How did it come to this? Perhaps it is all fate or perhaps meeting you was a sin. I don’t know. I don’t understand. There is guilt in my heart, nevertheless what I have done. “Therefore, Ms. Sona is deemed to be guilty of the murder of the deceased Mr. June. Court is dismissed!” “Sona! You didn’t murder him! Those people framed you!” My guardian tried to prove his point but he didn’t understand. It was spring when I met you. It was spring when you broke away chains that restrained me.
“Speak! Haven’t your parents taught you to use that mouth of yours?!” Roger, the son of the grocer in the neighborhood was a boy of vigor. He would happily lay his knuckle down to those weaker than he was. When he spotted me, he knew i would be one of his best toys. “Her name is Sona but she is mute. Maybe her parents didn’t even know that their daughter is mute! Ahahaha!” Jen was the daughter of the neighborhood florist. She was Roger’s classmate and fancied him. Whatever Roger did, she would follow. “Hey, mute! What will make you speak?” Roger grasped my clothes by the collar, pulling me up from the dirty ground, a wide grin plastered on his face. He was renowned for his nasty deeds but no one cared. No one cared what was done to me. I came to this town to run from my fate; my mission. It is my karma to be shunned. My wordless frown seemed to have angered him. He shoved me away to pick up a half-broken brick. “Will this make you speak then?!” He roared, swinging his arm. I screwed my eyes shut, arms shooting above my head to anticipate the blow. However, it never came. I opened an eye in time to see someone wrap a hand around Roger’s wrist. The grip was so strong that he whimpered in agony and dropped his weapon. “It’s not good to use violence against someone smaller than you, you know.” The stranger grunted. He swept Roger’s feet out from under him and toppled him. The stranger appeared a few years older than Roger. Quickly, the latter scampered away, Jen at his heels. “Are you okay?” The stranger came over and offered a hand. His smile was all charming, crinkling up to his tender hazel eyes. He needn’t have helped me “My name is June.” He said. I couldn’t take my eyes off him. As I accepted his proffered hand, My surroundings momentarily sparkled. Numerous little crystals fluttered around him. Those crystals were beautifully frightening to me who understood what it meant. “What’s your name?” June asked as he pulled me up on my feet. “I just moved to town recently and I don’t know many people. Perhaps you can show me around? You’re wearing the school uniform I’m going to wear soon.” Retracting my hand, I went to gather my bag and the things that flew out of it when Roger pushed me. I found a sketchbook and a pen then I scribbled my name and gratitude. ‘I’m Sona. Thank you for helping me.’ “Nice to meet you!” June held onto my hand and shook it. “Come on, let me walk you home. You need to have your scratches treated!” June walked me home as he had said. However, it wasn’t quite pleasant. I couldn’t stop being conscious of the crystals. they made me uneasy. Uncle Marco was home. He had no relation with me but took me in and regarded me as family. He had neither wife nor child and was bald. He worked as a doctor. “Oh, Sona you’re back. Did you get into a fight again?” Uncle Marco rushed to me, looking at my wounds. “O-oh, you’re with someone.” He looked at June, smiling. “Thank you very much. She must have caused many troubles to you. I apologize on her behalf—“ Uncle Marco bowed as he spoke, which I interrupted with a kick to his shin. Moving my fingers, I signed that I had not caused any trouble to June at all. What an accusation! “You—“ Uncle Marco glared at me as he groaned, rubbing his shin. ‘Bald old man’ I gestured, sticking my tongue out at him. “I’m not old!” Uncle Marco protested. He straightened up and flicked his finger on my forehead. June chuckled. “You two are close, huh? I’m relieved!” His mirth turned into a round of laughter. I had no idea what was so funny about Uncle Marco and me but I thought his dimples were cute. “Come in then!” Uncle Marco invited June, smiling widely. Uncle Marco must be very happy. Ever since he adopted me from the orphanage, it has been difficult for him to work. People call him ‘insane’ and ‘sick’ when he is not. After putting my bag away, I joined Uncle Marco and June in the dining room. Uncle Marco was looking for the aid kit while June scanned around the room. I sat across him, occasionally glancing at him—at the crystals around him. Those beautiful crystals were time; they symbolized my deadline. My heart beat faster whenever I was conscious of the crystals. It reminded me of what I had been trying to