The End

Chapter One

The next morning, when I was about to enter the first lesson I didn't see Rinchard in class. Coincidentally, my seatmate is our class secretary, I asked her how Rinchard was. Hope he knows something.

"Via, it looks like Rinchard didn't come in today, any news from him?"

"H-e?!" Via nodded. "This morning Rinchard's parents gave me this letter." he said, showing me an envelope.

"If I'm not mistaken, Rinchard can't attend today because he's sick?"

"Sick?.."

When I heard the news about his condition, my heart suddenly skipped a beat. I wanted to know if he was sick, I wanted to know if he was really sick, and I was afraid that something might happen to him.

A week has passed, and I still haven't seen Rinchard in class. Until the next morning, when I got to class, I saw Rinchard sitting in the back corner bench. I saw him bowing his head. He looked pale, confused, and looked sad. But at least I can feel a little relieved, because it turns out he's still in good condition.

It just so happened that we were the only two in the class. I ventured closer and greeted him.

"Morning Rinchard?"

Rinchard turned to me.

"Oh, Jeslyn? Good morning, too." He was silent for a moment. “Emm.. sorry, can you please don't call me Rinchard? Call it by another name like Alex, Kilien, Chard, or something like that? I don't really like being called Rinchard."

"Whoa? But why? I think your name is good."

"It's good. But the three words in front of him make me ticklish sometimes.”

"You mean, 'Rin'?"

"Ha ha ha ha!!" He laughed. "Yes! Sounds like calling out a girl's name, right?!”

"(Hehe! He's not what he seems...)" Jeslyn said in her heart. "Oh yeah Rin! Ehh, I mean Alex..”

“It's okay.” Rinchard cut in with a smile.

“Ehm.. Oh, how about I call you Richard? Cool, right?"

"Ehm.." He nodded, looking thoughtful. "Okay! That doesn't sound bad!”

"Richard? Are you in trouble?” I asked nervously without further ado.

"You mean?"

I was confused, but I tried to speak.

“You see, usually when someone is having a problem, it can be read on their face. Lack of enthusiasm, being quiet, and so on..”

“Thank you. But I think I'm fine!” he answered in a reassuring tone.

"Ok.." I paused for a moment. "Oh yes? I haven't seen you in class this week, I heard from Via, you are sick."

"Yes."

"What is wrong with you?" I asked presumptuously and realized that I was meddling.

He became silent. No answer. His face changed in an instant. Looks sad. And the unexpected happened. She cries.

"Why are you crying? Is there something wrong with what I said? I apologize!"

"No.. actually I .." he stammered. "I'm confused. I'm scared! This burden is too heavy for me to carry, Jes."

I went awry. But I try to stay calm and control myself

.

“Tell me.. If it's a secret, I promise I won't tell anyone, not even my diary. Usually, telling stories about the burdens that we are facing can reduce a bit of the tightness that is aggravating in our hearts.”

With tears in his eyes, Richard began to tell his story.

"Actually, I didn't come at that time... it was because I was being treated at the hospital. That day after coming home from school and arriving home, again my stomach felt very sick, but this time the pain was really piercing. I can not stand. And after that I knew nothing. All I know is, when I open my eyes, I'm already in a hospital room. And I accidentally overheard the doctor talking to my parents outside the room.