Memories

Author: Lariat

It's almost time now. My last day in this world. So much time, gone and passed. Those I love dearly have moved on, in various senses. Being trapped in this cold region for years now, I hadn't expect my deathbed to be here. Then again, it must have been the cold that had help with the process. The movement of time speeding up to the last moments of my life now.

"Mom..."

My son. He held my hand, reassuring me that he won't leave my side. I hope he'll be alright on his own. Taking care of the little ones.

The little one... Yes, I suppose it's appropriate to reflect on the past, no?

That little girl. Such a wonderful girl. So bright, so cheery, putting others before her own. Possibly, second to my late husband, she was the best person I had ever met in my entire life, one of the most wonderful things that had ever happened to me. She was so willing to make friends with anyone. She had no sense of personal space, after all. Yet, she had many friends. How unsurprising, though, she was the type of person everyone liked to be around.

She was so cute too. Always grabbing my attention just by calling me, "Senpai! Senpai!" Those days that we've spend together... I'll always treasure those days. Treasure them in my heart forever.

"I have a name, you know. You don't have to call me 'Senpai'."

"It's not really your name, though, now is it, Senpai?"

"Haha, true, true."

"So, Senpai... when are you gonna leave?"

"Why? Are you going to miss me?"

"It's Senpai, after all! Of course I'm going to miss you!"

"Haha, okay, okay. I'll be leaving soon."

"Visit me sometimes, 'kay Senpai?"

"Okay, I will. 'Senpai' is responsible for her little kohai, after all."

All those laughs and smiles we had together. Gone. It had all gone away too soon. I couldn't keep my promise to her, in part because I had a family of my own to take care of. Oh, I also heard she had had children of her own as well. I bet they're just like her... One of my many regrets, not only is it not being able to see her again, but also never seeing her children as well. I wish I could meet her and her children just one more time...

I know I couldn't when she had passed on earlier than I. Her poor children. I cried for them all.

Perhaps now, I could meet her again. Perhaps now, I could apologize to her for not being able to do so before. To see her one more time would be my final wish, with all these memories I hold dear to me.