Chapter 28

"Ah, hehe, my bad. I forgot," I said, scratching the back of my head like a clumsy girl. "It's Mary, Mary Antoine."

That was the start of our friendship. I went back home and told Mom and Dad that I met a man named Neil, and to my surprise, they reacted to his name. I am now sure that we both know each other. But why had he denied that we were acquainted?

It was another start of hot weather. I woke up early in the morning, ate breakfast, and told Mom and Dad that I was going to the waterfalls.

"I want some time alone to sort my thoughts."

The sun was just rising, but Neil was already there, sitting on the wooden bench, alone. I thought he did not notice me, so I hid behind a tree and watched him.

His thick brows, long lashes, and his sharp nose were the first thing I noticed about him. Why? Why are you hiding the fact that we know each other?

"Did you have a good look, Mary?"

I let out a low-pitched surprised tone when I heard him speak my name. He was behind me.

"H-How? You were sitting on the bench a few seconds ago, and now you are here?"

Honestly, it was kinda scary because I don't know what kind of sorcery he used.

"Take my hand," he said, offering his right hand to me. "Don't be scared. Take it, hold my hand."

He did not seem to be up to something bad, so I took his hand. And to my surprise, my hand just got past his hand. My heart almost jumps out of my chest.

"Y-y-you are a ghost?"

I've had experience seeing ghosts in the past. But that was all in the past. When I entered high school, the ghost-seeing thing stopped.

"Yep."

"Then, are you dead?"

"It seemed so."

"Do you know how you died?"

"I don't know. I can't remember. When I opened my eyes, I was here

sitting on the wooden bench."

Me, knowing that Neil was already dead made our starting friendship even deepens. Every day, for over a week, I would come to talk to him. He wouldn't tell me anything, maybe because he did not remember anything.

Later on, I found out that he could go to different places. Therefore, we went wandering around town, me talking to him like a crazy girl. We went to the village, going through different establishments. It was fun.

Last night we went to a small carnival. We rode the Ferris Wheel together and played lots of games. He was fun. He would seldom tell ridiculous jokes, which I find funny.

Then, one day, he disappeared all of a sudden. I waited and waited for days until it became a week. I tried looking for him all over the place, but I could not just find him.

"Where are you, Neil? Why did you have to leave without saying goodbyes?

Did God finally let you in his Kingdom? Was meeting me your unfinished business? Was that it?

I don't want to cry but, here I am, crying for a friend that I became fond of. Still, I was happy for him because he was able to fulfill his business here.

***

One day, when I was walking around the village, I stumbled upon a house. It was familiar. It gives me these nostalgic vibes. So, I walk closer to the house.

The door slowly opened, emerging a man. Suddenly, I saw Neil in this man. They looked alike, so I thought Neil was back in a much grown-up body. The man looked in my direction. His face brightened after seeing me.

"Oh, Mary, honey! You on your vacation?"

I don't remember him but, he was casually talking to me. I assumed that he was someone I knew, so I took the opportunity to ask.

"Ah, who might you be? I'm sorry but I have amnesia."

He was saddened, but soon the sad expression on his face vanished.

"I'm Neil's Dad! What happened to you, Mary? Got in an accident?"

I nodded my head.

"Hmm... The same as Neil."

I overheard him. Immediately, I asked him a question.

"W-where is Neil–"

Before I could even finish my sentence, Jay's father stopped me with his question.

"Do you want to see Neil?"

See Neil? Oh, his grave, I thought.

I rode the car with Neil's father. The engine started and began towards the rocky road. It was one long drive, so I had to tell Mom and Dad that I was going to visit a friend.

I didn't notice that I had fallen asleep. I only woke up when Neil's father roused me, telling me that we had arrived.

"The hospital?"

I asked. Upon seeing the hospital, a slight ray of hope had awoken within me. Is he alive? A train of thoughts flooded inside my head.

Neither of us two said anything along our way inside the hospital. People in white and blue were going in and out of the rooms. It was vague, but I could remember the day when I was confined in a hospital.

From the doorsteps, I heard faint sobs of a woman. Was it Neil's Mom? Did he just die? And, his Dad intended to fetch me? I was so nervous. The faint cry made my eyes teary.

"Shall we, Neil?"

"O-okay."

At first, I was hesitant, wondering if I should go inside. As I walked inside the ajar door, I closed my eyes, too scared to see Neil's cold body lying on a hospital bed.

"Dear, you are here. Oh, you brought Neil."

I remember that voice. It was definitely Neil's Mom.

I opened my eyes...

"N-Neil," was all I could say.

Oh, am I dreaming right now?

When have I seen it before?

That captivating smile captured my heart.

When was the last time I saw it?

"Long time no see, Mary."

I remember it all, those lost memories.

I saw that mesmerizing smile when it was all too late...

~