I walked out of the royal library feeling happy and wishing I could come here again. My stomach grumbled in rhythm as an alarm for me to eat something. Luckily, I still have some cookies inside my bags. My head turns left and right to find a perfect resting space for me to eat while enjoying the book that I just borrowed.
While I was walking around, I found an elegant wooden chair facing out towards a clear blue pond. I sat down, feeling comfortable and relaxed. I unwrapped my cookies and started to eat them, bit by bit while reading my book. I flipped through the history book.
Centuries ago, there was a small tribe who possessed the power, which has been granted by the Goddess Selyne for their bravery and kindness. They were humble, righteous, and full of compassion. They all lived peacefully in the land of Elysian. Although they were granted power, none of them turned into tyranny. They live a simple life, farming, fishing, or even hunting. They were happy. Nobody went out of their small village, nor did people came in. Then one day the late King of Quirinus visited the small village with a proposal. The king proposed that he would provide knowledge and the land itself, for the men of the village. They will be granted a title of a royal knight without the need for nobility status. The tribe took a week before they came up with a solution. They decided to accept the proposal as they believed their children and future would gain more benefit than drawbacks. It's all for the generation to come. However, one day during a big feast to celebrate their agreement. A small group of people who belong to the tribe started to rebel. During the night also, a thunderous light hit the wooden building and brought it to fire. Many lives were lost that day. The king who brought out the proposal was killed brutally on his throne by the ones who were left. Until this day, no one knew what happened to this phantom tribe. The king, who only inherited his title for three years, was buried by his son, who became the next king of Quirinus.
The story was devastating. Have they ever thought about the children before they fought? These children didn't ask to be born just to die because of tyranny. They just started to learn about the world just like any other child in the world. It's funny sometimes when people would say that the children are our future, but we didn't fight believing it was the norm. Is it right to tell a little boy that he shouldn't wear pink because it's a colour for girls? It's funny when we comforted little boys to stop crying, we said that a strong boy doesn't cry, but why did we never say anything about a strong girl shouldn't cry. Why do we define that a man as strong while a woman is weak? Why always, the prince who saved the princess? Can't women become soldiers and men become florists? Why have some parents stopped their children from learning arts? Is it a waste of time and money, like they believe? Why did they brand their own child, saying it's for their own future? Without realizing it, we didn't look for a better future, but only the same each year to come.
While reading, I heard a rustling sound. It was the man from before. His hair was as blue as shimmering steel. It looks so beautiful and glimmering under the magnificent sun. I, who was only watching, couldn't look away. He looks strong yet beautiful. But why does he look so sad? I wonder what happened. He looks helpless and in pain. I wish I could give him a hug and tell him everything would be alright. I wish I could comfort him as I was always the one who comforted myself and struggled alone. I believe that bad times are to challenge us, and as we struggle through it, we will grow stronger than ever.
There's no one here but us. I have contemplated myself. Should I comfort him or not? Should I go or stay? However, I decided to build my courage and walked towards him. I, who was always alone in my sad times, always wish someone would extend their hand for me. Though many didn't, as they feared to be called, busybodies. They didn't know that this simple gesture weight more than they thought.
Each step I took, my heartbeat grew louder and my feet became heavier. He didn't realize I was walking towards him. It's like his mind has its own agenda. Then I stopped and sat beside him. I know I am in an awkward situation, but I just did what I thought was right. Every time I am sad, I always felt alone, and without saying anything, I wished that someone was here with me.
"Excuse me."
He flinched as he was startled. He just looked at me silently. He frowned at me.
"Would you like some? It's really nice to eat it while enjoying the view."
I passed him the cookie that was inside my bag. I've read that chocolate could help when a person is sad. So I hope it helps him.
Though, as usual, he just sat there silently with his eyes glaring at me. He looked angry, so I backed down. I just placed the cookies next to him while eating mine.
"If you wish to cry, cry. There's no wrong to cry when you're sad."
I said softly, without looking at him. I paused because I am afraid he wouldn't like my comment, but when he still didn't say anything, I continued my words.