avoid. “Am I that interesting to stare at, Sona?” June chuckled as he stared back. Looking away, I had no idea how I should have reacted. “June, treat her injuries, would you?” Uncle Marco suddenly said, snickering at me. “She won’t let anyone else help her.” You sly fox! I motioned. I can see love! Uncle Marco returned the gesture. “Eh?” June looked confused but he shrugged it off. He did a sloppy job but it was alright anyway. “I’m starting school tomorrow. Come to my class when school is over alright? I’m in Class 3-C.” I nodded and thus, we made a promise. I… didn’t dislike it and I thought I could do it as a repayment for treating my scratches. I found it difficult to refuse when he gave me that smile of his. The next day, I purposely waited in my class until it was all quiet; especially Roger’s class which was also June’s class. Uncertainty bit at my heart. I didn’t realize that I had arrived at his class until I was just right in front of the door. I slid it open and was welcomed by June’s confident smile. He had been waiting for me to open the door! ‘Come!’ He beckoned, stepping out and tugging me into a run. We ran around the town and June had me to tell him places through my sketchbook. After a brief introduction to several places, we decided to take a rest at the park. It was when he asked me to teach him signs. Of course, he began from the basics. It made me happy when he learned it fast and quick. June was way much better than Uncle Marco in signs. “Why were you bullied?” June looked at me with concern. I set my index finger on my lips, returning his stare. June snatched my hands and held it tightly in his own. “Your hands… They do wonders. They tell me things that others don’t understand.” I nodded, my smile tensed. ‘Let’s go home’ Those crystals hadn’t changed. They had my attention from time to time. They don’t go away. Can’t I run from my fate? My chest tightened at the remembrance that I was hiding a huge secret from the town..... The weight of guilt made even breathing difficult. Everything was alright until that evening when we parted our ways but it wasn’t alright the next day. He was nowhere in sight. June had disappeared. Uncle Marco noticed my despair. ‘I’m fine’ I signed and raced away. Please… don’t leave me. I couldn’t find him, and the idea that all my searching was in vain was beginning to consume my mind. The dread continued for weeks. ‘5p.m at the park. I have something to show you.’ My heart fluttered in joy. As soon as the clock struck five o’clock, I set my feet on the street and dashed to the appointed place. I wonder what he is going to show me! I can’t wait! I was so happy I couldn’t help the idiotic smile that spread across my face. I’m finally going to see June! I skipped around the corner and there--there was June, crouching with his arms wrapping around his head. He was scratched and bruised all over, surrounded by classmates who continued to beat him. The note wasn’t June’s. My hands shook. My legs went numb and my breathing became short. Weak—was what I thought about myself. I had been regarding such outcome was what I deserved for not fulfilling my task, but when I witnessed it… I began to pity myself. June has decided to care for me…this pitiful me and here I am, getting scared. Deciding to conquer my own fear for someone precious, I gathered my courage to sprint forward. I shoved two of his attackers as I barreled my way through their tight circle to throw my arms around June, attempting to protect him from the beating. It was painful but it was better than seeing him being beaten. “Sona, run.” June persuaded. I held him tighter. “Stop covering him, cursed girl!” One from four of June’s classmates shouted. “Do you even know why he transferred here?!” “Don’t they suit each other?” Another jeered. “You can do whatever you want to me, but leave Sona alone!” June peeled my arms away and circled his arms around me instead. It didn’t last long until he fell back on his knees again. “You can’t even fight and you try to act heroic!” “Leave—“ June tried but collapsed in a fit of violent coughing. Blood seeped through his fingers. June! I held onto June’s shoulders trying to keep him stable. God, please give me more time! Although I didn’t like the idea of asking for help, I had no other choice if I wanted to save June. Looking up to those four guys, I tried to indicate that I wanted help. They seemed to have realized what they had done to June. They frowned as they broke in cold sweat. I could see remorse and despair in their eyes. However, instead of helping, they chose to run. I have to contact Uncle Marco! Fumbling for my hand-phone, I dialed Uncle Marco. Fortunately, Uncle Marco picked up at