ONE DAY

“Eclipse is an obscuring of the light from one celestial body by the passage of another between it and the observer or between it and its source of illumination. What do eclipses symbolize? Eclipses mark major life events that we often remember forever. However, they always bring the unexpected and something you could not have planned for — something monumental that changes your life forever. During these times, something ends and another begins.” Bells ringing ending today’s classes, busy chitchats side by side, and heavy footsteps towards the exit. Another day ends for students like Sun, a third year college student who majors in Finance. Even though she was already in her third year in college, she had never loved what she was studying. Most people would say that she’s out of everyone’s league and could be really weird at times. One thing she dreamed of; to live in her own universe. She rarely talks, she rarely goes out, she doesn’t even want to make friends. She’s just lucky to have this one friend since her first day in college. “Sun! Hey, Sun!” “What?” “What is that? What are you reading this time?” Out of curiosity, Ji, Sun’s ‘enthusiastic and always jolly’, self-proclaimed best friend, grabbed Sun’s tablet to see what her friend was reading. “You’re really out of this world, huh? What’s with the Eclipse?” “Again and again. It’s none of your business.” Ji grab her seat and took it in front of Sun. “You know what?” “What?” “What if you join us tomorrow? Ming and I will attend the university Festival.” Sun looked at Ji for a couple of seconds before answering. “You definitely know my answer but I’ll tell you one last time, it’s a--” “NO!” Ji cut Sun. “But I will not take ‘no’ for an answer this time. Please, Sun? I’ll assure you, it will be fun yet safe.” “You knew very well that I just don’t hate crowded places? You know very well my condition. Remember what happened last summer? I almost died just for attending that stupid combined class.” “Well, you didn’t, so just face your fear. Please, Sun? Please? Just for this year. I’ll never ever invite you next year, I promise!” Sun has agoraphobia, the reason why she can’t be in crowded or public spaces. But since she appreciates Ji more than anything, she has no choice but to go to the festival. Ji looked at her in the eyes, so she just had to nod as an agreement. “Ming will drive us tomorrow so just wait at your Condo tomorrow, we’ll fetch you.” Ji elatedly told Sun before standing and hugging Sun. “Don’t worry, we’ll go early so that there will be no much people.” Undoubtedly, Ji is Sun’s friend. Sun automatically waved goodbye to Ji who’s happily hopping towards the classroom’s exit. But, yeah, Sun gets nervous just for the fact that she’ll attend the festival. Since his Condo was in a walking distance from their campus, he likes to walk every day alone in her hoodie. A Car beeped behind her and its window slowly opens. “Sun, see you tomorrow! I’ll call you when we’re at the lobby of your Condo. Promise, it will be fun. We’ll be by your side.” Sun only nodded and smiled at Ji and Ming, who’s driving. “I hate couples.” Sun whispered as he watched the couple’s car going. While walking, he saw few students who were very busy for the upcoming festival. But it didn’t change the fact that Sun is not interested, instead she fixed her hoodie and starts walking fast, hugging her backpack. *** Sun’s mobile phone rang and as she expected, it was Ji. “Hey, Sun. Are your prepared? Want me to go to your unit or we’ll just wait here at he lobby?” “You can wait for me there. I’ll be entering the elevator.” “Alright, Sun. See yah!” “Here!” Ji waved as if she never saw Sun yesterday. “Just as I told you, we will go there early for you to experience everything before large number of students comes. But don’t hesitate to tell me when it’s time for you to leave, we can drive you home.” Sun nodded. They finally walked their way to the Condo’s parking lot. “We should have done this during our first year in College, Sun. You would have overcome your phobia then. There’s no reason to be afraid of the people, Sun. You need to socialize once in a while. What if I can’t be with you all the time? Will you stay at your Condo forever?” Ming knew Ji was just joking around but he held Ji’s hand and stopped her from talking. “Babe, stop nagging. I bet Sun heard it from you a million times. Look, she’s already with us, we’re already going to the festival atleast.” “It’s fine, Ming.” Sun answered. “Atleast I didn’t miss my Mom because of her.” Everyone laughed and minute passed, they are already at the University. As they stepped down from the car, they can still see some busy students preparing for the parade’s float but the booths and the program, have started. Ji holds Sun’s hand and they walked side by side, followed by Ming who’s behind them. “Let’s checked out the booths first and eat something before going to the gymnasium. I heard there’s a booth here that sells authentic Korean and Japanese Foods. I wanted to try it, Babe.” “Sure, Babe. Ask Sun also what she wants.” “I’m fine, Ming. I would like try Korean food also.” “How about you Babe, what do you want?” “I’ll just buy milktea for us three.” The three settled at the said Korean store, Ji immediately checked her phone. And saw some messages from their classmates. “Jun told me that he’s at the gym already with Kuya Han and Kuya Josh.” Ji showed Jun’s text message from her phone. “They’ve already reserve seats for the three of us so we don’t need to rush. They even told me that there are only few students watching the program, maybe they’re just anticipating the Parade only.” Ji finally turned her sight towards Sun. “Are you sure you don’t want to see the parade?” An aggressive no came out of Sun’s mouth. “You clearly know what a parade means, right? Do you think I can breathe there? I’ll go home after the junior’s program. You can go on ‘til the evening.” Ming had to leave the two because their club has a part in the parade. They have to prepare for their club’s float and Ji promised not to leave Sun also since number of students are coming to the school already. “Hold my hand, Sun. Let’s go to the gymnasium before the program ends.” As the two reached the gymnasium, Sun can feel that she’s already starting to shiver as she saw a larger crowd. “Ji.” Sun gently poked Ji on her side to get her attention. “Hmm? What is it?” “I think I have to go home. I don’t feel good already.” “Let me call Ming. We’ll give you a ride.” “You don’t have to.” Putting down Ji’s phone. “I can go on my own. Promise, you don’t have to worry. I can go on my own. I’ll send a message when I’m at the Condo.” “Are you sure? I can accompany you while walking.” “Yes, I’m sure. Just stay here. Tell them (Jun, Han and Joshua) that I’ll be leaving.” “Alright, stay safe. Call me when you get to your Condo, huh?” Sun nodded. He stood up and walked her way towards the exit gate. But unfortunately, since the parade was about to start, the gate was clogged by so many students. Sun put on her hoodie and tries to make her way towards the exit until she heard the loud drum roll from the field as a signal that the parade have started. Sun felt dizzy as the students slowly walk together joining the Parade. Sun can barely stand straight that’s why she moved backward and reach for the nearest wall or post that she can hold on to for the meant time. “Ouch.” Suddenly, Sun heard a boy behind him. The boy seems to be accidentally pushed by the crowd. He also seems to go the exit gate. “Would you mind moving towards the gate.” The boy asked Sun. “I’m sorry but I can’t move also because of the crowd.” Sun said in a fainted voice. The boy noticed that she doesn’t look well. “Hey, Miss. Are you okay? You look pale.” “I’m diz-.” Then suddenly, everything went black for Sun.