Catch Me

By Nayomi-chan

One word frees us of all the weight and pain in life.

That word is love.
... Sophocles

I left my apartment and stepped out unto the front steps. I guess I needed some fresh air. Being cooped up in your own apartment isn't exactly a good thing. A cool breeze blew about, and leaves stirred at my feet, making me wish that I too, could merely be blown away with the wind. But then again, that would be too impractical of me, wouldn't it? People think-

'People think what they want to think.' I reminded myself. I let out a sad sigh. The thought disappointed me in a way.

I looked down both sides of the sidewalk. I could see it continue on and on for both sides, cutting off to the right and left here and there. I boldly stepped off the porch and started walking, to realize that I didn't know where to go. Heck, I didn't even know why I was going for a walk. Nevertheless, I was walking, and no one cared. Maybe you would have, but you were gone. You were… dead.

I nearly tripped as reality slapped me in the face.

'Today just isn't my day…'

I stepped into a puddle and watched as my reflection was formed and distorted, and formed and distorted again.

'… and life wasn't exactly the road I fancied.'

'Life was a rocky road, and I always stumbled upon all of the rocks.'

Melancholy was getting the best of me, so I continued down the street, ignoring my broken replicas. I didn't want to loose myself; I was my only support.

No one.

Just me.

Only me.

I was pushing myself through the crowd. It became thicker and thicker, as if they were trying to suffocate me. My unwanted thoughts were taking over my mind. Memories, conversations, promises… I just wanted to get away, far away... But no one would let me. No one would let me escape from the pain, the hurt, the desire to just cease… everything. Not even the mere people on the street would leave me be; staring…stopping… whispering…

'People think what they want to think.'

I don't care about the people! They are useless.

I found my escape, and ran.

Running aimlessly, my memories flooded my mind. Wave after wave, they beat upon me, washing over a sickening heartache.

(Flashback)

"No!" I retorted. I quickly walked across the busy street, paying no attention to the cars passing by. My anger had taken over.

"N-Nayomi-chan!" Kogure stuttered. "Wait!"

You chased after me when…

*Screech!! Crash!*

(End of Flashback)

'What now…?'

I opened my eyes. I was on the school roof. The wind blew gently, and tears seemed to wipe themselves away.

"Like the leaves being blown with the wind…" I whispered, and was just about to close my eyes when…

I stopped. I knew I was deluding myself… I opened my eyes once more, and through smudged glasses I saw sullen sky. A piercing gust of wind blew straight at me, hurting my eyes. I wanted to close them, but I forced them open. I wouldn't close my eyes to the truth anymore!

You were gone, and I was left behind.

Then I saw you. You were free of the railing, the most gentle smile on your face. You held out your hand to me. I smiled back.

"You came back…"

I slowly approached the edge, almost disbelieving. I climbed the railing and held on to it as I reached out to you. People below were looking at me, pointing. I didn't care anymore; I was on top of the world, and I was once again by your side.

"Kogure-kun…"

I closed my eyes and let go.

"…catch me."

~Owari~