• Eyes closed, I hold the boy’s arms tightly making sure he was safe. I could feel the strong wind blowing against us. I placed my feet steadily on the ground so the wind won’t blow us away. As my eyes adjust to this bright light, I could see the green lively grass beneath me, suddenly I felt ashamed for stepping on it like that. But I had to I have a boy to protect. The scene becomes clearer as the wind grew weaker. Now I could see clearly where I was, I’m standing on a hilltop with a huge mango tree above it. I let the boy down and absorbed this scenery. I took a deep breath and I could smell the fresh air, I could hear the chirping of the birds. It felt so good knowing you’re free from everything. I took a good look around me and recognized everything, the trees, the small hill, and the enormous mango tree. It was my own little secret hill when I was 12 year old. I was surprised after I remember this place.

    How did I manage to go back here?

    What did that boy do to me?

    I turned my head and found the boy silently sleeping under the mango tree. I went to seat next to him. It was windy and I could see the boy shrug as the cold wind touches his vulnerable skin. I took of my shirt and cover it to his body, its big enough to cover half of his body. I touched the boy’s hair and touched mine it has the same texture, now I know there’s one thing that didn’t change about me. As he peacefully sleeps beside me, I wrapped my arms around my knees as I tried to remember all of my memories of this place. I could clearly hear the rustling of the trees around me, it helped me remember everything.

    Like …

    Who I was then
    How my life used to be
    How safe I am with no one dares to touch or hurt this sweet, innocent, and loving 12 year old boy.

    And yet …

    I’m vulnerable and weak.

    I took a deep breath and let out a long sigh. I released my knees, stretched my legs forward, and lean my back on the tree. As I remember this sweet memories of mine, my eyes grew heavy, I don’t want to sleep I don’t want to miss one second I have in this place. But I can’t help it and my body gave in and came into a shut down.



    ~to be continued …