“You were my Sun. And after you left, my eyes, they rained.
The season was rainy, every day, all the time.
It was as if though time itself had stopped.”
-Rainy Season, Choija
“I believed that I had been betrayed by all. That everyone was trying to get me to live out a life filled with oppression, ignorant of the truth.
But I was wrong. You, at least, have never betrayed me. You were always smiling. You never faltered in your love.
-Excerpt from The Dynastic Chronicles of the Kingdom of Magellis
Spoken by His Royal Majesty, King Adaris II
Somehow, my life had resumed some semblance of normalcy, although this was due to the same routine being repeated every day and not a virtue of life being similar in state or quality with others.
I often pondered whether or not I had truly graduated from the school of hard knocks. Indeed, I had doubts on whether one ever graduates from such a place.
I got up from my bed and pulled the curtains, revealing the midday sun staring at me in all of daylight’s splendor. There was no rooster but also no master. Hence, as usual, I had slept in.
I went into the washroom and did the things I had to do in there.
There were days where I lived it out in true Neet/Hikikomori style, not even washing up, but I always did when I wanted or needed to go out.
After washing up, I slapped together a meal consisting of a no-name brand canned soup and a piece of bagel with cream cheese. Bread and soup always reminded me of a certain picture: An old man, living in ascetic conditions, giving up a prayer of thanks for a very simple meal.
I wondered: Would I be living like I do now when I am old? Would I even get to grow old at all?
Did you know this text is from a different site? Read the official version to support the creator.
I guess, that in one sense, this world was a decent place. Or rather, that my country was good compared against others in the world both past and present.
As it was, I received some aid in the form of both monetary remuneration and guidance from governmental services. I don’t know that I enjoyed the life I was living. I don’t think that I was completely content with my allotment in life. However, life was, for lack of a better term, tolerable.
Of course, as I made the final preparations to head outdoors, the usual thoughts squirmed their way into the conscious mind. Namely, my condition having to do with the dearth of friends and/or girlfriends.
And so it was that on this contrarily fine summer afternoon, I found myself plodding along on the road pondering on pedantic pubescent pedagogy. With drink in hand, I might add. A nice ice-cold beverage.
Soon enough, I found my way to my favored worn-out bench in the tranquil park upon which to park my keister. This was a good spot. Scenic and practical. The bench was underneath a large and old willow tree, providing some cover from the sun. The drooping leaves would gently sway and rustle with the passing breeze, in perfect harmony with the ever-blue and lapping lake in the not-too-far-off distance.
A great spot.
“Ken?” A surprised yet feminine voice startled me out of my contemplation.
“Holy shit! Anna?” I let out a remark of similar surprise when I turned my head to see who had addressed me.
“Ken! It is you, Ken! I don’t believe it! Ken!” The woman remarked joyously.
“And you’re as beautiful as ever, Anne. That same magnificent curly golden lock emanating from the top of your forehead that captivated me with its mystique. Shining and dazzling in the light in some areas and darker and contrasting in other places. I just had to ask you for your name because of that… Wow, how long has it been?” I said as I twirled a lock of magnificent curly golden hair with my finger.
“It’s been too long! I almost didn’t recognize you!” Anna said.
“Yeah, I’ve changed. And gained a lot,” I said while rubbing my stomach.
“Oh, it’s not so bad. You can always lose weight. And you’re still as handsome as ever,” Anna said.
“Whaat? You thought I was talking about my weight!? A man gains a lot of different things throughout his years, Anne!” I said in a playfully mocking tone of shock.
“Oh stop it, Ken,” Anna said while laughing and playfully hitting me on the arm.
I smiled at her, then looked off towards the lake for a while before turning my face towards her again.
“It was fate Anna! Many a day I sat upon this exact spot, and gazed upon these ever-blue waters and took in the sight of these gently swaying leafy green branches. And I’d be reminded… of your captivatingly dazzling blue eyes, your long golden hair blowing in the wind. You see? And now you’re here in front of me. We’re here together,” I said in an almost whisper with my lips near her ear.
“Ken, I--” Anna muttered with a serious expression.
“Unless of course, you are already married or with another man. But even so Anne, I would be glad to see you. A mirage in the desert, kills yet keeps comfort. A fond farewell, to quell and dispel any further fanciful visions,” I said.
“Ken!” Anna said.
“Yes, Anne, I’m right here,” I said while looking straight into her eyes.
“Oh Ken, you’re as hopeless as ever, and by the way I’m single,” Anna said.
“What is this world coming to? Men must all be seeing inner beauty now!” I exclaimed.
“Oh? And why might that be?” Anna remarked while squinting her eyes.
“You’re too radiant, and they can’t see a damn thing, my lovely Anna,” I replied.
===========================================================
The rain was pouring down outside, as if to match the mood of moody gloom between us. Only the pleasant cooing sound of the little babe in her crib seemed discordant in this place at this moment.
I looked over at the babe. Who knew when or if I would see her again?
"Yes, I have," I said.
“Oh God…” she whispered as she breathed in deeply.
“Oh God no…” tears started dripping down her face.
“Why? Why, Ken?”
“I’m a fool, that’s why.”
“No matter what happens, please remember, Ken… That I’m a woman who loves a fool.”
The rain continued to fall, its battering hymn a requiem.