planetrhine

1 MONTH SINCE CHARA’S PASSING

Right across from Ebott College is MTT Mall, a popular destination with the students. They’d fill the tables in the food court, gathering with their friends to study and talk the day away. The fountain behind the court soared above the mall like a giant beanstalk, twisting through the plants surrounding it. If you got close enough, its roaring water drowned out everything.

It was the only thing that brought you peace anymore.

You searched for an empty table and sat down. As you opened your binder and flipped through its pages, you noticed a familiar face across from you. That face noticed you in return.

“Francis?”

It was your neighbor, Kai. In that moment, it occurred to you that it had been quite a while since you two last spoke. He walked over to your table and, instinctively, you got up and wrapped your arms around him. He hugged you back without hesitation.

“It’s been forever, man.”

You abruptly let go. “I-I’m sorry! I don’t know what got into me all the sudden, I-“

Kai laughed. “I’m just happy I got the rare Francis hug. You’re fine, dude”. Seconds later, his face gently flattened. 

“1 month already”.

The color from your flushed face faded. “1 month.” In a mix of solemn and lingering embarrassment, you looked away with your head pointed down.

“Hey.” Kai put a hand on your shoulder. “It’s okay. I know Chara’s still on your mind.” He returned a sympathetic but gentle smile. “I know how important she was to you. No need to be ashamed, okay?”

I wasn't enough

What happened to him?

I’m not strong enough

Is she okay?

Everything’s fading

Oh my God?

I failed.

THEY’RE GONE.

❧

CHARA DELTA

AGE 21

MAR. 4, 20XX AT 3:01 A.M.

CAUSE OF DEATH: HEART ATTACK

❧ ❧ ❧

The chatter and the smiles. As if everything’s normal. As if everyone around you is doing fine except yourself. You feel like you’re barely dragging yourself by. So numb, yet in so much pain. No one feels what you feel. You are alone.

Except you were never alone. There are more who share your pain. More than you know.

It will heal with time, surely. Right?