Words, taps, and steps start to drive us insane with impatience, nearing the airport. Hands gripped at hands until we’re separated, separated at the security line from the final hug, and now her favorite shirt is wrinkled. 

Tears flowing silently out of my eyes and a shout that seemed as though it cut off the silence of autumn.

Suddenly there was a flashback as I boarded the plane to my new life. The buzzing mosquitoes, the berry bushes, the Chinese dramas, and her with that overly-cheery smile. 

The matching necklaces that she bought with her first allowance were torn apart for what I thought was eternity. The girl with her pale white skin that the summer got rid of, the girl I never wanted to leave.

I cried bitterly that night, in the locked hotel bathroom, by myself, at almost 1 am. I left what I thought was my entire life behind—I was too hung up on the past.

A patterned letter, sent to her from across the country. She responded and answered all of my questions but I wished that I could see her again.

We only ever met once briefly again but I thought, if only I could stop this, if only I could meet her again. If only I could.