Faded

I smiled as the boy I had watched grow up, left the house to hang out with his friends. Soon forgetting about my existence..

•

I awoke to the sound of a young child’s laughter. Opening my eyes and turning my head to the left. Seeing a small boy smiling as he gazed into my eyes. He looked around the ages of 5 or 6. Placing his small hand on my cheek, he slightly giggled once again.

I didn’t seem to be too much older than him. I sat up, seeing I was laying on a black leather couch. I removed the boys hand from my cheek as I saw how small I was. ‘I’m a kid?’ I thought to myself as the boy ran to another area of the room.

“Why does Joongie have to be older than me? It’s not fair!” Wooyoung crossed his arms and a small pout formed on his lips. “Sorry woo. You’ll be seven soon! Don’t worry.” I picked up a red colored cube and handed it to Wooyoung.

“I love you Joongie! You’re my best friend!” Wooyoung pulled my arm so I stood up, drowning me in his embrace. I ruffled his hair, not letting go of him. “Hey! Don’t be mean!” I laughed, releasing the younger as he whined, trying to reach my head as I kept ducking.

“Wooyoungie! Where are you?” I turned around, seeing a tall woman approach us. She had long brown wavy hair and looked a lot like Wooyoung. I assumed she was his mother. “Who were you taking to honey?” She asked as she looked around the room. Looking at me but not showing any reaction.

“I was talking to my new friend Hongjoongie!” He replied as his mother picked him up. “Oh? Where is this friend of yours?” Wooyoung pointed to me, his mother smiling at him as she waved at me.

“Do you have an imaginary friend?” She asked him as she faced Wooyoung completely. “Mommy he’s not imaginary! He’s real!” He crossed his arms, his eyes becoming glossy as tears collected at the corners of his eyes.

‘Imaginary friend..?’

“Don’t cry honey.. I believe you!” She gently wiped the tears from his cheek, stopping as the tears faded. She carried him away to a staircase, I followed them. Seeing they were now in a child’s bedroom.

“It’s time for bed honey. It’s getting late.” Wooyoung’s mother laid him in his bed, covering him with the blankets as he yawned. “Sweet dreams Wooyoungie. I love you.” She pecked his forehead, him replying with a ‘I love you too’ before she left.

“Joongie..! Come get in bed. Mommy will get mad if you don’t sleep.” Wooyoung patted the spot next to him, lifting the blanket for me. I hesitantly crawled next to him, patting him on the head gently before falling asleep.