One Under the Moon

 

The crickets chirped in their usual melodic way, and a slight breeze rustled the leaves of the trees. But other than that, all was silent. It was night, a magical time when most people were asleep, and one could be completely alone with his thoughts. It was a Saturday night, and Ness was allowed to stay up late. On that particular night, he lay on the cool grass, its sweet scent reviving memories of more innocent times, when he could laugh and play without a care in the world. The stars twinkled as soft lights amidst the nearly black night sky. The moon radiated a glorious light, and Ness simply started at it.

 

Every time he looked at the moon, he always wondered if Paula ever stopped and stared at it as well. Perhaps it was a comfort to him that no matter how far apart they were seemed to be separated, they could both look up and see the exact same moon.

 

It had been three months since the end of their journey together. Once Giygas was defeated, Paula returned to Twoson and Ness to his old life in Onett. “Now you can return to normal living,” his mother told him in a vain attempt of comfort. But he knew that his life would never be normal again. Not after all that he went through with her, not after the smiles and tears they shared on their journey. Not a day went by that he didn’t think about her, and one thought constantly ran through his mind: when, if ever, would he see her again? Did she still care, rod did she put those memories behind her and move on with her life? The time they shared, the solace they found in each other, was something special that he would never forget. Even in the trails of trying to readjust to his old life, he drew on her support for empowerment.

 

Nights, especially when he was outside staring at the bright moon, were the hardest. During the day, he could distract himself with school, his family, and other activities that kept him occupied. But it was the nights, alone where the crickets chirped and the grass seemed to combine with the soft breeze of the night to produce a nostalgic aroma, when the bittersweet memories flooded over him again. When he would hold back tears as he thought about the things he wished he could have said to her before they were separated. Thinking of leaving everything behind and going to Twoson that instant, just to hear her voice again, just to confirm that she would still be a part of his life. Just to know that she still felt the way that he did.

 

It was getting late, and Ness knew that he should probably get to bed. He had a busy day tomorrow, he would need the sleep. However, he loved the serenity of the backyard at night, his own private sanctuary, and decided to stay just a few minutes longer.

 

That was all he really wanted with her: a few minutes longer. Just to say in those few moments with her for the rest of his life. Some Sundays, when his father was home and the family would go to church, Ness would hear the preacher tell them that God listened to everybody’s prayers, and how God could perform miracles. Sometimes in those nights, no knowing what else to do, he’d say a prayer asking that Paula was well, and that they could have a bright future together. That he, and hopefully her, could be happy again.

 

The light breeze of the night was beginning to gain strength, which finally made Ness decide it was time to go in. He slowly began to stand up and make his way to the house, the soft pattering of his sneakers against the grass an aft symbolism of the memories and desires that he carried so deep within his own heart. But before he opened the door, he turned around, and took one last look at the bright moon, conducting all his emotions into three simple, yet powerful words that he hoped the wind would carry from his lips to Paula’s ears.

 

“I miss you…”