"Most of the time, we usually forget to value ourselves. To risk everything for the ones we treasure the most... To turn the blind eye when we get hurt." I watched her as she stood there amazed and excited like a little kid with what she was seeing. It's that time of the year where they set off the fireworks. The time when the skies were clear, so were people's hearts. And one by one, each flew up high and the enclosed lights unfolded into a heartwarming sight. "If I could only make this last." I whispered to myself as I savour every moment. On the other hand, she kept on pulling my sleeves, telling me to remember each color. I laughed at her, ruffled her hair and as she took pictures, I stared at her. Eyes longing for her attention. 'If only you knew.' I thought to myself. But I seemed that to have forgotten someone. I forgot about you. The one who smiled at us warmly as we acted like idiots. Finally, it came to an end. We were all tired, yet our moments does not end here. You left the two of us alone together, saying that you'll buy some food. I offered you help but instead, you winked and declined it. That night, you gave me the chance to confess to her, and I did. You came back smiling at us. You were right... Today was a really memorable day. And as we went to our separate ways, I walked her home and not you. She held my hand tight and leaned on my shoulder while we watched you leave. 'Finally some time alone...' I let out a sigh if relief and walked her home. But what I didn't know, is that you cried. You smiled as you said goodbye but as you turned around, that smile faltered. Tears began to drip. You tried laughing it off but it was no use. It wouldn't stop. 'It hurts so much. I'm such a bad friend.' You thought to yourself. A year passed, our relationship flourished and strengthened. And with your help, the two of us became inseparable. One day, she and I walked towards the place where we stayed when the three of us idiots watched the fireworks. There she told me that she was gradually losing her sight. Time stopped for a second. I cried. She hugged me tight and tried to stay strong. But it didn't even take a minute for her to hold it in, she broke down. She asked me if I would love her even if she couldn't see... And I said yes. Suddenly, you sprang out of nowhere. Carrying a bunch of small fireworks. "Well what are you two waiting for?" You asked us as if our eyes weren't swollen, as if her make up wasn't a mess and I never even looked like a retarded person. You smiled at us lovingly and warmly, taking us into a tight embrace. That night, we acted like the world was ending. Confessing our memories, unveiling our secrets and tearing down the walls that protected us. You never told us your problems, not even one of them. Instead, you lit up one stick. The three of us decided to have a contest on which stick would last long. Hers came last. Mine was the second one. And yours was devoured quickly by the flame. We both noticed that you laughed nervously. You took a deep breath and reassured us, telling us that it was a good sign. After that, you acted a bit off. Quickly bidding us farewell as you ran towards the station. You left us dumbfounded. I looked at her and shrugged. She looked up, raising her hand in a way she was touching the sky. Her hand seemed like it was holding on to something. She smiled at me innocently, not showing any fear. I smiled back at her, holding her hand. "I'll never let you go." The next day, you moved away. She cried and I didn't. Anger filled my heart. I thought we were going to be always together. 'Is it because I didn't choose you?' I wondered. Years passed, we never really got to talk to you. We only kept our contact with your brother but that's just it. At last, it was the day of our wedding. I stood there, watching her as she walked down the aisle. Same excitement like she used to have when the fireworks were set. The two of us looked around, but you were nowhere to be found. The ceremony finished with joyful cries but it felt incomplete. Obviously, you weren't there. Days after, she had completely lost her vision. She was blind and afraid not to see anything. My presence wasn't enough. We needed you. But you never came. There came a time, when someone 'good' enough had donated their eyes for her. Not like you. The one who left us alone. The operation was a success, she finally opened her eyes and started to cry. "It all seems so familiar." She told me as her tears streamed down. I quickly looked at her, finding myself face to face with you. I shook my head. It can't be... Suddenly someone entered the room. It was your brother. He looked at her with sad eyes, trying to convey a message. He grit his teeth, trying to hold back his tears as he looked at the wall. "My sister wanted to apologize because she knew that this isn't what you were expecting." He voice began to shake. "I'm sorry if it wasn't the same as before. I'm sorry if you couldn't see the fireworks. But, isn't it a bit good that you can at least see how they 'bloom'? These were the words she wanted to tell you..." "What do you mean?" I asked him gently, but in reality, I wanted to scream. There it is... He flashed a nostalgic smile. "I am only here to tell you what she failed to say. My sister is color blind. She actually cared for you all these years, and when she heard that your wife needed a donor or else she'll turn blind, she quickly told the doctor to donate them." There was no remorse on his face. He looked happy with what he was seeing. He wasn't crying because of you losing your eye but he was actually crying because you saved someone else. Please tell me... That time, when I first saw you. Even before she came, you were there. Sitting on the bridge, looking at the fireworks. The distant smell of moss and the bright lanterns dangling. I walked closer to you, making a small creak on the old wood. You turned to face me, asking me, "what do you see?" I told you the obvious one, the fireworks, you laughed at my answer. Thinking it was ridiculous. At first, I didn't get it. But now I do. It wasn't the fireworks that she was pertaining to, it was the surroundings, each fleeting moment. The person in front of you. "You finally realized it?" Your brother asked me as he smiled gently at my wife. "She did it because it was worth it." Amidst the white and plain walls, let's be true here. Look closely, there are flaws in it. Just like us, not everyone is perfect. Now tell me... Did I really let go of such a great person? Did I make the wrong decision? Did I miss my chance? During those times when we sat together, feeling the cool breeze. When you leaned your head on my shoulder, and we watched all of the lights unveil its beauty... You were telling me your feelings, right? I think I already know the answer... I definitely did.
