[Ch. 1] I Am Back
*Sigh*
I glare down at my tablet.
Colorful lines flies all over the screen, looking nothing like what I have visualized in my mind.
I couldn’t concentrate today...
I glance around from the comfort of my bench.
Everywhere I look, people of all ages are walking and talking with someone they cherish. There were young sweethearts discussing where to go, couples having some peace and quiet with one another. A grandpa playing with his grand kids; a tourist snapping photos for his disabled sister. The sound of kids running around and dogs chasing Frisbees thrown the wrong way filled the otherwise silent park.
They are so happy...
I return my gaze back to the screen.
It’s summer. Most students were home, enjoying their free time with their family and friends. Parents leave work early to invite distant relatives and old friends to local events and family relations.
Like if I can ever be a part of their happiness
I close the drawing app and toss the tablet to the side.
It hurts...why am I the only one?
Everyone in this park had purposes and goals. A place to call home. An environment to work in. A person to trust, to love, and to share memories together. Looking back at this happy scene did nothing to ease the pain.
They all have something to look forward to, but not me...
Thinking about it makes the pain worse.
I stand up slowly and grab my tablet.
“Let’s go home.” I said to no one in particular.
Turn left now...Now right...Another right...
While I walk, the sun, who was feeling tired after a long day, lit up the sky with a brilliant canvas of orange and yellow. Clouds flew across the painted skies like they were on a secret mission: A mission to cover the sun’s blinding light, only to reveal the stars hiding behind the shadow of darkness.
It’s not even 6pm yet the sky is so bright…
The streets are bustling with vehicles. Drivers of both cars and motorcycles alike wave at each other in a friendly fashion as they pass by.
Everyone’s so happy, unlike me
The world around me continue to flow with time, taking no notice of a lone boy walking with his head down.
A few more steps and I’ll be back home
My house is on the huge side of the spectrum, with lots of rooms. On the outside, it looks like a warehouse—only for functionality, of course. A large parking lot located at the front filled with trees gives visitors much needed shade. The peaceful garden in the back was filled with people taking walks on hot summer nights.
Inside my house however, is a different story.
My feet stops at the entrance.
Am I ready to face the truth that chains me down?
I walk towards the open door.
Once inside, I blink a few times to get used to the sparkling white walls.
A quiet ”I am back" echos from my throat.
Behind the main counter, a young uniformed woman bows and greets me as I limp towards the elevator.
“Welcome to the Yuki Memorial Hospital.”
