Helplessly InLove

Day One

For how long did I witness the birth of the sun? For how long must I stare at this breathtaking scene in front of me yet I am unable to appreciate this beautiful creations. A blue butterfly flies around the tree I am leaning on and lands to the red flower beside me. The only thing I can do is to look and admire.

Because that's the only thing that I can do. That's the only thing I am able to do.

It's been a long time since I was awake. All these unanswered questions kept me awake at nights, it really doesn't bother me that much since I can't even sleep. I feel so tired and restless. I tried many things to do something but still failed. I tried to escape from this spot but still nothing.

I'm hopeless.

Is there a reason for me to be here?

My ears perked up immediately when I heard numerous fast approaching footsteps and a loud laughing. I took a peek behind the tree and saw a boy on the ground looking at his bruised knees while being surrounded with the other boys laughing at him.

I feel a strange ache when a taller boy smacks him with the bag he was holding and the bullied boy slumped back to the ground. He only lied still then for a moment my heart skips a beat when my eyes met his.

Did he just look at me?

I am immediately filled with hope and happiness but it died down when the boy kicked the side of waist. The bullied boy curled up while coughing, it seems to amuse them though because they simultaneously kick him again. And again. And again.

When the boys finally left, the bullied boy slowly sits up with his head bowed slightly and checks the bruises he just received. I took a step closer to him but still far to not get pulled again by the tree.

I inhale, gathering all the courage in the world. "Hey! Can you see me?" I let out a big smile when he tilt his head to his side and looks at me. He mouths something to me but I can't hear anything he said so I gesture come here. "I can't hear you! Come closer!"

I waited for his answer in silence and for a minute I can almost see myself crying if he ever try to refuse my invitation. He's the only person I ever talked to in awhile, the only person who noticed my existence, and I can feel that he needs help.

And he does need my help. I can't just let him go after all the things I've seen.

I let out a huge sigh of relief when he nodded and limps towards me. I feel a pang of pity but I doubt he needed to hear that. I don't want to make him feel bad after all that happened. He weakly leans on the tree as he lets out a pained moan but soon relaxes when he saw the river. I sat down beside him not knowing what to say next so I simply take small glances at him.

His right eye is noticably swollen, small cuts on his cheek, and a busted lips. His vibrant ginger hair flows freely everytime it gets windy, and it shines when the sun hits him, his hair just look like the sun. It's so shiny and cheery.

Except the look on his eyes.

Deep in sadness, and something I can't comprehend. My eyes widen slightly when there's tears forming in his eyes.

"W-why didn't you helped me?" he asks in small voice. I didn't answer him because I don't know what to say. I don't want to make excuses either because I didn't try to do something that can help him. "Why did you just watch them beat me up? Why... did you let them?" He tried to choke up a sob but fails miserably because the sobs keeps coming and his chest heaves furiously.

I slowly bring my hand into his back, and I was surprised to see that I'm able to touch him. He slightly leans on my shoulder and cries silently. He wraps his arms tightly around me as if he was seeking something and when he did, he slowly succumbed to the sadness deep inside him. With my heart heavy, I returned the hug and gave him the silence to console him.

It didn't matter how long we just stayed there, hugging each other because there's only one thing that's on my mind, and that is to be with him.

"Don't worry, my friend. I'm here with you now. I'll give you a lot of warmth and hugs just to make you feel better." I whispered into his ears and nestled my head gently into the crook of his neck. "I'll never leave you. I promise."

I promise, friend.