once! I pressed 1,2 and 3: a sign Uncle Marco and I agreed to in case of emergency. June had stopped coughing. I found my handkerchief and helped him clean up. His expression concerned me. He looked as if he had anticipated such outcome. We waited for uncle in silence. June sat up straight as he regained his strength. What was I supposed to say? How should I comfort him? “Sinful…” June smiled ruefully. “Sinful.”, He repeated as he looked at his stained red hand. That very moment, I understood why we had met. One of the crystals, invisible to all but me, shattered into dusts and disappeared into the air. June lost a tooth from the beating. The doctor advised him to stay at the hospital overnight to observe his condition as he had had excessive bleeding(I keep this. Excessive bleeding could come from the broken tooth. It hints to June’s disease later) “Sona… Did you notice the lie the doctor said about June’s condition?” Uncle Marco asked. ‘I know…’ As the months passed, it became obvious that June had suffered from more than just a knocked out tooth. I could guess that June disappearance had something to do with the illness and I didn’t want to think about it. With each day, June became thinner and paler. “Sona.” June called. He was staring outside the window from his bed. When he turned to me, he motioned smilingly, ‘I’m bored’ ‘Rest’ I replied. ‘Let’s go on a date.’ June flipped the sheet over my head and walked his way out of his room. That moment, I heard the sound of shattering glasses—more crystals broke. Removing the sheet, I went after June. June, you idiot! What if the same thing happens again? I… won’t be able to handle it. Despite being reprimanded by numerous nurses I had run past, I kept going. It was only a matter of time until I reached the park outside. I couldn’t find June amongst the trees. June, where are you?! I knew what I had to do but I couldn’t find the courage to do it. I wanted to stay by his side but I didn’t want to see him suffer. It was frightening to know how dangerous ego was. Still, I wanted to be with him. Crystals broke again! I ran towards the sound; to June. He was on his knees, both palms over his mouth and ruddy face aching from suffocation. I could only rub his back soothingly. One by one, the crystals shattered and disappeared. My eyes welled up as I witnessed his suffering. “I’m sinful…” June gasped through his pain. ‘Don’t speak. Please, June.’ I bit my lower lip as not to release the seal because he was dear to me but seeing how the red ink leaked from his fingers, I couldn’t help but to hold myself back. “My teacher wanted to commit suicide…I was the only one there who could save him…but I failed.” He moved his hand to caress my cheek. “I came to atone for it and I’m glad to live this cowardly life… I’m glad that I’m able to meet you.” He gagged and wheezed—another round of suffocation. I was cruel. I could put him to rest. I could free him from his suffering and yet I found myself wanting to be with him as long as it would take. “Sona…Do you not feel uncomfortable with me, with a murderer?” Circling his arms around me, he transferred his warmth to me. I shook my head, circling my arms around his back. “…Really? Is it really okay for you to be with me?” I nodded, telling myself not to open my mouth. June, you are my hero. You freed me from my loneliness and my despair towards life. You showed me courage. I savored the moment when we shared warmth. Unfortunately it was just a moment. June had another round of coughing fit and it was worse. …Can I not avoid it after all? Unable to take it anymore, I unveiled the secret and convinced myself that it was time to do what I had to do. I had to take him away… because it was my duty. “It’s enough. It’s alright, June. I’m with you.” Falling and lying on my lap, June stopped coughing. “Your voice… is so beautiful. If only I can live longer to listen to it…” His eyes stared at me with tranquility, gentle and tender. However, there was a hint of regret. Tears formed at the corner of his eyes. His face relaxed and his breathing became slower with each breath he took. He raised his hands on his chest and gave his farewell. ‘Let’s meet again’ He smiled as he shut his eyes, succumbing into the comfort of death. Tears streamed down my cheeks uncontrollably as I cried into his clothes. I took June away with my voice—the voice he praised to be beautiful. I was once a human. I am a Death God.
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AuthorI am an amateur author and this is my web where i will spread my stories in the vast world called internet. Nice to meet you everyone! Archives
January 2018
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