"It's not your fault, and this pain will never go away. You will occasionally think about it, especially when you're alone."
I paused my words as I felt my heart crumble. I know I am not the right person to say such things, but I wanted to comfort him. I know it was painful, and to relieve your broken heart, you need to let your tears out. However, when you cry so much you will find it hard to breathe. Then you will realize that breathing is hard. I know sometimes when it gets too hard, people would turn silent, completely silent. I wished he had someone by his side to make him feel loved and not alone.
"But, never let it consume you. Sad times were also parts of your memories, so cherish it as it will be the one that makes you stronger."
I looked at him and forced a smile as a sign that everything would be okay.
Then he took one of the cookies and quietly ate it. We both sat there silently, with no sound could be heard. It didn't feel uncomfortable next to him, it was like we shared a bond of two heartbroken people. Although there were still no words from him, I could see that his face softened a bit.
Everyone has a little bit of sun and moon inside them, dark and light, or even warm and cold. None of us is just a one-sided coin, black or light, or even always right and never wrong. No one exists without polarities. We all have our own good and bad times, but we shouldn't compare our lives with others. Even the moon and sunshine when it's their time. As the sun will brighten your day and bring you happiness, the moon will light up your night and accompany you during your sad times.
The winds came whispering in my ears. I love how it touches my face and blows through my hair. We sat there silently until a loud footstep came running towards us. I took a peak at where the noise were and I realized he was still looking forward, ignoring the sound. I could see his face up close from here. His ruby-red eyes were orbited round, like a red sunset, shining, and enchanting. His crescent of moon eyebrows was thin and narrow. My eyes shifted from his eyes to his lips without realizing. Who wouldn't when you were in the presence of an epitome of beauty? I hurriedly turned away and looked down. My heart thundered as the flush crept across my cheeks.
Then a man stopped in front of us. I could hear the sound of his breath as he was gasping for air.
"You're here." He was out of breath because of running.
"Ooh, Calisto."
"Deanna, your father was looking for you. He said he will wait for you near the library."
Then he shifted his gaze towards the person beside me.
"Ooh, you're here. I didn't know you were friends."
They look close, though the man seems indifferent. The man stood up and looked straight at Sir Calisto.
"We're not."
It was the first time I heard his voice. His soft, husky voice sounded apathetic. Then he just walked away from the scene.
"Don't mind him. He's actually a very nice guy." He said with concern.
Then we walked side by side, chatting happily.
"Deanna, I was surprised when I tasted your food? I'm curious what will you cook for me next."
He said as his mouth curved into a smile.
"What do you like to eat? Is there anything you didn't like?"
I asked him, curiously.
"I'm not sure. I just ate whatever was on my plate. Choosing is a luxury for me when you always ran out of time."
He faked a smile like it was the right thing to do.
"Hmm.. whatever... " I looked like I was thinking.
Then I continued as I placed my palm together and pretended I gave him something as I flashed him a smile.
"Here's my whatever."
"Till you decide what your likes and dislikes, I would never cook for you."
I just continued walking, feeling displeased. Knowing our likes and dislikes makes us understand ourselves more. Sometimes we tend to go with the flow of the people around us. We would have pushed their ideas on us. When we go with the flow of others, we actually create the likes and dislikes of others, not ours. So in the end, you still couldn't understand yourself. Stop letting people control you. Deep down, we all know what we want, and we have what it takes.
"I'm sorry." He said as he pleaded.
"Hmm.. I don't really like tomatoes." He thinks hard and looks unsure.
"Fine, I'll cook for you something whenever I'm free or whenever we meet. So when you know what you like, tell me." I said with a pout.
"Ooh. I plan to visit the town tomorrow. If you would like to join me, we could meet at the entrance. I'll probably be there just before lunch." I continued as I remembered that he said he would like to join me.
"Okay, I'll meet you there." He said with a smile, feeling grateful that I accepted him.
From afar, I could saw my father sitting down on a bench waiting for me. Anyone who walked past him could see how a great person he is. Even though he just sat there silently, you could feel his presence. Though in my heart I am not completely accepted him, I felt grateful that he is my father and I love him.