rubbing my shoulder.

When their daughter goes out, I know my mother will be triggered since the trauma is remembered. Every time we sisters go outside, we have to reassure her that nothing bad will happen to us.

"Don't forget to put on a face mask." My mother reminded me of this.

"I understand, mother. Bye. Please phone me if anything happens." I strictly remind my mother.

My mother waved me goodbye with a small nod.

Birds chirping in harmony in my ear. The sound of vehicles vrooming on the road, makes my mind lost in the world of magical mess. I wish to live La Vie en Rose's life, yet what comes to me is La Vie en Noir. Well, maybe blackness suits me better than whiteness.

'I needed some fresh air, which is why I went outside. So put an end to your negative ideas.'

I lightly smacked my face to ensure that I had to return to my senses. I found myself in front of the bus at the bus stop without knowing what was happening. I believe my foot led me here instead of to the book café. I sigh.

Before I turned back around, I found my body freezing while my name was left out from the mouth of the person.

"Hi, Elly." He said.

My long-lost middle school friend that I really missed is utterly calling out my name while standing perfectly in front of me. I accept that he does appear different, but it's a good difference. My mouth opened, then shut. I'm at a loss on what to do.

The bus that had stopped in front of us carefully moved on, leaving us to travel back to our recollection.

Memories of sweetness and sourness, with a taste of mint breath.

The two of them sitting on the swing at the playground in the middle of the evening with a cooling breeze accompanying their sides. A few children are playing on the children's side. Not that we're sitting on the adult side, but this swing is a little farther away from the children playing, but not by much.

We sat in silence, listening to the echo of children laughing at each other, which brought us back to our memories.

"Well...long time not see you...Cadrid," I murmured, fiddling with my fingers. I smile as I cast a glance at him.

"Yeah, it's been what.... 10 years, I think, or more," Cadrid responds.

I blushed and told him, "16 years. I mean, I don't want you to think that I crossed out all of the calendar dates in order to calculate it." I coughed lightly as I spoke.

"I understand." Cadrid smiles.

We sat in silence once more. I'm aware that both of us are shy. So, what do you think will happen when a shy person meets another shy person? Possibly quietness.

For a moment, I wonder how Cadrid knew it was me in front of him. Well, all of the people need to wear a face mask to protect from the covid-19 virus. Meanwhile, how I recognize him...because, I know that it was him, let me tell you, his voice sounded exactly the same as it had previously. I remember his voice because he was my everyday radio, remember? As I have mentioned.

"Well...how do you know that it was me in front of you?" I ask Cadrid, coughing lightly. "I cover my face with a face mask. You are as well. What makes you think it's me?"

" I remember your face," Cadrid replied, intertwining his fingers. " Specifically, your eyebrows."

I laugh "My...eyebrows...I have no idea how my brows can make people remember me."

"Not everyone, I believe. You're simply stunning. I mean...the eyebrows." Cadrid murmured shyly.

"I guess my eyebrows catch on your impression more than my face. Lol. Hahahah. " I'm grinning.

"I sorry for not speaking more. You know I'm a shy person, and I know you're too or not any longer?" I said.

"No, it's fine. Yeah, but I'm not that shy around you." Cadrid said with a shy smile.

'His smile reveals his dimples, and I'm weak with dimples. As cute as ever. '

* (we open our face mask, when talking)

In my mind, I said.

"How you doing, so far?" I glance towards him.

"I'm now studying. Engineering degree. What about you?"

"Me too. But I'm taking a course in information management."

"I see. That's quite an interesting course."

"You think? I'm not sure why I enrolled in the course. But that's fine. It's a simple course.... Wait a minute, do you still live in the Boulevard village?"

"Yes, I've still lived there with my family. Why do you ask?"

" I'm just wondering. To be honest, I saw you in front of my high school gate when we were in high school, and that was the last time I saw you before you disappeared. I know your school is right next to mine. But then I didn't see you again. And I thought you'd moved out."

"No, I'm not. I became busy engaged with multiple lessons and study after class. As a result, I frequently arrive home late. I remember during that time. Our stares only touched for a few seconds before we both averted our gazes." Cadrid chuckles softly.

"I mean, I want to approach you, but I'm too shy. To be frank, I'm not the same person who can have a casual conversation with a boy/man. My extrovert side shuts down while I was in high school. I'll only talk to them when it's 100% necessary. As an example, regarding the works related."

"I see. Now you are able to easily communicate with me." Cadrid said this while pointing his finger at me first, then at him.

"Perhaps...you are exceptional. We've been close before, after all. So I believe I can handle it." I laughed nervously.

"I see."

We both took a break for a while so we could catch our breaths. Too much chatting causes my mouth to dry out. I'm thirsty right now.

I noticed a beverage stall. A crimson gazebo canopy covers the stalls. It should be neither too little nor too large. Just a standard size. They sell a variety of cold beverages. I told Cadrid to wait a minute while I went to get a drink for him and myself.

"Here, for you." I extend my right hand to offer him a drink. "Watermelon juice. It is good for wetting our throats and refreshing our minds."

"Thank you so much. I had no idea I was thirsty until you gave me this juice." Cadrid took a taste and commented, "It's really sweet."

'Sweet little juice with a honey lemon on the side.'

I said in my mind.

Poetic feels:

Hours seem to fly by,

In the midst of summer.

With the heart string crawling to reunite,

Fulfilling the wish,

The heart of longing.

Poems by: shinxdaisy