Magic Shop

22 | MR. ANDERSON WAS CRYING, WHY?

--

Men rarely cry. That was Dawn’s belief for he had lived with it for a long time. When he was just a young innocent boy who struggled with his studies and with his friends, he was rather emotional but he rarely express himself by crying.

After experiencing different phases in life, he had become somewhat cold believing every person has their own issues and breaking down in front of them would be troublesome. He was also not that confident to open up to others for he knew he was exposing hi scars- the hideousness he didn’t want other to see.

Besides, he doesn’t have any friends to begin with. Since they all died before he traveld back to the past.

That was the reason why Dawn find their teacher, Mr. Anderson some what odd and weird. Dawn accepted the fact that yes, people do cry and some men express their feelings but, crying in the middle of the road with different people surrounding you it was something not a normal person would do.

If feel like I watched some anime scenes and the protagonist male lead just lost his female lead. Dawn jest in his mind. He was thinking what problems or circumstances their teacher was carrying in his heart.

Ayase who was a person with so much friendliness in his body called their teacher, “Mr. Anderson!” He said with glee and walked toward Mr. Anderson who was busy wiping his tears away. He was hoping his students did not see it.

Dawn and the rest followed Ayase’s lead. After composing himself, Mr. Anderson smiled with gentleness to his students and slowly looked at the little girl in River’s arms. “Is she your sister?” He asked. River nodded.

“Yes, we planned on watching the fireworks later.” He gave Mr. Anderson a reply. Reika who was still hugging her big teddy bear smiled at the person in front of her and wave her cute little hands. “Are you the teacher of my brother?” She said in a cute tone. Everyone chuckled thinking how cute Reika was.

Mr. Anderson patted Reika’s head as he smiled with gentleness that somewhat not match for his appearance and gently mumbled, “Yes, little lady. Are you enjoying?”

Reika nodded vigorously showing her enthusiasm as her eyes were sparkling. “I love it very much teacher!”

Ayase took a step forward. A smile was plastered on his face.

“Sir, are you here by yourself?” He asked the question Dawn wanted to say. Dawn stayed at the back of his friends not exposing himself as he observed everything.

“Yes, I am alone.” Mr. Anderson’s gaze looked at his students eyes. “I was preparing some of my lesson plans at home when I remembered that there will be a festival in this area. It’s just close to my apartment so I just walked from there to her.”

Accepting their teacher’s explanation, Ayase took the lead again. “Then sir, since it’s holiday tomorrow why not come with us and watch some fireworks display later. We’re planning on heading to the river now after buying some snacks.”

Mr. Anderson think for a few seconds before gradually nodding to his students suggestion.

After Mr. Anderson agreed, the group was divided into two. One was composed of Sejin, Aidien, Roen and Ayase and River and the other one was Mr. Anderson, Dawn and Kiel. The group of Sejin were in charge of buying some snacks while Dawn’s group was in charge of heading toward the river first to secure their place.

They heard that some people also like to rest beside the river and wait for the fireworks display. Dawn wanted to object at first. He wanted to trade place with Ayase for Dawn was not a person who was talkative. He was just comfortable with his friends and now, since Kiel was also the type of person to shut his mouth when no one was talking to him, so if no one would try to enlighten the mood, everything will be awkward.

Dawn wanted to convince Ayase to change place with him since he was the one responsible of this predicament. However, Ayase kept on insisting he wanted to try some games and buy some of his favorite snacks.

Ayase being the person who lacked any means to interpret what Dawn was thinking insisted on accompanied Sejin’s group. In the end, Dawn gave up as they all begun to walk to their own destination.

As they walk, Dawn was contemplating what he should be doing or if he should just open his mouth and mumble different kinds of words or even pronounce the alphabets for he was the type of person who can’t stand awkwardness.

“Mr. Anderson can I ask some question?” Dawn felt delighted for a moment. Kiel took the initiative to start the conversation.

Mr. Anderson nudge his glasses and slowly looked at Kiel to his left. “What question? Are you going to ask about formulas now?” Their teacher teased. Feeling horrified, Kiel shook his head aggressively. Mr. Anderson chuckled.

“You hate it that much?” Mr. Anderson laughed and said, “Go on what is your question.” Dawn was just observing again watching the two of them engage in a conversation.

“Are you crying earlier?” Dawn’s pupils constricted. He was shocked that Kiel actually saw Mr. Anderson crying too. He then glance at Mr. Anderson observing his reaction.

A little while earlier, when everyone was busy talking, Kiel peeked at Dawn because he was rather oddly silent and then, thats where he saw that Dawn was looking at Mr. Anderson who was obviously wiping his eyes.

At first Kiel thought that a dust just manage to land at his teacher’s eye but seeing that he was wearing glasses, he assumed that their always calm and collected teacher was actually crying in the middle of the road with busy people surrounding him.

