She was whisked out of my life as soon as she was in it. I can still picture the teary eyed smile she had on her beautiful face as she disappeared into the portal leading her home. But, before I could join her, it was gone. She was gone.
Myself, I am getting older with each day, as I'm sure she is. I keep to myself. Talk when I have to, show up where I need to be. Some say I glide by- like a ghost. But that's not me. I don't even know who I am, without…
Imagine putting together the most beautiful puzzle- with rainbows, waterfalls, and lush greenery. Then, only pieces away, you realize you are missing a single piece. One piece, drawing the perfection of the puzzle into oblivion. Whether it's at the bottom of the box, or in a time portal somewhere 200 years from now, The puzzle is not complete. And never will be. Well, until you find the piece. But my missing piece- she's unfound. Unseen. Her cheery attitude, light pink hair, and happy-go-lucky smile all formed the one most important puzzle piece of myself.
But Mao, where are you? Don't let those words you said haunt me any longer.
.. . ..
"Chikage, go!" She screeches at me, running farther. She knows I'm fast. I could catch up to her and hold her back. But I don't. "Just leave, already!" I hear her voice quiver and she stumbles a bit. Racing up the old gray staircase she stops for a second to look at me.
But I don't even want to know how I look. My usually calm, but intimidating face is desperate and my knees feel like they're about to buckle.
"Mao, I can come. No one will miss me here. Please." I start jogging up the stairwell to see her once more. She doesn't move. Finally, steps later, I'm with her, grabbing her pale hand.
She's in tears. They stream down her face, and never has she looked more sad. "Chikage, you aren't from my time." She shook her head, brushing off the hand I have on her cheek.
"Then stay in mine, Mao. I can't live without you." My heart is pounding, I can feel it in my chest, banging to be let out. My life is over without her. It knows that.
She makes an irritated moan, shakes me off, and starts running up the stairs once more. I have no choice but to follow.
Now, at the top of the rotting gray stairs, she swings open the door to the roof. Stepping out and gasping, she turns to look at me. She's breathing heavily, tired as hell. I can see that.
I step closer to her. "Mao, Let me come!" I beg. She shakes her head, but comes to me.
She kisses me once on the lips, giving me the tingles everywhere. I had the feeling it was the last of my happiness. She lingers for a second. One more time, she whispers in my ear.
"Until we meet again, Chikage-San. I… Love you." The once singular tears are now pouring over her cheeks, but she stays quiet and smiles the saddest smile I've seen in my 17 years.
And then, she's gone.
Mao breaks away from me, her choppy burgundy skirt flying behind her. She faces a big, purple swirling portal. She hesitates. I don't. I run towards her, ready to jump with her. But then she steps in.
And it's gone.
Along with my beloved Mao.
