Cassandra Emilia Elworth

Uhm… this is too good to be true. I mean… why do you have that with you? It’s beautiful… I… Where did you get it from? And… why do you have so much in your fanny pack?

[Giggling, she slowly reached out, barely touching the petals with her index, a soft sigh escaping her lips.]

What’s your story, Mr. Old Soul? You said you just moved here, is that right? Oh! The park is right there!

I take a lot of photographs on my travel. I wouldn’t call myself a photographer, but I like to capture things as they truly are. Things that we might not notice unless we pause and stare. One time on my way to a McDonald’s in Tokyo, yes I was very unhealthy back then, anyway… I noticed this huge cherry blossoms tree that took up so much space in the middle of the street and I just couldn’t help but think how even though the flowers fall fast, the tree itself is so strong and can live up to 250 years. Please interrupt me if you feel bored of my babbling.

[He giggled then shook his head fast, but continued speaking when you seemed to be immersed in his talk.]

I couldn’t agree more. [She smiled softly.] Bien que l’arbre reste, chaque pétale a vécu son destin. Elle est née, a fleurie puis mourut. That being said, I think… I just want to live like one. Blossom during my lifetime before I die.

[She exhaled loudly, running her fingers through her hair, a few locks that fell from her messy bun, before looking back at Casto.]

Life is way too short for it to be wasted… I mean… it might be too idealistic or let’s say optimistic, only thinking about your own happiness. Yet, being happy isn’t directly linked to being healthy. Uhm… One must value their well-being too, right? You mentioned something about being unhealthy in the past… Hm… That doesn’t necessarily mean that you were unhappy though.  [Giggling, she bit her lip, realizing that she was the one babbling too. Stealing a glance at her watch, she took another sip of her drink, a weak smile on her lips.]

Actually, it was my wife. She died of cancer. We were together since we were 13. And losing her was probably the most difficult thing I have ever went through.

[He exhaled loudly and pressed his lips together.]

But life goes on. And you have to accept that things don’t always go the way you want them to. I think the most important thing when you lose somebody is to honor them by living a happy life afterwards. [Nodding, he smiled at her then shook her hand.]

I’m so sorry for your loss, Casto. I... uhm... apologize if I triggered any bad or unwanted thoughts when we were just... have a light-hearted discussion. But...

[Cassandra tilted her head slightly, her eyes gleaming with the hope that radiated through her presence.]

Everything you said is a testament of your love for your wife and your strength and will to be happy. Grasping your own happiness and not waiting for it to come to you, that’s the best anyone can do. I...

[She’s never really been with a situation like this before and wasn’t even sure if her words were adequate and considerate enough. It seemed like he sensed some awkwardness from her or was it that he wanted to end the discussion where it was. Lost in her own thoughts, she realized that he extended his hand and she took it, shaking it firmly. Smiling softly, the words that left her mouth truly came from her heart.]

The pleasure was all mine. I’ll be here tomorrow. Same time, same place... I’d be happy to see you again.

Uhm… this is too good to be true. I mean… why do you have that with you? It’s beautiful… I… Where did you get it from? And… why do you have so much in your fanny pack?

[Giggling, she slowly reached out, barely touching the petals with her index, a soft sigh escaping her lips.]

What’s your story, Mr. Old Soul? You said you just moved here, is that right? Oh! The park is right there!

I take a lot of photographs on my travel. I wouldn’t call myself a photographer, but I like to capture things as they truly are. Things that we might not notice unless we pause and stare. One time on my way to a McDonald’s in Tokyo, yes I was very unhealthy back then, anyway… I noticed this huge cherry blossoms tree that took up so much space in the middle of the street and I just couldn’t help but think how even though the flowers fall fast, the tree itself is so strong and can live up to 250 years. Please interrupt me if you feel bored of my babbling.

[He giggled then shook his head fast, but continued speaking when you seemed to be immersed in his talk.]

I couldn’t agree more. [She smiled softly.] Bien que l’arbre reste, chaque pétale a vécu son destin. Elle est née, a fleurie puis mourut. That being said, I think… I just want to live like one. Blossom during my lifetime before I die.

[She exhaled loudly, running her fingers through her hair, a few locks that fell from her messy bun, before looking back at Casto.]

Life is way too short for it to be wasted... I mean... it might be too idealistic or let’s say optimistic, only thinking about your own happiness. Yet, being happy isn’t directly linked to being healthy. Uhm... One must value their well-being too, right? You mentioned something about being unhealthy in the past... Hm... That doesn’t necessarily mean that you were unhappy though.  [Giggling, she bit her lip, realizing that she was the one babbling too. Stealing a glance at her watch, she took another sip of her drink, a weak smile on her lips.]

Uhm... this is too good to be true. I mean... why do you have that with you? It’s beautiful... I... Where did you get it from? And... why do you have so much in your fanny pack?

[Giggling, she slowly reached out, barely touching the petals with her index, a soft sigh escaping her lips.]

What’s your story, Mr. Old Soul? You said you just moved here, is that right? Oh! The park is right there!

Taking a sip of her iced drink, she nodded nonchalantly and looked ahead as they walked on the sidewalk. “ I’m no surfer or swimmer like you. Oh! And btw, it actually does show that you swim.” Her eyebrows knit together, giving him a once-over. “The indicators are… Hmm… your sculpted biceps, broad shoulders and chest.”

That is amazing! I always encourage people to be physically active, because I was… sick… before. And exercise sort of saved my life you can say.

[He swallowed then held the back of his neck and looked up at the sky.]

The sun is getting stronger. Do you want to go to the park? We can have a small picnic.

[He opened his fanny pack and got out two wraps.]

I got an extra meatball sub. Also don’t mind the fanny pack. It’s my grandfather’s and he gave it to me to borrow temporarily.

[He sighed then shook his head.]

No, I lied. I’m sorry. It’s my fanny pack. I’m an old man. [He shrugged.]