CHAPTER 2 MEMORIES IN THE SUMMER BREEZE
The sun hung low in the sky, casting a golden glow over the sleepy town. Asuka adjusted his glasses, glancing at his watch. He had just enough time to reach school before the bell rang. Clutching his notebook, he scribbled furiously, lost in a world of verses and rhymes.
At the bridge that connected the two sides of town, he saw Ayomi speeding towards him on her bike. She skidded to a stop, her blue eyes sparkling with excitement.
"Good morning, Asuka! How have you been?" she asked, breathless but cheerful.
"Totally fine. And you?" he replied, smiling.
"Trying to be better, I guess. Did you see the announcement for the fireworks festival near our school? Wanna go together?" Ayomi's invitation was casual, but her eyes held a glimmer of anticipation.
"You want to go with me? Why though?" Asuka asked, surprised.
"Because, Asuka, you're a friend I enjoy spending time with," she said, her words triggering a flood of memories.
A similar phrase had been spoken to him years ago by someone he cherished but also wanted to forget. Asuka’s heart felt heavy as he walked, lost in thoughts of the past. He didn’t even notice Ayomi calling his name until she raised her voice.
"Asuka! Asuka, are you listening?" Ayomi's concern broke through his reverie.
"Uh, yes. I was just lost in some past events," he admitted.
"Well, what is it?" she asked, curious.
"I can't say. I don't want to think about it," Asuka replied, his tone somber.
"Oh, was it some unpleasant memory? Then it's better not to remember it," Ayomi said kindly.
The school bell rang, pulling them back to the present. They rushed to their classes. Asuka found it hard to focus, his mind drifting back to a time when life was brighter.
---
A sunny day lit up Asuka’s cheerful home. The house was full of life and warmth. "Mom, can I carry the shopping bag?" young Asuka asked eagerly.
"Yes, my dear. Let's go now, shall we?" his mother replied with a smile. "Dear, would you mind driving us to the shopping mall?" she called to Asuka’s father.
"Of course, honey," came the reply. Asuka’s father was a bright and gentle man, always composed and willing to help anyone in need. Asuka admired him deeply.
As they drove, a sudden turn brought disaster. A truck, speeding and out of control, crashed into their car. In a heartbeat, Asuka’s father shielded them, a metallic part piercing his chest. Asuka watched in horror, his father’s life slipping away to save his own.
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His mother called for an ambulance, but his father, struggling to speak, said, "I don’t think I’ll make it. Asuka, be a good kid and help your mother."
Asuka nodded, tears streaming down his face. His father whispered, "I hope I can see you again in those two minutes," before passing away.
At his father’s funeral, the sky wept along with them. Asuka asked his mother about his father’s last words. She explained, "When you’re close to dying, you see all the precious moments of your life in those two minutes. Your father saw you because you were the most important person in his life."
---
Asuka sat in class, unable to concentrate. After school, his childhood friend Shino approached him with a book titled "Poetry: An Art of Words."
"Hey, Asuka. How are you? Check out this gift I brought for you," Shino said, knowing Asuka would love it.
Asuka smiled. "Thanks, Shino. How was your trip to France?"
"It was good, but let’s talk about you. I heard you wrote a beautiful poem for a girl?" Shino teased.
Asuka blushed. "No, it was just an ordinary poem."
"Anyway, want to go to the fireworks? My friend Kyo and I are going. She’s bringing a friend too—Ayomi, I think."
"Sure, I'll come," Asuka agreed.
Shino looked at him thoughtfully. "You seem different, more pleasant and less gloomy."
"Nothing happened. I just have a lot to think about," Asuka replied.
As they walked home, they reached the bridge where Ayomi was waiting. Without letting her speak, Asuka said, "Yes, I will."
Ayomi looked at him, the evening sun highlighting her silky hair and blue eyes. "I’ll look forward to it," she said with a smile, and they went their separate ways.
---
Back in his childhood, Asuka was broken after his father’s death. Shino, his steadfast friend, never gave up on him. One day, they retrieved a ball from a yard, narrowly escaping a furious gardener. Their laughter bonded them, Shino helping Asuka out of his darkest voids.
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The next day, Asuka walked to school with a sense of anticipation. He couldn’t shake the feeling of being watched. In class, his mind wandered back to Ayomi and the upcoming festival.
After school, he went to the music room for Ayomi’s club performance. As she sang, her voice weaving a spell over the audience, Asuka felt a deep connection. Her gaze, warm and sincere, seemed to be focused solely on him.
Later, Ayomi turned to Asuka. "Since I sang for you, you must write a poem for me," she said playfully.
"I’d love to," Asuka replied, feeling a new sense of purpose.
---
Asuka felt a strong pull towards the graveyard after parting ways with Ayomi. He walked with deliberate steps, the evening sun casting long shadows over the path. He reached his father’s grave, a simple yet dignified stone under an ancient tree. Kneeling, he placed his notebook beside the gravestone and smiled wistfully.
"Hi, Dad. It’s been a while," he began, his voice soft but clear. "I just wanted to say thank you. Thank you for protecting me that day. Because of you, I’ve been able to live, to grow, to meet amazing people."
Asuka paused, the memories flooding back. "There’s this girl, Ayomi. She reminded me so much of what you used to say—about enjoying time with friends. She asked me to the fireworks festival. It made me think of you, of that day, and everything that’s happened since."
His voice trembled slightly, emotions welling up. "I’ve been trying to be strong, like you told me to. Shino’s been a great friend, helping me through the tough times. But sometimes, it’s hard, Dad. Sometimes, I miss you so much it hurts."
He took a deep breath, tears brimming in his eyes. "But I’m happy, Dad. I really am. I’ve found joy in writing, in friendships, in little moments. Thank you for everything you did for me. I’m grateful every day."
Asuka sat in silence, feeling a gentle breeze rustle the leaves above. He closed his eyes, imagining his father’s reassuring presence. "I hope you’re proud of me, Dad. I’m trying to live a life you’d be proud of. I promise I’ll keep going, no matter what."
He stood up, a sense of peace washing over him. "I’ll come back soon, Dad. I’ll tell you all about the festival. I know you’ll be watching over me."
Asuka picked up his notebook, gave the gravestone one last look, and smiled through his tears. "Goodbye for now," he whispered, turning to walk back home, the weight on his heart lighter than before.