Mr. Anderson was not surprised instead, he was expecting it. Although he wiped his tears the moment Ayase called, his students had already saw him crying pathetically. He scoffed at himself thinking on how to answer the question of his student.

Dawn did not miss Mr. Anderson’s reaction as he was anticipating what his answer would be. He remained silent. Just like his teacher, he was also playing some scenarios in his head as to what Mr. Anderson’s answer would be.

For Dawn, Mr. Anderson was obviously the mysterious type of person who appear to be calm and collected so now, Dawn was expecting that their teacher would just joke about it ‘however, he was stand corrected when he heard Mr. Anderson’s answer.

“Just thinking of someone.” Kiel was surprised, like Dawn he didn’t expect his teacher to answer his question. So, he pushed the matter more. “You’re thinking someone?” He did not hide his shock. “Someone that can make the calm collected Mr. Anderson cry?” He blurted out.

Dawn inwardly chuckled laughing at his friend’s reaction and seeing Mr Anderson’s uncomfortable smile. “Why? I am a human too you know, Kiel.” Mr. Anderson laughed.

“Who is it?” Even though Kiel was the type of person who minds his business pretty often. When he gets curious his questions are like bullet from a gun.

Mr. Anderson blinked and laughed again. “Someone who is important.”

“Ayieeee.” Kiel said and Dawn laugh out loud. This. He mumbled in his mind as he observed once again. “Yiee, girlfriend? Of course Mr. Anderson who is handsome has a girlfriend.” Kiel teased and Mr. Anderson just laughed while shaking his head.

“Does having a girlfriend prohibited now?” Mr. Anderson said in a sarcastic tone not confirming his student’s guess.

“No, of course not!” Kiel said with utmost conviction. “Just thinking how did you court someone. I have someone I like. She’s older than me and see’s me as a little brother.” Kiel said without any hint of hesitation.

Dawn was shocked as he eyed his friend. “You like woman who’s older than you!?” he asked.

“Yep, she’s five years older than me. She’s in college major in engineering and she often help me in my math assignments. I confessed to her once, she just told me to stop joking.” Kiel pouted as he his mind reminisced. After he had confessed everything turned awkward to them and now, he was still contemplating if he should pushed himself to her further.

Dawn who was not expecting this made different connections inside his brain. So, Kiel liked someone. Is that the reason why he killed himself? No! No! By the looks of him he was clearly heart broken but there’s still hope in his eyes. I can’t assume anything unless there’s proof. I will just take note of this!

Mr. Anderson who was also shocked that one of his students like someone who was five years older than him was rendered speechless. The one he was talking about when he said someone important was not his girlfriend however, his student misinterpreted it and now, he was confessing his undying love. He can’t help but laugh in his mind thinking how naive and innocent his student was.

He eyed Dawn who was also laughing and shaking his head. Having the mood enlightened, the three of them walked while talking about school and secured a place near the Hana river.

Moments after, the rest joined them placing the bag of chips on the ground above the blanket that Dawn and Kiel placed earlier. As they gathered, Sejin who was laughing because of how Ayase bargained to just buy the price he wanted instead of playing games to the vendor. He really looked pathetic at that moment and it made the rest of them laughed out loud. In the end the vendor drove everyone of them out.

“I really want that price! I was willing to buy it!” Ayase was in despair as Sejin and the rest laughed.

“Kuya, you look so funny earlier!” Reika giggled making Ayase pouted even more.

Seeing how peaceful everything was, Dawn surveyed the place. The calm and serene sound of the water and the little candle lights that lit up the river was beautiful in the eyes. It was magical for Dawn. He was still regretting his past actions that led his friends to doomed. Now, he was just enjoying everything and hoping to capture the moment. Feeling a little relieved that such moments exist, he heard the fireworks indicating that it was already twelve midnight.

Hearing the fireworks, all of them motioned their heads up looking at the dark sky with no stars nor moon in it. A wind blow overlooking the place. One big fireworks spread out in front of them like a curtains of colors painting the dark sky one after the other. The lights reflected through their eyes as they all felt a little peaceful and serene inside.

Such scene made them breathe thinking how precious life was. However, as Dawn was admiring the beautiful fireworks display, in his peripheral vision, He saw Mr. Anderson’s figure. His eyes were red as his voice muffled from the sound of the fireworks.

Dawn did not resist his urge to pry on his Teacher’s private life. His next words left Dawn stunned. He felt like he was just hearing some things and its not true however, seeing Mr. Anderson’s tears once again, he felt like it was indeed true.

“What’s the use of seeing glimpses of the future when I can’t save you.” Dawn heard what Mr. Anderson said rendering him confused and speechless.  

--