From my childhood, I was living a mixed life. Was I blessed or was I cursed? I had a contrary view over my life. But I was never alone despite everyone around me abandoning me. Another voice was echoing through me, telling me to not be afraid. At one point, I almost succumbed into a life under the shadow, but someone eventually pulled me out of it and placed me under the spotlight. I thought I was freed forever, but the Echo told me that I was wrong. And it was all proven true on the day I discovered the true face of my beloved, who cheated on me without any shame. That day, I felt my world breaking apart. We were always together, I thought we would be together forever. Like some sort of beautiful fantasy. Silly, yet warm. Somewhere I could escape to. A home. It wasn't too much. But somehow, it all started that day. Or did it start before it? I don't remember. My memories are failing me. He told me I shouldn't stay. He told me I'll only get hurt no matter how I try to please him. He did not lie… Then, why did it hurt so much? Maybe because I truly loved him, seeing him with another had me broken to pieces. It wasn't fun, but… It wasn't the worst. That day, I finally decided. ‘Leave.’ It was as if a trigger had been pulled, and my life moved again in a hectic direction. I've met people I thought I won't be meeting again, and was stranded between so many fights of interests. I could only fight for myself there. This time, not only the Echo was with me. Another person was there, supporting me unconditionally. Giving me the confidence to move. Still, I will forever wonder… What choice is the right one? I guess I'll never know until I reach my destination.
Taking a deep breath, I realized something.
We had strayed away from the pace we were supposed to have. Something inside me was trying to deny such facts, but it was nothing but the truth.
As painful as it was for me to admit it, I had to.
That night, Mei had fallen asleep.
It was pleasant news for me, I just sat down and closed my eyes, refusing to show an ounce of emotion even in front of my own reflection.
The girl in the mirror stared at me as if I was a weird existence she could not recognize, no, it was an expression we knew before but almost forgot.
It was the expression of distrust and self doubt eating us from inside out.
What should I do?
I realized that something was wrong ages ago. But what could I possibly do to fix it?
The answer was simple.
Nothing.
I embraced Mei and wanted our life to be better someday. Guess what? The day came, but our life was not any good.