TIME FOR THE MOONLIGHT

KELLY CRUZ’ POV Schizophrenia. Everyone thinks I have one. My family insists to the point that they conspired with a psychiatrist. But to tell you the truth, I don’t have it. No matter how hard I tried, everyone doesn’t believe me. He was the only one who believe I don’t. Everyone tried to stop me from loving him. But loving him was only the reason of my existence. But there are always buts in life. I was trapped in a world of confusion and questions. Does he really exist? April 10, 2019. Saint Luke’s Hospital Patient 501. Kelly Cruz I’m stuck in this bed for almost a year after suffering from an accident that put me into a comma for six months. I just recovered and ready to be discharged next week. “Hi Kelly, doing good?” The doctor asks as she enters my room. “Well not bad. As you can see I will be discharged next week,” I answered. “Then, you can finally see him?” “Who?” “The guy in the picture you always bring along with. Is he your husband? If not, maybe boyfriend?” She’s talking with the picture I have in my wallet. “Not really,” I quietly answered. “So I guess not. How about first love?” “He doesn’t exist. It’s a long story,” I sighed. April 10, 2000. Cruz’ Residence “Who are you talking with?” My mom asks. I was playing in the yard behind our house with my friend. “My friend,” I answered. “Who?” She asked surprisingly. “He’s right here,” I answered but disappointed because my friend had disappeared. “Kelly. I think we need to see a doctor,” My mom said. “No Mom. I’m not crazy.” I cried begging Mom not to. My friend’s name is Nathan. He is the son of our neighbor. Our house was close enough for us to talk with each other in our rooms. But my family misunderstood. They don’t see him. The neighbors don’t have children. Nathan was a quiet and shy boy. I caught him trying to steal my camera in the yard. He apologized and said that he really wanted to have one but her Mom doesn’t like it. I give it to him and later was scolded by Mom. We became friends after. He was scared of strangers that is why he naturally hides whenever Mom or Dad appears. My mother brought me into the hospital and indeed confirmed that I have one. I cried begging Mom that it’s not true at all. Nathan exist. My friend is a real person. But to my expectation, I started to believe that I really have mental sickness. There was no Nathan in our neighbor’s house. I sneaked in their house week after and found no pictures of him at all. His supposed to be parents never mentioned someone named Nathan. To be able to recover, my family moved into the city. But instead of recovering, my symptoms worsen. I live believing that I have mental sickness. I started school despite of everything. I tried to hide my sickness as much as possible but rumors began to speculate. Others believed while others do not. One day, I was in my second year College, a natural science major, when I got lost in the Engineering department. Along the hallway, a guy in glasses was leaning in the wall listening to music waiting for his next class. I saw it. The scar in his arm. They were the same with Nathan. He really exists. I am not crazy. The next day I tried to find him as much as possible. I was lucky enough to find him in the laboratory. “Hi! It’s me Kelly,” I said nervously. He will be able to recognize me, right? “Do I know you?” He asked calmly contrary to my expectation. “Your Nathan. Remember, we were friends when we were 8. We used to be neighbors,” I explained. “I’m sorry but I don’t remember. I don’t know you at all. Besides, I don’t make friends.” “Your scar. I know it’s you.” “Are you crazy? Everyone has scars.” Before I even answered, he was out of my sight. What was that? The scars are way similar for him not to be Nathan. The next day I promise myself not to lose him again. I found him again in the laboratory. He is probably working in a project. He is doing the same things like yesterday. “So do you still not really remember me?” I asked. I can’t explain his expression at all. He was like emotionless. “I don’t and I don’t even have the intention.” “Well then. I can show you my picture. Maybe you can remember it.” I was about to pull out my wallet but I accidentally bump into the stool. It hit right into his right feet. “I’m sorry. Are you okay?” “I’m fine. Just get out of here.” “No. I think you need to go to the clinic. I’ll escort you.” “No need.” And I was again left alone. I picked his book as an excuse to see him again. Nathan Clarkson was written on it. I wasn’t able to meet him on the third day. I have a class the whole day. I felt guilty about the book. He might need it. “Kelly, don’t forget about the group meeting after class.” Christine, my project group leader, said before she leaves for her work. Oh no I forgot about it. He must be angry as of now. “Christine, you are working on the Student’s affairs office, right?” “Yeah. What about it?” “Do you know someone named Nathan Clarkson? He is from the engineering department?” “How could you expect me to know him? The engineering department consists of more than 10000 students.” “Really? Well, I accidentally picked his book and don’t know how to return. Can you look up his schedules for me? I mean can you do me a favor?” “No problem. See you at the meeting.” “Thanks.”