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…”