Episode 3: Parting
377 Words
The schoolyard was more crowded than usual that day. The speakers were loud, laughter filled the air, and students called out to one another since early morning.
At our school, it was tradition to hold a graduation ceremony for the 12th graders at the end of May. We — the underclassmen — would line up along both sides of the walkway, holding flowers, waving, and sometimes even singing farewell songs.
I stood near the front gate. In my hand was a small branch of crape myrtle, its petals slightly dried at the edges.
Before that day, I had prepared a gift just for him — a military badge. One afternoon, I had accidentally spotted him inside the school supply store near our campus. He stood at the souvenir shelf for a long time, gazing at something and smiling — a rare, genuine smile. After he left the store, I walked over to the same shelf and saw a wide selection of military badges — from the Air Force to the Navy, and even Engineering Corps. But I didn’t know which branch he was aiming for there were too many.
So I chose the Air Force badge — it was the one that caught my eye the most and with it, I placed my confession letter.
I wrapped it in a small box… and couldn’t stop smiling to myself as I did.
When class 12A1 stepped out during the ceremony, I saw him right away.
Mathis.
Still the same. White button-up shirt, collar neatly fastened, shoulders straight, and steps steady.
Right after the ceremony, I held my gift box tightly, heart racing, full of hope — thinking maybe, just maybe, he would accept what I’d prepared for him. But suddenly, a girl from the next class stepped forward.
She was wearing a white dress. Long hair, pretty, elegant — holding a small gift box in her hands. I didn’t know her, but I’d seen her a few times around the schoolyard. She walked straight up to Mathis, I saw it all from a distance.
Saw her hand him the gift.
Saw Mathis stop.
Saw them talk — though I couldn’t hear a word.
And then…
He took the letter.
As for me…
I turned away.
- Writer
